Hahndorf

Urban

One of the Adelaide Hills’ most famous towns, Hahndorf is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Old and new combine to present you a brilliant blend of activities.

There is still a strong German flavour in Hahndorf, most evident in the smallgoods outlets and German bakeries that line the bustling main street. Several boutique cellar doors have recently opened in the main street, and trendy eateries serve the freshest and best local produce.

Visit the former home and studio of artist Sir Hans Heysen – The Cedars. Take a guided tour of this gracious old home, still owned by the Heysen family. It houses a fine collection of paintings and drawings displaying Heysen’s remarkable versatility in subject and medium. Also on the grounds, see Heysen’s working studio, his painting materials and tools, sketches, notes and more.

Hahndorf has plenty of souvenir shops, craft outlets and galleries, including the Hahndorf Academy – a regional centre for the arts and heritage based in a charming 150-year-old building. Walk through its four galleries, migration museum, artist’s studios, art classes and retail gallery.

Near Hahndorf, you can pick your own strawberries (in season) at Beerenberg and take the children to the Hahndorf Farm Barn, a combination of a children’s farmyard and a nature wildlife park. You can interact with a wide variety of tame and friendly animals.

Just out of town you will also find several wineries producing magnificent examples of the cool climate wines the Adelaide Hills is famous for. No matter what you are after Hahndorf has it all.