Located just 25 minutes from Adelaide, Hahndorf is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement and still has a strong German flavour most evident in the smallgoods outlets, bakeries, pubs, restaurants and cafes that line the bustling main street. While its proximity to Adelaide makes Hahndorf a perennial favourite as a day trip destination, most visitors wish they had longer to explore all the township has to offer so consider accommodation from the wide range available.

Discover the ultimate charm of the traditional High Street with an eclectic range of shops; gemstones and minerals, hand-crafted leather wares, antiques, toys and books. View local artists and designers amongst the many galleries including Hahndorf Academy, and explore an abundance of giftware, homewares and clothing stores. This is the place to take time to wander between artisan shops that you simply won't find elsewhere, with art workshops and candle-making experiences, plus loads of things to keep the kids entertained, from mini golf to fairy garden and traditional lolly shops.

Visit the Hahndorf Academy which is a regional hub for the arts and heritage based in a charming 150-year-old building. Walk through its four galleries, migration museum, artist studios, and retail gallery featuring the work of local artisans. Other cultural highlights are the many galleries and the Angel of Hahndorf sculpture outside the Hahndorf Academy which forms part of the Hills Sculpture Trail.

• Satisfy your appetite at an excellent selection of restaurants, cafes, pubs and bakeries - many serving traditional German fare.

• Boutique beverage experiences at Ambleside Distillery, Somerled, and the Adelaide Hills Wine Bar, with Grunthal Brew and Sidewood also close by.

• Take a guided walking tour to soak up Hahndorf’s history and character with Hahndorf Walking Tours.

• Visit in autumn for an incredible show of colouful foliage lining the street.

Hahndorf Area Highlights:

Within minutes of the main street you will discover many quintessential Adelaide Hills experiences.

• Visit the former home, studio and garden of one of Australia’s most famous artists, Sir Hans Heysen - The Cedars.

• Pick your own strawberries at Beerenberg Farm from November to April and marvel at their incredible range of jams, sauces, relishes and condiments year round at the Farm Shop.

• Take the children to the Hahndorf Farm Barn, a fun combination of a children's farmyard and a nature wildlife park.

• Visit a number of excellent wineries with minutes of Hahndorf including Hahndorf Hill Winery, Sidewood Cellar Door & Restaurant and The Lane Vineyard.

• Enjoy a craft beer - in addition to Gulf Brewery in the main street, you'll find Prancing Pony five minutes up the road in Totness.

• Sip a handcrafted gin or take a tour or masterclass at Ambleside Distillers.

Hahndorf can be reached from Adelaide by public bus - see routes 864, T843, 841F, 860F at the Adelaide Metro website or download the metroMATE app.