Hahndorf, South Australia - A German Village in the Adelaide Hills

Wander * Explore * Discover
May 19, 2023
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Hahndorf, South Australia - A German Village in the Adelaide Hills

Just 26 kilometres from Adelaide, Hahndorf feels like stepping into another world. This charming village, established in 1839, is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement and one of the Adelaide Hills’ most beloved destinations. With its leafy, tree-lined main street, historic buildings, and strong German heritage, Hahndorf blends old-world character with a lively modern food and arts scene. It’s the kind of place where you can wander slowly, shop locally, eat well, and learn a little history along the way.

When we visited Hahndorf, we wandered along Main Street and looked at the German Village Shop, the Hahndorf Sweets Shop, and the Hahndorf Academy. We then tried a traditional German Hot Dog from the Wunderbar Dog Haus.

Strolling Along Hahndorf Main Street

Most visits to Hahndorf begin on Main Street, where heritage shopfronts sit beneath mature trees and outdoor cafés spill onto the footpaths. As you wander, you’ll find traditional German hotels, bakeries, boutique shops, art galleries, and specialty stores offering everything from handmade crafts to local produce. We spent time browsing some of Hahndorf’s most iconic stops, soaking up the relaxed village atmosphere and enjoying the blend of history and creativity that defines the town.

The German Village Shop

The German Village Shop is a Hahndorf institution and a must-visit for first-timers. Open daily, the shop is filled with traditional German treasures, including intricately carved cuckoo clocks, classic beer steins, festive Christmas decorations, wooden nutcrackers, and beautiful traditional toys. It’s a wonderfully nostalgic place to explore, and even if you’re just browsing, it’s worth stepping inside to admire the craftsmanship on display.

Hahndorf Sweets: A Step Back in Time

For a taste of childhood nostalgia, pop into Hahndorf Sweets, an old-fashioned lolly shop that delights visitors of all ages. Located inside a charming cottage built in 1853, it holds the title of South Australia’s oldest sweet shop and is one of Hahndorf’s oldest buildings. Inside, you’ll find shelves stacked with classic lollies, chocolates, and confectionery — a colourful and tempting stop that’s hard to walk past.

History & Art at the Hahndorf Academy

The Hahndorf Academy is both a cultural and historical highlight. Housed in a beautiful 150-year-old building, it combines a museum, art gallery, and visitor information centre under one roof. Out on the lawn, you’ll spot the striking Angel of Hahndorf sculpture, part of the Hills Sculpture Trail. Inside, rotating exhibitions and historical displays provide insight into Hahndorf’s German roots and its ongoing creative community.

Lunch at Wunderbar Dog Haus

No visit to Hahndorf is complete without sampling some traditional German-inspired food. We stopped at the Wunderbar Dog Haus, a quirky hot rod–themed shop serving classic German hot dogs with a modern twist. We tried the Pig Dog and a plain hot dog, and both were delicious — the perfect casual lunch while exploring the village.

Afternoon Tea at Beerenberg Farm

After lunch, we headed just outside the village to Beerenberg Farm, one of the Adelaide Hills’ most popular food destinations. Beerenberg is ideal for breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea, and the farm shop is packed with an impressive range of jams, sauces, and condiments made from local produce. From November to April, visitors can also pick their own strawberries straight from the patch — a fun and tasty experience that adds to the charm of a visit.

Discover Local History on the Heritage Walk

To round out the day, we wandered along the Hahndorf Heritage Walk, an easy stroll that brings the village’s history to life. Along the route, you’ll see many beautifully preserved buildings dating back to the mid-1800s, when German immigrants first settled the area. Many of the buildings feature informative plaques, offering insight into early life in Hahndorf and the stories behind its historic structures.

Why Visit Hahndorf?

With its strong sense of history, welcoming village atmosphere, and excellent food and shopping, Hahndorf is one of South Australia’s most rewarding day trips. Whether you’re browsing traditional shops, enjoying German-inspired food, learning about the town’s heritage, or tasting local produce, Hahndorf offers a rich experience that’s easy to enjoy at a relaxed pace. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, explore on foot, and savour every moment — and it’s no wonder visitors return time and time again.