Hahndorf
Hahndorf is the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia. The original Lutheran pioneers came to South Australia to escape religious persecution in Prussia. Many were passengers on the “Zebra” which reached Adelaide on 28th December 1838. The township was named Hahndorf (Hahn’s Town) after the master of the ship, who helped them find farming land and settle together. Some of the older buildings exhibit traditional characteristics such as ‘fachwerk’ with timber framing and wattle and daub infill panels and deeply pitched roofs. The world famous artist Sir Hans Heysen lived and worked in the township for more than 60 years and his historic property, home garden and studios are open daily to the public, and remain one of the township’s unique cultural experiences. The Hahndorf Academy (regional art gallery) hosts the Annual Heysen Prize. Hahndorf today is a thriving tourism town with restaurants, motels, galleries, craft shops, handcrafts, special events and festivals, catering to the large number of visitors.
| Places of interest | Recreation areas |
|---|---|
| The Cedars Sir Hans Heysen’s famous historic home Garden and Studio. Nora Heysen Gallery Open to the public daily. | Hahndorf Recreation Grounds
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| Hahndorf Academy Regional Gallery, German Migration Museum, Artist’s Working Studios. | Tara-Illa Bike Park (Fairview Road - access via Blueberry Hill Lookout) - has a number of mountain bike trails and walking trails of varying difficulty. Users are recommended to please adhere to the reserve rules. |
| Beerenberg Strawberry Farm Pick your own strawberries! | Yantaringa Reserve (corner of Von Doussa Road and Storey Road) - This approximate 8 hectare reserve was historically used as a quarry. It currently contains precious stands of mixed Eucalypt open woodland and grassed areas. Yantaringa Reserve became a Bush for Life (BFL) site in 1996 and BFL have actively managed and improved the reserve which has 11 plant species of state and regional conservation significance. There are a number of informal walking trails that traverse the reserve. Please respect and protect this valuable conservation area. Cycling through this reserve is restricted for safety and environmental management. |
| Historic Walk Take a stroll down the historic main street of Hahndorf. |
