Yes, Hahndorf is worth visiting. This beautiful German town in the Adelaide Hills is one of the most authentic and character-filled destinations in South Australia. You’ll find cosy cellar doors, artisanal shops, and plates piled high with hearty German food here. Hahndorf offers an experience that feels worlds away from city life, even though it’s just 25 minutes from Adelaide via the South Eastern Freeway.
At CABN, we’ve helped thousands of travellers reconnect with nature and each other through our off-grid cabins across South Australia, including near Hahndorf, South Australia. As an eco-friendly accommodation provider, we see firsthand why so many people fall in love with this picture-perfect village.
Hahndorf: Australia’s Oldest German Settlement
When you ask, is Hahndorf worth visiting, you’re really asking if you’d enjoy stepping into a living postcard. Settled in 1839 by 38 German Lutheran migrants, Hahndorf South Australia, is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. To this day, the main street still boasts a charming mix of German-style architecture, timber beams, and hanging flower baskets.
Zoned as a state heritage area in 1988 by the South Australian government, Hahndorf attracts over a million visitors each year. This is a strong sign that it’s a thriving Australian tourism business that continues to captivate both local and international guests.
Exploring Hahndorf’s Main Street
Exploring Hahndorf starts on its iconic main street, lined with more than 100 galleries, boutiques, and artisan food shops. You’ll find everything from handcrafted leather goods at Grass Roots Vintage to traditional sweets at the German Pantry.
You should also drop by the Hahndorf Academy, an impressive art and heritage centre housed in a historic 1857 building. Here, you’ll get a feel for how Hahndorf’s story began and see contemporary exhibitions by local artists.
And don’t miss strawberry picking at Beerenberg Farm, a family-owned farm operating since 1839. It’s a fun, hands-on activity that’s especially popular with kids and couples looking for something sweet to do.
Is Hahndorf Worth Visiting for Food Lovers?
Absolutely. Hahndorf is heaven for anyone who loves German food, hearty pub fare, or fresh local produce.
You can start your Hahndorf gourmet food & wine tour with a tasting tour at the Hahndorf Inn. This is famous for its schnitzels and sausages. Or pop into the German Inn for a pork knuckle that might require a nap afterwards.
You may also swing by the Hahndorf Hill Winery for a sip of their renowned Grüner Veltliner or the ChocoVino experience, a wine and chocolate pairing you’ll enjoy if you’ve got a sweet tooth. Wine buffs will appreciate that the Adelaide Hills is one of Australia’s top cool-climate wine regions, with over 50 cellar doors.
A stop at Hahndorf Brewing Co also deserves a spot on your itinerary. Their small-batch brews celebrate local ingredients and German brewing traditions in a casual beer garden atmosphere.
CABN Guests Love Hahndorf!
If you’re still wondering if Hahndorf is worth visiting, just ask the folks who’ve bunked in at CABN Handhorf. Plenty of guests also pick the Adelaide Hills partly because it’s a stone’s throw from Hahndorf, South Australia. And they reckon it’s the best combo of town buzz and bush peace.
Take it from Karyn. After her visit in August 2024, she left a review of how her stay at CABN Hahndorf was “the most beautiful Aussie bush setting,” with top-notch access to wineries and all those tasty Hahndorf attractions. She loved ducking into town for a cheeky tasting session, then heading back to a cabin that’s so comfy it practically hugs you.
There’s more, as you can find on TripAdvisor:
A visit or a night stay in Handhorf gives you much more. You stay and sleep secure amid nature (the greens and the wild), wake up to bird calls, take a morning hike, and then head into town for a steaming plate of apple strudel at the Handhorf Inn or Hahndorf Kaffehaus & Fine Foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hahndorf worth visiting for kids and families?
Definitely, between strawberry picking, wildlife farms, lolly shops, and wide open spaces, kids have a ball here. Families can easily spend a full day hopping between farms, bakeries, and parks without a single complaint of boredom.
Can I visit Hahndorf on a day trip from Adelaide?
Yep. It’s a quick 25-minute dash up the South Eastern Freeway. You can squeeze in a morning wine tasting, a big lunch at Hahndorf Inn, and wander through the shops. But if you can, stick around overnight. There’s a special calm in the evenings when the day-trippers clear out and the village lights up.
When’s the best time to visit Hahndorf South Australia?
Autumn, from March to May, is the best time. The view then is unreal, with the leaves turning gold and red, making it one of the prettiest spots in South Australia. Spring is also great. It’s not too hot, and all the gardens are bursting. Summertime (from December to February) offers warm, sunny days perfect for outdoor activities and hiking.
Is Hahndorf good for wine and beer lovers?
Yes, you bet. Hahndorf Hill Winery and other nearby cellar door spots are top notch for wine lovers. For beer fans, Hahndorf Brewing Co and the many pubs serve up some cracking local brews.
What’s the best way to get to Hahndorf from Adelaide?
Take the South Eastern Freeway. It’s a quick 25-minute drive, 25 kilometres away, via the National Highway M1. If you’re not driving, the Adelaide Metro 864 bus route travels from Currie Street in the Adelaide CBD to Hahndorf regularly.
