One of the Adelaide Hills's most famous towns, Hahndorf is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement.
There’s still a strong German flavour in Hahndorf, most evident in the smallgood outlets and German bakeries that line the bustling main street.
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.
Near Hahndorf, you can pick your own strawberries at Beerenberg. And there are several good winery cellar doors in the area.
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.
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.
Dine at Hahndorf's restaurants and cafes, including the Hahndorf Inn Hotel's award-winning restaurant. It offers traditional German fare and a delightful range of local favourites. Faithfully following traditional German recipes and cooking methods, the Hahndorf Inn is a delightful retreat with family and friends.
