Skip to main content
POINT OF INTEREST

Hahndorf

Hahndorf, South Australia

Tucked away in the Adelaide Hills, the tree-lined lanes and historic taverns of Hahndorf have a distinctly Bavarian feel; so much so that the village has dubbed itself “Australia’s oldest German town.” Founded by German settlers in the early 19th century, Hahndorf displays its heritage in its culture, architecture, and cuisine.

The small town of Hahndorf is easy to explore on foot with lots of attractions situated along the central Main Street. Browse shops full of hand-crafted gifts, homemade foods, and traditional Bavarian items such as cuckoo clocks; pop into the Hahndorf Academy to admire local art and learn more about the town’s history; and visit the former home of the renowned landscape artist Hans Heysen.

Wine lovers often stop in Hahndorf while touring the wineries and vineyards of the Barossa Valley and the Adelaide Hills. You can also pair a visit to the town with a stop at a local farm, such as Beerenberg Farm, which offers seasonal berry picking.

  • There is a visitor information center on Main Street that offers free Wi-Fi, public restrooms, and paid parking.

  • Hahndorf’s Main Street is easy to navigate and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

  • Some local farms and workshops offer interactive activities. Check schedules for times and details.

Hahndorf is located in the Adelaide Hills, 16 miles (26 kilometers) southeast of the city of Adelaide; the drive takes about 30 minutes. To reach the town via public transportation, take the 864 bus from Grenfell Street in downtown Adelaide; the journey takes about 50 minutes.

Most shops and attractions in Hahndorf are open from morning until early evening. The town is also a popular place to stay overnight with plenty of pubs and restaurants open late. The tree-lined Main Street is most picturesque in autumn, when it is covered with a canopy of colorful fall foliage.

Foodies, wine enthusiasts, and beer lovers will be in their element in Hahndorf, where most of the eateries along Main Street serve typical German dishes such as schnitzel, bratwurst, and sauerkraut. The town also boasts a number of boutique wineries, including Somerled, Hersey, and Landhaus. You can also try craft beers, taste local honey and dairy products, or stop by a chocolatier, a traditional sweets shop, or a bakery serving pretzels and apple strudel.

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

BACK TO TOP