Historic Hahndorf

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a scenic orientation drive through Adelaide as you head for the hills outside town to soak up the timeless charm of Australia’s oldest German settlement. You’ll find Hahndorf much like any other quaint German hill village – just a lot further from the Black Forest. Thanks to careful restoration of many of its historic buildings, it’s a place where the 19th century never went out of fashion. With about two hours of free time here, you can stroll along tree-lined roads lined with charming cottages, churches and plenty of places to buy a strudel or shop for gifts and crafts. While Australia is famous for having been colonized by Englanders, German Lutherans emigrated to the Adelaide area in great numbers during the 1800s. Escaping religious persecution at home, they established a new home Down Under – and by the time of World War I, a tenth of all South Australians were of German descent. On the way back from Hahndorf, you’ll stop for breathtaking views from the lookout terrace at the summit of Mount Lofty, loftiest of the Adelaide Hills. In fair weather, you can see all the way to the coastal beaches. Though not as far as Düsseldorf.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take in some of the most notable sights of Adelaide on a narrated drive to Hahndorf in its outlying hills.
• Spend a couple hours wandering this authentic time-capsule of a German village at your own pace.
• Stroll tree-lined streets and visit charming cottages, artisan eateries, gift shops and craft stores.
• Learn about the key role German immigrants played in the early settling of South Australia.
• Weather permitting, experience jaw-dropping views over the city from the summit lookout atop Mt Lofty.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.