What is the old German town in Adelaide?
Written by: Cameron Ward
Published: 08/08/2023
Reading time: 3 mins
Explore the oldest German settlements in Australia!
Before Hahndorf was known as the oldest German town in Australia, the Peramangk people had lived here for thousands of years. The Peramangk people had called the area Bukartilla for more than 2400 years.
Hahndorf is in the Adelaide Hills, about half an hour from Adelaide City. The town was founded in 1839 and ever since then has given South Australia a taste of German culture.
With the town being over 180 years old, there are a lot of German-style buildings to see and artisanal food to try when you visit. You will only need about half a day to see Hahndorf and try out an authentic German-style lunch.
If you plan to make your way up to Hahndorf, you can drive yourself, book a ride share or taxi, book a guided tour, or use the public bus. Once you have arrived in Hahndorf, you can easily walk around the town and up the main street.
Hahndorf Hill Winery
Hahndorf has its own winery where you can try out the local wines. You can order yourself wine flights or even a chocolate or ice cream wine pairing!
At Hahndorf Hill Winery you can also order a delicious cheese plate to go with your selection of wine. There is a variety of wines from reds, whites, and rosès.
Food in Hahndorf
Hahndorf has a range of German treats and food you can try from pastries to delicious chocolate. You can even learn how to make your own apple strudel!
Hahndorf is also known to hold the largest one-metre-long German hot dog challenge.
Beerenberg Farm
At Beerenberg Farm, you can buy a delicious selection of homemade jams, chutneys, sauces, and gourmet relishes. Beerenberg has had a strawberry farm since 1839 and you can go strawberry picking too.
Hahndorf Fruit & Veg Market
The Hahndorf Fruit & Veg Market is the place to go for fresh, locally grown food. There is a range of meats, bakery bread, fruit, and vegetables available.
Hahndorf Churches
Hahndorf has two outstanding churches, St Michael’s and St Paul’s. St Michael’s was established in 1839 and is the oldest surviving Lutheran church in Australia. St Paul’s is another old Lutheran church that was built in 1859.
Hahndorf really takes you back in time and into another world with German culture and history. There is a Barossa Valley wine tour where you make a stop in Hahndorf to spend some time exploring the town.
