Best Things To Do in Hahndorf: Where To Eat, Stay & Play

At just a 30-minute drive from Adelaide’s CBD, Hahndorf is a unique and quaint village that wouldn’t feel out of place deep in the heart of Bavaria in Germany.

It’s picture-perfect in any season; glowing with warmth in summer, bursting with colour through autumnal seasons and lush green in spring, and the top spot to get cosy in winter.

Charming for locals and tourists alike with its range of boutiques, pubs serving traditional German cuisine and the cutest cafes to relax and enjoy some local hospitality. 

Make the most of your time in one of the state's favourite destinations with our round-up of the best things to do in Hahndorf. Prost!

Ernest Delicatessen 

Former fine-dining chef James Brinklow has brought his culinary expertise to Ernest Delicatessen in Hahndorf, offering a delightful array of deli sandwiches and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The menu features a selection of sandwiches served on light and airy focaccia, along with sensational house-made pastas, Mediterranean small plates, and locally sourced ingredients. On Fridays, guests can enjoy extended hours for pasta night, indulging in the likes of spaghetti with lemon, chard and bottarga or rigatoni with ’nduja and vodka sauce.

48/50 Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf

POT 

POT is a haven for coffee connoisseurs and tea enthusiasts alike. Step into this new specialty coffee bar, where locally roasted beans from 1645 Coffee Roasters are expertly brewed to perfection.

As you explore the cosy and ambient space, immerse yourself in the aromatic world of their speciality POT tea house, offering an array of 10 flavors blended locally by the passionate owners.

Indulge in gourmet sandwiches, crafted fresh daily, or treat yourself to artisanal breads and pastries sourced from local Adelaide Hills bakers.

At POT, they invite you to savour every sip and bite, elevating your culinary experience right in the heart of Hahndorf.

1/76 Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf

Vine and Essen

Same But Different Café

Step inside Same But Different's relaxed environs for simple, tasty brunch fare and delicious coffee from McLaren Vale roasters Dawn Patrol Cafe.

This charming, family-friendly spot has already proven a hit with the locals. Cosy up with a warming bowl of porridge by the fire, or go for their loaded breakfast bagel, with egg, bacon, hash brown, cheese, avocado, tomato, sriracha mayonnaise and spinach. 

79 Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf  

Adelaide Hills Wine Bar

Set in the heart of Hahndorf’s main street, Adelaide Hills Wine Bar showcases both the modern style and classic European charm that Hahndorf is loved for.

Stay cosy inside or lounge on the verandah, the contemporary wine bar and restaurant menu serves seasonally inspired share platters, pizza and tapas-style plates alongside local wine and beer, coffees and soft drinks. 

The Wolf Blass Gallery, 62 Main Street, Hahndorf 

Grünthal Brew & Udder Delights Cheese Cellar

Cheese! Beer! Gin! Wine! Find all of these and more at Grünthal; the ultimate local hang-out and tourism destination brought to us by the genius pair who started artisanal cheese shop, Udder Delights.

You can book in for all-day dining sharing plates, cheese-making classes and tasting experiences for beer, gin, cheese and wine. There are even some delicious plates in the form of tacos, pizza and more, perfect for sharing. 

827 Mount Barker Road, Verdun

Fourth Hill Providore

Allow yourself a slow morning and take the time to appreciate the good things in life at Fourth Hill Providore. Their menu of ‘break your fast’, ‘toasty + cosy’ and ‘lunch with us’ is packed with delicious plates of varying sizes depending on your mood, alongside a trusty drinks menu featuring some of the best local wines, beers, spirits and hot beverages.

34 Onkaparinga Valley Road, Verdun

Hahndorf Inn

Das original. Das beste. South Australia's award-winning taste of Bavaria, Hahndorf Inn is the must-try dining spot in town for hearty German cuisine.

Settle into the 2-storey 1863 hotel, with its exposed stone walls and wood-panelled ceiling, and prepare to feast. Feast on 'bock' style beers of the month, bratwurst and sausage boards, giant hot dogs, wiener schnitzels, or quintessential pork knuckles, served with sauerkraut, mashed potato and gravy.

35 Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf

Comida Hahndorf

Whether it's a low-key couple lingering over a long lunch, fast-paced families looking for a bite or friends looking for brunch, lunch or dinner to fill their bellies, in Comida we trust.

The stunning, Spanish-inspired restaurant and bar leads to an expansive and perfectly manicured garden area complete with a bar, pizza oven and deck.

Breakfast includes everything from pan con tomate with poached eggs, to sourdough crumpets, while lunch and dinner options range from small plates and tapas to larger meals.

