The best things to do in and around Hahndorf
Australia's oldest German town, beyond the bratwurst.
More than a main street
Founded by Prussian Lutheran refugees in 1839, Hahndorf is Australia's oldest surviving German settlement - and it has leaned happily into the role, all bratwurst, beer steins and timber-framed shops. But spend a day here and you'll find there's far more to it than the famous main street: wineries on the surrounding hills, a beloved farm, chocolate and cheese, and easy access to the region's best wine country.
-
1
HahndorfHahndorf Main Street
Stroll the heritage main street - German bakeries, beer halls, fudge, leather and constant photo stops.
-
2
HahndorfThe Hahndorf Inn
Pork knuckle, sausage platters and a stein of beer in a classic German-style dining hall.
-
3
HahndorfBeerenberg Farm
The famous farm shop for jams and sauces - and pick your own strawberries in season.
-
4
Hahndorf
Otto's Bakery
Apple strudel, pretzels and proper coffee at a much-loved German-style bakery.
-
5
HahndorfHahndorf Hill Winery
Austrian Grüner Veltliner and a clever chocolate-and-wine pairing on the hill above town.
-
6
HahndorfThe Lane Vineyard
A sunset tasting and long view across the vines, a few minutes from the main street.
-
7
OakbankShaw + Smith
A short drive to one of Australia's great cool-climate cellar doors at Balhannah.
-
8
WoodsideMelba's Chocolate Factory
Watch chocolate being made the old-fashioned way at nearby Woodside, then taste your way around.
-
9
GumerachaThe Big Rocking Horse
Detour to Gumeracha to climb the giant rocking horse and meet the resident wildlife.
-
10
StirlingCleland Wildlife Park
Hand-feed kangaroos and meet koalas in the bushland above Hahndorf at Crafers.
Arrive early to beat the coaches, and build in a cellar door or two on the way out - the vines start almost where the main street ends.
More like this
Story
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.
Guide
A Hahndorf food and drink day
Bratwurst and bakeries, a hilltop winery and a riverside cellar door - a deliciously indulgent day along and around Hahndorf Main Street.
Guide
Family & Wildlife Day
Hand-feed kangaroos, climb a giant rocking horse, meet bilbies at dusk and burn off the rest at a waterfall playground. The Hills is one big natural playground.
Guide
Torrens Valley Heritage Drive
Trace the Torrens River through the quietest, prettiest corner of the Hills - old stone main streets, vintage cars, a giant rocking horse and chocolate straight from the factory.
Top 10
Best Things to Do in the Adelaide Hills
Our pick of the must-do experiences in the Adelaide Hills, from Mount Lofty Summit and waterfall walks to cool-climate wineries, Hahndorf, wildlife parks and family days out.
Top 10
Best Family Activities in the Adelaide Hills
Wildlife you can get close to, a famously enormous landmark and bushland with room to run - the Hills is one big natural playground for families.
Image credits
- Hahndorf (AU), "Angel of Hahndorf" -- 2019 -- 0687.jpg by Dietmar Rabich , CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons