A Taste of Germany Down Under: What to Do in Hahndorf
- Have a German feast
- Pick strawberries at Beerenberg Farm
- Sample the local wineries’ best-sellers
- Taste the local distilleries’ craft beers
- Discover art at Hahndorf Academy
- Visit small art galleries
- Explore the Hahndorf Heritage Walk
- Indulge in chocolates and confections
- Shop at Hahndorf Veg and Food Market
- Experience farm life at Hahndorf Farm Barn
- Relax and see the views at Hahndorf’s parks
- Play mini golf
- Visit Lutheran churches
- See opals at Australian Opal Company
- Sir Hans Heysen's former home
- Shop for souvenirs at German Village Shop Hahndorf
- Feel the magic of Wanderlust Soul Haus of Healing
- Explore Hahndorf via e-bike
A 25-minute drive from the Adelaide CBD is what separates you from Hahndorf in Adelaide Hills, Australia’s oldest German settlement.
Here, you can do activities like browsing German specialty shops, visiting funky art galleries, experiencing life at a heavenly farm, and more.
So, whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of life, Hahndorf has a little piece of magic you must experience. This article has all the deets you need!
Have a German feast
- German Spoon: 28 Main Street, Hahndorf, SA 5245
- Handhorf Inn: 35 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf, SA 5245
- The Haus Restaurant: 38A Main St, Hahndorf, SA 5245
No Handhorf visit is complete without a taste of the German feast the town’s top restos serve.
There’s German Spoon, our go-to joint for some legit German sausages. They have knackwurst, featuring ground smoked pork, and our personal fave, Huhn Wurst, a chicken sausage lightly smoked and loaded with melty cheese.
If you’re in the mood for hearty meals and old-world eateries, check out Handhorf Inn. The must-try dish here is their burger, topped with bacon, tasty cheese, and veggies and served with chips drizzled with homemade Bavarian aioli.
For a lively, rustic-chic vibe with a hint of sophistication, swing by The Haus Restaurant. You can’t go wrong with their classic Hahndorf double-smoked bacon with a fried Edenvale Farms free-range egg, hash brown, and a brioche bun.
Pick strawberries at Beerenberg Farm
Address: 2106 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf, SA 5245
Contact Details: (08) 8388 7272
Operating Hours: Daily – 9 am to 5 pm
You’re in for a berry good time at Beerenberg Farm. This family-run farm is more than just your average serene and scenic tourist spot; it’s a strawberry-picking paradise from November to April.
In addition, you can find a shop here, with jams, chutneys, and gourmet relishes that are 100% Australian-made. Their best-sellers include the farm’s OG strawberry jam, blazing hot tomato sauce, and sweet and smoky sticky ribs marinade.
Visitors looking to take their cooking skills to the next level will also have a blast with their recipes. Why not kick your next dinner up a notch with their Moroccan roast chicken or strawberry and vanilla pavlova?
Sample the local wineries’ best-sellers
- Hahndorf Hill Winery: 38 Pain Rd, Hahndorf, SA 5245
- Somerled Wines: 89 Main St, Hahndorf, SA 5245
If you’re thinking about sipping and savoring some of Hahndorf’s local winery magic, we have the inside scoop for you.
First up, we have Hahndorf Hill Winery, a boutique vineyard pushing the envelope with new Austrian grape varieties like Gruner Veltliner and Blaufrankisch. Their top wine, The Foundling Saint Laurent 2021, is a mix of roses, violets, and berries.
Then there’s Somerled Wines, a winery made more beautiful by its radiant flora. Try their Picnic Races Red 2021 Tempranillo, and you’re in for a European-style wine that’s savory, classy, and perfect for a Mediterranean meal.
Taste the local distilleries’ craft beers
Gulf Brewery: 35 Main Street, Hahndorf, SA 5245
Hahndorf Brewing Co.: 35 Main Street, Hahndorf, SA 5245
So, you’ve conquered the local wines, now it’s time to dive into Hahndorf’s exceptional distilleries.
First on the list is Gulf Brewery, where they’re brewing Dunkel Sturm, a dark and complex Munich beer with a crisp, dry flair.
Their Humpback Pale Ale is also here to prove that you don’t need a high alcohol content to have a good time. It’s a true American-style pale ale, perfect for extended, enjoyable drinking sessions.
Hahndorf Brewing Co. is another brewery you can’t miss. Their traditional German beers are bangers in glasses, especially the Helles, a crisp Bavarian lager popping with honey-like malt sweetness and noble hops.
They also have their spin on Dunkel. Their version has chocolate, caramel, and biscuit overtones, with just the right amount of German noble hops, making it perfect for grilled meat.
Discover art at Hahndorf Academy
Address: 68 Main Street, Hahndorf, SA 5245
Contact Details: (08) 8388 7250
Operating Hours: Daily – 10 am to 5 pm
When it comes to discovering art in Hahndorf, the Hahndorf Academy is where it’s at.
The gallery regularly hosts diverse exhibitions, usually spanning 2 to 3 months. These can vary from showcases of Aboriginal paintings to presentations of modern ceramic art.
