|
HAHNDORF
Adelaide Hills
South Australia
The town of Hahndorf, nestled in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, is one of those places where you soon feel immersed in the local history and get a real feel for days gone by.
Established in 1839 by a group of German speaking Lutherans, fleeing religious persecution, Hahndorf is named in honour of Captain Dirk Hahn of the "Zebra", on which the migrants travelled, because of his great support of the pioneers, both on the journey and upon arrival in Australia.
Much of the town is still the original traditional German timber and brick cottages, as well as Colonial stonework, and many of these buildings are in use as shops, restaurants etc, as well as dwellings for today's residents.
Famous as the home of famous artist Sir Hans Heysen, Hahndorf boasts many excellent artists along with art galleries. Hahndorf is also famous for its gourmet food, much of it traditional German, and has over 30 restaurants, bakeries and cafes. Hahndorf is also in the heart of several outstanding cool climate high altitude wineries, set in beautiful surroundings.
There is never a lack of fascinating shops of a wide variety for those who love to stroll and seek out a treasure, much of it locally produced, with Aboriginal art, local art, opals and gemstones, antiques, handmade candles, chocolates and confectionery, crystals, natural health and beauty products, locally made woolen and leather goods and footwear.
Accommodation in Hahndorf includes a tourist park with basic camping right up to lovely chalets, hotel, self contained cottages, B & B's etc.
In October, a 10 day event called the Heysen Festival is held, with food, wine, entertainment and the Heysen Art Prize, in celebration of the life of the artist.
Things To Do In and Near Hahndorf
* A guide called "Historic Hahndorf" is available from the visitor centre, which lists 42 historic buildings.
* Visit "The Cedars", Sir Hans Heysen's studio.
* Hahndorf Farm Barn- farm animal shows, feeding and petting.
* Model Train Land- A model railway set in a Bavarian countryside scene, located in a historic old butchershop.
* Misty Hollow Fantasy Walk
* Hahndorf Candlemaker
* Ancient Earth Indigenous Art Gallery- Not only art... but live music and dance by the Imbala Jarjum Dance Group.
* Beerenberg Strawberry Farm- pick your own strawberries straight from the bush (in season), or buy delicious jams and condiments.
* Wineries
* Cleland Conservation Park.
* Belair National Park.
* Warrawong Sanctuary.
* Wittunga Botanic Gardens.
* Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens.
* Jupiter Creek Goldfields.
* Melba's Chocolate Factory.
Hahndorf is central to many other Adelaide Hills towns and places of outstanding beauty and interest, so why not make it your base as you explore the area.
|
