Things to do in Hahndorf
Hahndorf is small, but the list of things to do here is long. Australia's oldest German settlement sits 25 minutes from Adelaide, and the streets, cellar doors, walking trails and farm gates around it run for days. This guide is for guests staying with us, but it doubles as a planner for anyone working out what to do in Hahndorf for a long weekend, a longer stay or an Adelaide Hills day trip.
Hahndorf Main Street
Main Street is a kilometre of historic timber-and-stone buildings, German bakeries, art galleries, pubs and boutique shops. You can do it slowly with a coffee in hand, or as a full cultural walk in 90 minutes.
The Pubs
The Haus
For a contemporary Adelaide Hills dining experience, The Haus delivers modern regional cuisine in the heart of Main Street. The menu changes seasonally and showcases local produce, while the wine list focuses heavily on Adelaide Hills wineries. The café also opens daily for breakfast.
The Haus is our preferred partner venue for conferences, weddings and events, with private dining and group catering available within the Walnut Rooms. Reception is happy to assist with bookings and arrangements.
Hahndorf Inn
Directly across the road from us, the Hahndorf Inn is Australia’s oldest German pub and one of the town’s most iconic venues. A favourite for first-time visitors, it serves all the classics done properly — schnitzels, sauerkraut, pretzels, pork hocks and beer tasting paddles — all within a lively traditional pub atmosphere.
The Hahndorf Old Mill
The Hahndorf Old Mill offers a more relaxed dining and bar experience within a beautifully restored heritage-listed flour mill. With its large beer garden, warm atmosphere and casual dining offering, it’s an ideal spot for a long lunch, afternoon drink or relaxed evening meal.
German Arms Hotel
The German Arms Hotel is widely regarded as one of South Australia’s most iconic pubs, earning a loyal following and numerous accolades over many years.
While its rustic character and old-world charm remain firmly intact, today the German Arms is also recognised as one of the state’s leading contemporary hotel venues- blending heritage atmosphere with modern dining, hospitality and entertainment experiences.
Adelaide Hills Wineries Near Hahndorf
The Adelaide Hills is one of Australia's coolest-climate wine regions, and Hahndorf is the easiest place to base yourself for a cellar-door run. Most of the names below sit within 10 to 20 minutes' drive, which means you can fit three or four into a relaxed afternoon, or build a full day around lunch at one of the winery restaurants.
Worth knowing: most cellar doors in the Hills run weekend hours and ask you to book ahead, especially in spring and summer. Reception can help you set the order for the day.
Shaw + Smith
A small, focused producer in Balhannah, about 10 minutes from Hahndorf. Shaw + Smith built its name on Sauvignon Blanc, the M3 Chardonnay and a beautifully restrained Shiraz. The cellar door is one of the more handsome pieces of architecture in the region: a long timber-and-glass pavilion looking over the vines. Open weekends for tastings, by booking only. A cellar door visit here is a sit-down experience rather than a stand-up tasting, so allow an hour.
Nepenthe
Just down the road from Shaw + Smith, also in Balhannah. Nepenthe is a bigger, more relaxed cellar door with picnic-friendly grounds and a wider range across the bench. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, a strong sparkling line-up and good-value reds make it a comfortable stop after a more formal tasting elsewhere. Children and dogs are welcome on the grass.
The Lane Vineyard
A short drive into the higher Hills, The Lane sits on a ridge with one of the best views in the region: vineyards in the foreground, the rolling Hills stretching out behind. The on-site restaurant is one of the most-booked tables in the Adelaide Hills and the wines, particularly the Pinot Gris, Gathering Sauvignon Semillon and Beginning Shiraz, are made to drink with a long lunch. Book the restaurant well ahead — the view does a lot of the heavy lifting on weekends.
Sidewood Estate
In Oakbank, about 15 minutes from Hahndorf. Sidewood is one of the larger family-owned estates in the Hills and has built its reputation on Adelaide Hills sparkling wines, particularly the Stablemate Cuvée. The cellar door connects to a popular brasserie and grounds that host polo matches and the Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival. Pretty in any season.
Howard Vineyard
A few minutes from Hahndorf in nearby Nairne, Howard Vineyard is one of the Adelaide Hills' most picturesque cellar doors. Family-owned and surrounded by rolling vineyards, it's known for cool-climate wines, relaxed tastings and the popular Clover + Stone restaurant overlooking the vines. Whether you're stopping in for a long lunch, a wine flight or a leisurely afternoon with friends, Howard Vineyard offers a welcoming atmosphere that captures the best of the Adelaide Hills wine region. Be sure to book ahead for weekends and enjoy the peaceful setting at your own pace.