You can also roll up your sleeves and learn art here. They have monthly workshops, covering everything from painting to weaving, and even pottery.
Visit small art galleries
- The Aboriginal Art House: 48 Main St, Hahndorf, SA 5245
- Decor Dreams Art Gallery: 49 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf, SA 5245
- Sanctuary Garden: 56 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf, SA 5245
- Tineriba Gallery: 77 Main St, Hahndorf, SA 5242
Art magic also happens at Hahndorf’s smaller galleries.
Pay a visit to the Aboriginal Art House, and you’ll step into a captivating realm of Aboriginal paintings and intricate weavings. If you love oil paintings, Decor Dreams Art Gallery has you covered.
Sanctuary Gallery is all about blending art and nature. This gallery has artwork and products featuring fauna and flora wonders of the great outdoors, from microfiber towels to stunning paintings and cotton purses.
And if you’re craving some Indigenous and modern Australasian fine arts and tribal artifacts, such as masks and idols, Tineriba Gallery has been at it for over 40 years.
Explore the Hahndorf Heritage Walk
– From Hahndorf Walking Tours
The Hahndorf Heritage Walk is the ultimate “blast from the past” experience, minus the time machine. It’s a self-guided tour through the charming streets of 19th-century Hahndorf, giving you a sneak peek into its history and evolution.
As you stroll, you’ll encounter seven nifty interpretive signs that spill the beans on this place’s past, connecting you from ‘Hahn Court’ to the bustling Main Street. Expect to smell the aroma of bratwurst, schnitzel, and pretzels while walking.
As you continue walking, you’ll also stumble upon a couple of historical gems, including the iconic Hahndorf Academy, established in 1857, and the venerable Old Mill, which first saw the light of day in 1851.
Indulge in chocolates and confections
– From julieeetteeez
- Hahndorf Sweets: 54A Main St, Hahndorf, SA 5245
- The Fudge Shopp Hahndorf: Unit 4/56 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf, SA 5245
- Humbugs of Hahndorf: 78A Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf, SA 5245
When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth in Hahndorf, there’s no shortage of options.
Our initial stop is Hahndorf Sweets, home of licorice, gummies, and an array of sweet concoctions, like aniseed rings and apple bonbons.
And if you’re all about the fudge life, The Fudge Shop Hahndorf is your Willy Wonka paradise. They’re dishing out fudge in every flavor under the sun, along with freckles, chocolates, and ice cream.
Humbugs of Hahndorf is another must-visit confectionary store. They have been rocking the candy game since 1998 and offer over 30 varieties of original Hahndorf fudge, German chocolate, and a massive selection of pick-n-mix sweets.
Shop at Hahndorf Veg and Food Market
Address: 182 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf, SA 5245
Contact Details: (08) 8388 7139
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 7 am to 6:30 pm
- Sat to Sun – Closed
Hahndorf Veg and Food Market is our top spot for scoring some of Hahndorf’s top local produce. This family-owned market has been around for over 40 years, so you know their farm-to-table goodies are worth a shot.
You can buy daily, in-store baked bread, local cut meats, and a treasure trove of fruits, vegetables, and condiments.
But it’s not just about the essentials here; the market is known for its beautiful flowers and bouquet arrangements, too. There’s also a section for liquors, candles, potted plants, and toys!
Experience farm life at Hahndorf Farm Barn
Address: 2282 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf, SA 5245
Contact Details: (08) 8388 7289
Operating Hours: Daily – 10 am to 4 pm
Hahndorf Farm Barn is your golden ticket to a down-on-the-farm experience that’s as fun as it’s educational. Here, you can get up close and personal with a menagerie of critters.
We’re talking cows, donkeys, deer, and even some less furry, more slithery friends. You can also spot exotic birds, such as ostriches and peacocks.
Tourists can hold, touch, milk, and feed most of these animals without breaking a sweat, and it’s all done with a guide and at your comfort level.
They also have picnic spots for those who like to dine al fresco and pony and tractor rides that’ll give you a taste of farm life. And if you’re interested, they have guinea pigs, chickens, and lambs available for purchase!
Relax and see the views at Hahndorf’s parks
– From hillswinterlanternfest
- Alec Johnston Park: Main St, Hahndorf, SA 5245
- Pioneer Memorial Gardens: 69A Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf, SA 5245
- Blueberry Hill Lions Lookout: 87-111 Fairview Rd, Hahndorf, SA 5245
If your idea of relaxation involves more greenery than a Zen garden, you must pop by Hahndorf’s clean and green parks.
We’ll start with Alec Johnston Park, where the spacious grasslands and playground are the headliners. This one also has toilers, water fountains, and BBQ spots for those who like to add a sizzle to their chill.
Pioneer Memorial Gardens, on the other hand, is all about elegance in the outdoors. Think gorgeous gardens adorned with magnolias and a lush carpet of green that’ll have your Instagram followers drooling.
For those seeking a touch of adventure with their relaxation, Blueberry Hill Lions Lookout delivers. The landscape here has carefully placed boulders and native vegetation, adding a rustic charm.
