Hahndorf
A leafy, lantern-lined main street of German bakeries, pubs and galleries.
Australia's oldest German village
Settled in 1839 by Prussian Lutheran families who had fled religious persecution, Hahndorf is Australia's oldest surviving German settlement and the best-known village in the Adelaide Hills. It takes its name from Captain Dirk Hahn, who brought many of the early migrants out aboard the ship Zebra. That heritage still shapes the town today, from the elm and plane trees and traditional Fachwerk (timber-framed) buildings to the smallgoods, beer halls and bakeries that line the bustling main street.
Main Street and beyond
Most visits begin on Hahndorf Main Street, an unhurried strip of galleries, providores, pubs and cafes. The Hahndorf Academy gathers regional art and migration history under one roof, while spots like The Hahndorf Inn and Otto's Bakery keep the German-village spirit alive. At the edge of town, Beerenberg Farm sells its well-known jams and condiments and opens for pick-your-own strawberries in the warmer months.
Wine, art and walking
The surrounding hills hold cellar doors including Hahndorf Hill Winery, known for its Austrian grape varieties, and The Lane Vineyard a short drive away. Walkers can follow local village trails or trace the historic Pioneer Women's Trail, and art lovers can tour The Cedars, the home and studio of landscape painter Hans Heysen.
Visiting Hahndorf - frequently asked questions
What is Hahndorf known for?
Hahndorf is Australia's oldest surviving German settlement, founded in 1839 by Prussian Lutheran migrants. It is best known for its tree-lined main street of traditional Fachwerk buildings, German bakeries, smallgoods and beer halls, plus surrounding wineries, art galleries and produce farms.
How far is Hahndorf from Adelaide?
Hahndorf sits in the Adelaide Hills roughly 28 km from the Adelaide CBD, about a 30-minute drive via the South Eastern Freeway. Its closeness to the city makes it one of the easiest day trips from Adelaide.
What is there to do in Hahndorf?
Many visitors start by strolling Hahndorf Main Street, browsing providores and galleries such as the Hahndorf Academy and stopping at pubs like The Hahndorf Inn. Beyond the village you can taste wine at Hahndorf Hill Winery or The Lane Vineyard, visit Beerenberg Farm, and tour The Cedars, the former home of artist Hans Heysen.
When is the best time to visit Hahndorf?
Hahndorf is a year-round destination, with autumn bringing colour to its elm and plane trees and winter suiting cosy pubs and German fare. The warmer months from late spring to early autumn are ideal if you want to pick your own strawberries at Beerenberg Farm or enjoy the cellar doors.
Can you go strawberry picking at Beerenberg Farm?
Yes. Beerenberg Farm, run by the Paech family at the edge of Hahndorf, opens for pick-your-own strawberries during the warmer months of the year. Its farm shop also sells the company's jams, sauces and condiments year-round.
Things to do in Hahndorf
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Stories from Hahndorf
In their footsteps: walking the Pioneer Women's Trail
Hahndorf's pioneer women walked 35 kilometres overnight to the Adelaide markets, baskets on their backs. Walking their trail today is the Hills' most moving history lesson.
June 2026 · 6 min read
A weekend in the Adelaide Hills
A relaxed two-day loop through the Adelaide Hills - from strudel on Hahndorf's main street to cool-climate sparkling, a sunset summit and long Sunday lunch among the vines.
June 2026 · 8 min read
Hahndorf: Australia's oldest German town
Settled in 1839 by Lutheran refugees, Hahndorf is the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia - and its main street still tells the story in timber, beer and baking.
June 2026 · 6 min read
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Image credits
- Hahndorf (AU), "Angel of Hahndorf" -- 2019 -- 0687.jpg by Dietmar Rabich , CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons