What is Hahndorf known for?
Hahndorf is a historic town in the Adelaide Hills, about 30 minutes from Adelaide. Founded in 1839 by Prussian Lutheran settlers, it is Australia's oldest surviving German settlement.
The town was named after Captain Dirk Hahn, who brought the settlers to South Australia on the ship Zebra. The new arrivals were seeking religious freedom and set up farms on land in the hills.
During the First World War, anti-German feeling led authorities to rename the town Ambleside in 1917. The original name was restored in 1935.
Food and heritage
The main street is lined with stone cottages, German bakeries, butchers selling smallgoods, pubs serving German beer, and craft shops. Strawberry farms nearby invite visitors to pick their own fruit in season.
The Cedars, home of famous landscape painter Sir Hans Heysen, is just outside town and open for tours. His paintings of gum trees made him one of Australia's best-known artists.
Hahndorf is one of the most visited towns in South Australia and is a good base for exploring Adelaide Hills wineries.
Did You Know?
The Hahndorf Academy, built in 1857, now houses an art gallery.