Blueberry Hill Lions Lookout might be a tad tricky to get to, though, but the reward is epic: sweeping views of hills and plains. You might even cross paths with a few horses that love grazing here.
Play mini golf
Address: 17 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf, SA 5245
Contact Details: 0435 226 160
Operating Hours: Daily – 10 am to 5 pm
Hahndorf Mini Golf is an 18-hole mini golf course that’s a playground for all ages. Tucked away off the main street, this one is peaceful and green with the right amount of head-scratching and easy-peasy holes.
Moreover, the prices here aren’t bank-breaking. Kids get in for $7, adults for $9, and if you’re rolling with the whole family, it’s $27 for 2 adults and 2 kids.
Here’s the best part: on weekdays, it’s a self-serve system. Yep, it’s like an honesty box for mini golf, complete with easy access to putters and golf balls.
And if you’re feeling extra fancy or you have a birthday or event to celebrate, you can even hire the entire course.
Visit Lutheran churches
- St. Michael’s Lutheran Church: Balhannah Rd & Church St, Hahndorf, SA 5245
- St. Paul’s Lutheran Church: 10 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf, SA 5245
Hahndorf hosts historic Lutheran churches, serving as architectural marvels, solemn places of worship, and historical sites.
The first must-visit one is St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, proudly wearing the badge of being the oldest Lutheran church in Australia since 1858. This church was started by settlers who moved to Hahndorf in 1838.
You can’t forget the towering St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, as well. Originally constructed in 1858, it had its fair share of mishaps but managed to pull off a stunning rebirth in 1890.
See opals at Australian Opal Company
Address: 39 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf, SA 5245
Contact Details: (08) 8388 1900
Operating Hours: Daily – 10 am to 5 pm
Since 1970, the Australian Opal Company has been on a mission to dazzle, and boy, do they hit the mark.
You can feast your eyes on opal pendants, rings, black opals, semi-black opals, boulder opals, and opal doublets. And if you have the wallet for it, you can snag one of these beauties for yourself.
Opals here come in a price range that usually kicks off around $100 but can soar up to $10,000 or more. The magic number within that range depends on a few key factors like the opal’s play-of-color, overall quality, and clarity.
Sir Hans Heysen’s former home
Address: 68 Heysen Rd, Hahndorf, SA 5245
Contact Details: (08) 8388 7277
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Sun – 10 am to 4:30 pm
You’re in for a treat at The Cedars, the former home of the one and only Hans Heysen.
The manor is a charming colonial-style villa that first came to life in the 1870s. What really makes it shine is the Federation-era “Arts and Crafts” interior, a true blast from the past.
Moreover, you won’t just be ogling at antique furniture; you’ll be surrounded by original artworks from Hans Heysen, his daughter Nora Heysen, and other artistic luminaries in The Cedars’ collection.
And here’s the pièce de résistance: the studio. Not just any studio, mind you, but Australia’s oldest artist’s studio that’s open for the public to explore.
Shop for souvenirs at German Village Shop Hahndorf
Address: 32 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf, SA 5245
Contact Details: (08) 8388 7324
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 10 am to 5 pm
- Sat to Sun – 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
So, you want a piece of the German charm to take back home? Look no further than the German Village Shop, the go-to place for souvenir hunting in Hahndorf.
This specialty store is a treasure trove of whimsical and unique gifts, from mechanical cuckoo clocks to traditional German home decor like mini European clay houses and tiny hot air balloons.
There’s also a dash of nostalgia thrown in with old-school German toys like globe carousels and spinning tops. And hey, what’s a trip to the German Village Shop without a glance at their fine collection of watches and German beer steins?
Feel the magic of Wanderlust Soul Haus of Healing
Address: 25a Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf, SA 5245
You can get your mystical mojo working at the Wanderlust Soul Haus of Healing. This is a one-stop mystical emporium where you can buy the likes of amethyst, citrine, and red rose quartz.
And if you’re into energy cleansing, they have palo santo burning sticks to protect your aura from the woes of the world. They also offer services like psychic readings and energy healing.
Other notable products here are pastel-colored clothing, glimmering sun-catchers, and oracle decks.
Explore Hahndorf via e-bike
Address: 68 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf, SA 5245
Contact Details: 0413 525 733
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 9 am to 4 pm
- Fri to Sat – 9 am to 5 pm
- Sun – 9 am to 4 pm
If you’re game for an adventure that combines a little fitness with a whole lot of fun, saddle up and join the Guided Hahndorf Winery E-bike Tour.
Your tour begins at The Lane Vineyard, where you’ll hop on an e-bike and cruise through picturesque valleys. Beerenberg Farm is your first pitstop, where you’ll channel your inner farmer and pluck the freshest, juiciest strawberries (seasonal, of course).
From Beerenberg Farm, you’ll pedal your way through Hahndorf’s main street. The next stop is Udder Delights, where you’ll be treated to a tasting of local delicacies, including cheeses, freshly baked bread, and mouthwatering quince paste.
Then it’s back in the saddle for a scenic ride to some of the region’s top wineries. At Shaw and Smith, you’ll enjoy a wine flight of their finest vintages while soaking in breathtaking views.
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