Hahndorf: Exploring Adelaide’s Very Own German Village

Hiding in the Adelaide Hills, in South Australia is Australia’s oldest surviving German Village.

I’ve been to Adelaide a handful of times and until now I had never even heard of this amazing place. So, of course, the moment I found out about it, my partner and I packed a bag and off we went to see it with our own eyes. In-fact most people don’t even know it exists. Unless you’re a local that is.

Hahndorf was established and settled by Lutheran migrants in the early 1800’s and since then it has become Australia’s very own slice of European antiquity.

Hahndorf really caters for both tourist and locals alike. If you like browsing through gift shops or enjoying a pint (or two) of German beer, or simply prefer to wander the old streets admiring historical and colonial buildings of the 19th-century, you won’t want to miss out on a day trip to Hahndorf when you next visit Adelaide.

Now, if you’re a foodie (like me), then you will absolutely love it in Hahndorf, as it’s a foodie haven.

I drive my partner mad when we travel, as food plays a huge part in my daily travel itinerary. Often, you will find us cafe and restaurant hoping, for sometimes up to an hour, until I find a menu I’m satisfied with.

So, of course, the first thing we did when we arrived into Hahndorf was find a good feed in order to fuel us up for the sightseeing. And what better place to start than the German Arms Hotel. We ordered the Trio of German Wursts, which consisted of: Bratwhurst, Cransky and Weiswhurst Sausages with a side of purple sauerkraut, homemade potato salad, a giant pretzel and all topped off with homemade Bavarian mustard. It was delicious.

However, if you’re looking for less of a hearty style pub meal, there are plenty of other options as Hahndorf is loaded with everything from Restaurants, Pubs, Cafes, Bakeries and of course German Cake Shops for the sweet tooth. I recommend a visit to Chocolate @ No.5, trust me, you won’t regret it. Best Chocolate in Adelaide.

Don’t worry, if food isn’t your thing, there is plenty to see and do in Hahndorf. The buildings are particularly interesting, each with their own unique story of an era long since passed. Make sure you take the camera and allow plenty of time for your visit, as there are little ally ways of hidden wonders and suburban streets lined with stunning old oak trees, dotted with some of the cutest residential properties to sticky beak at.

If you want more information on what’s happening in the town of Hahndorf, visit their website at: www.http://hahndorfsa.org.au/ for a full listing on what’s on offer, including any German Festivals they have planned throughout the year.