Beerenberg Family Farm
The closest "thing to do" outside town, and one of the most-visited spots in the Adelaide Hills. Beerenberg sits two minutes from Hahndorf on Mount Barker Road and runs as both a working strawberry farm and a famous Australian condiment brand. The Paech family has been farming this paddock since 1839, which makes it one of the longest-running family farms in the country.
Strawberry picking runs roughly November through to May, depending on the season. You're handed a punnet at the gate and let loose in the rows. The farm shop is open year-round and stocks the full range of jams, chutneys, sauces and the famous tomato relish, straight from the source and usually a few dollars cheaper than the supermarket. There's a kid-friendly play area, a coffee window, and plenty of picnic space.
Beerenberg is the rainy-day plan when a winery picnic falls through, and the kid-day plan when the cellar-door rotation has used up its goodwill. Allow an hour, more if you're picking.
Taste. Explore. Experience the Hills.
Beyond Hahndorf’s iconic Main Street lies a region full of makers, growers, creators and storytellers. Discover handcrafted goods, fresh local produce, cellar doors, family-friendly attractions, galleries, dining and unforgettable experiences.
Jurlique Farm
Just 15 minutes from Hahndorf, Jurlique's biodynamic farm offers a unique behind-the-scenes experience into one of Australia's most recognised natural skincare brands. Set among the rolling Adelaide Hills, guided tours explore the gardens, growing fields and sustainable farming practices that have shaped Jurlique for more than 40 years. Visitors can learn how botanicals are cultivated, harvested and transformed into skincare before browsing exclusive products in the Farm Shop. It's a peaceful and fascinating experience for anyone with an interest in nature, wellness or sustainable living.
Beyond Hahndorf: nearby Adelaide Hills attractions
Mount Lofty Summit
20 minutes from Hahndorf. The summit lookout is the best uninterrupted view of Adelaide and the Gulf, particularly at sunset. The walks around the summit are well-signed and family-friendly, and the café at the top does an honest sausage roll.
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
An autumn classic. The garden's deciduous trees light up red and gold in April and May. Free entry, free parking, and easy walking paths. Allow an hour or two
Cleland Wildlife Park
Hand-feed kangaroos, hold a koala (additional fee, limited daily slots), and meet the wombats. Australian wildlife done close-up. Roughly 25 minutes from Hahndorf and a reliable hit with kids.
The Cedars (Hans Heysen's home)
The house and studio of Australia's most famous landscape painter, just five minutes from Hahndorf. Open Tuesday to Sunday, with guided tours twice a day. The grounds and the original studio — preserved as Heysen left it — are the highlight.
Walking trails near Hahndorf
The Heysen Trail, South Australia's flagship long-distance walking track, passes within minutes of Hahndorf. The Hahndorf-to-Mylor section (about 12km) is one of the prettier introductions to the Hills on foot, with rolling pasture, stringybark forest and a couple of creek crossings. For something shorter, Mount George Conservation Park has a one-hour loop with views back to the town.
Eating in Hahndorf
The town punches above its size. Haus Restaurant, steps from us and our partner for conferences and weddings, does seasonal Adelaide Hills cooking with serious attention to local producers. The Hahndorf Inn and The Hahndorf Old Mill cover the German classics. For a winery lunch, The Lane Vineyard or the Sidewood Brasserie are the safe picks
When to Vist Hahndorf
Hahndorf is open all year, and each season has its own thing.
Autumn (March–May): the most photogenic stretch. Main Street's plane trees turn gold and red. Cooler walks, vintage at the wineries, and the Botanic Garden in full colour.
Spring (September–November): strawberry season starts at Beerenberg. Cellar doors run open days and the Crush Festival kicks off in late January, but spring is busy and bookings tighten.
Summer (December–February): outdoor everything. Polo at Sidewood, long winery lunches, and the longest evenings of the year. Book everything in advance.
Winter (June–August): the quiet season. Open fires at the pubs, full-bodied reds at the cellar doors, and discounts to match. The locals' favourite time.
Plan your Stay in Hahndorf
Hahndorf on Main is on Main Street, which means everything in this guide is either on your doorstep or a short drive away. Our Reception team is also here to point you toward the cellar door open today, the bakery with the best stollen, or the walking trail to match your itinerary.