Hahndorf, South Australia
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Hahndorf is a small town about 30 minutes drive out of Adelaide, South Australia, which is the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia. Lutheran immigrants from the eastern Provinces of Prussia arrived in 1838 on a ship named Zebra under the command of Captain Dirk Hahn, and settled in the Adelaide Hills where they established Hahndorf (Hahn’s Village). They were escaping religious persecution in their homeland and created a German-style town in their new home.
The German influence is still visible today in the architecture of the old buildings, many of which still stand as homes and shops, including the old mill, built in 1864, St. Michael's Lutheran Church, built in 1859 (replacing the original pug building dating from 1840), and the Hahndorf Academy. An old windmill from 1842 has been fully restored, and Storison's souvenir shop was once the blacksmith's shop built in 1870. Visitors can enjoy the historic atmosphere of the town by taking a tour in a horse-drawn carriage.
The Hahndorf Academy was built in 1857 and became the first government supported primary school. It was later used, at different times, as a college, dentist room, hospital, betting shop and Council Chambers, and is now the largest regional art gallery in South Australia.
Many restaurants in the town serve German cuisine, and it is a great place to buy traditionally made wursts and German smallgoods. There is plenty to see including museums, craft outlets and galleries and antiques. You can also enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea break at The German Cake Shop.
Hahndorf is also home to Beerenberg Farm where you can pick your own strawberries in season (Oct. to May). It dates back to the 1830's when the Paech family along with many other German immigrants, settled the village of Hahndorf. Since then five generations of the Paech family have lived and worked there. Beerenberg has established an international reputation for its jams, pickles, chutneys and sauces. Beerenberg jams are served on major airlines within Australia, and Beerenberg products are now found in 23 countries.
Just outside Hahndorf is The Cedars, home for 56 years to South Australia’s best-known artist the late Sir Hans Heysen. His home, gardens and his studio are open to the public.
Hahndorf is an ideal place for a day trip if you are visiting Adelaide.