Keep an eye out on their socials for when they're serving up the seafood paella - best served up with a carafe of sangria.  

100C Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf  

Stanley Bridge Tavern

Stop into Stanley Bridge Tavern, in neighbouring Verdun, for a refuel with delicious starters, mains and dessert alongside a drinks menu filled with cocktails, wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks.

The Stanley Bridge Tavern pride themselves on welcoming everyone, no matter if it is a casual hills lunch or a celebratory dinner. Their large beer garden is idyllic, with picnic style tables with parasols that will cater to parties of all sizes, with lush grass surroundings framed by tall trees.

41 Onkaparinga Valley Road, Verdun

Nepenthe Cellar Door

A jewel nestled in the heart of the Adelaide Hills, the newly renovated Nepenthe Cellar Door is a state-of-the-art building that makes the most of its iconic location.

Think floor-to-ceiling windows, an expansive deck and a Barrel Room that opens up directly to the lawn to ensure you have a view wherever you're seated.

Located just minutes from Hahndorf, you can sip their delectable wines while overlooking the vineyards and rolling hills in no time!

93 Jones Road, Balhannah 

Sidewood Estate

If you haven't already visited Sidewood Estate, we suggest adding this one to your must-visit list. Their opulent winery boasts an amazing restaurant, award-winning wines and beautiful timber outdoor decking.

It's a popular haunt in the warmer months, with their cellar door, games and outdoor VIP cabanas a hit among crowds, but it's also a super cosy space in the cooler months, where you can perch indoors next to the fireplace. 

6 River Road, Hahndorf

Hahndorf Hill Winery

At the edge of Hahndorf sits boutique vineyard Hahndorf Hill Winery and its beautiful cellar door with views stretching across their growing vines.

Seated tastings serve up flights of mixed, red and white wines, or you could try something a bit different with their unique ChocoVino experience; expertly matching their wines with some of the world’s best chocolate to taste.

38 Pain Road, Hahndorf

The Lane 

When it comes to assessing the best things to do in Hahndorf, you’re looking for two essentials: great wine and glorious countryside vistas.

At The Lane, you’ll be in awe of the views of the vineyards – they stretch right across Adelaide Hills and create the perfect setting to sip your way through one of their award-winning tasting experiences.

The wine alone is enough to bring you here, but you won’t want to leave before indulging in a leisurely lunch in their chic dining room.

5 Ravenswood Lane, Hahndorf

Beerenberg Farm

You can’t visit Hahndorf without stopping at one of the greatest South Australian institutions - Beerenberg Farm. Family-owned since 1839, the farm is best loved for its strawberry patch, where you can try your hand at strawberry picking between November – April (check their social media first to ensure the patch hasn't been picked empty!).

Open to visitors year-round, you can enjoy the farm café and its delicious breakfast, lunch and afternoon teas featuring their home-grown products, and visit the farm shop with exclusive flavours to purchase and take home.

The Beerenberg Family Farm, Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf

Gathered SA 

A delightful shopping experience in Hahndorf awaits the Gathered store, showcasing the best in South Australian business.

From homewares to art, candles, jewellery, and clothing, discover a diverse range of local products, and fuel your shopping spree with coffee, cakes, and pop-up bars on weekends.

With Gathered known for its pop-up markets, this shopping not only benefits customers but empowers vendors, providing them with a dedicated outlet to showcase their creations independently. You never know what treasures you could find! 

102 Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf 

Gin-Making At Ambleside Distillers

If gin is your thing, then a trip to Ambleside Distillers is a must.

Stop in for one of their exquisite G&Ts and light share plates, or make your day extra special and book one of Ambleside’s experiences for gin-tasting flights or their expert masterclasses to learn the art of cocktails and blending your own gin.

1 Ambleside Road, Hahndorf

The Cedars

Lovers of fine art, charming gardens and famous family lives will have much to discover at The Cedars. From 1912, this 36-acre (expanding to 132-acre) country property was home to famed landscape painter and early conservationist Sir Hans Heysen, his wife Sallie and their family of eight.

Many of his captivating works are displayed in the original furnished home which played regular host to Royal visitors and celebrities from film, ballet and opera.

Guided tours are offered of the house, the delightful original garden planted by Hans himself – and his completely intact studio.

68 Heysen Road, Hahndorf 

Hahndorf Academy

Art gallery, history museum and shop, the Hahndorf Academy offers something for everyone. Walk around the gallery and be inspired by the rich program of visual arts exhibitions showcasing established and emerging artists from all backgrounds.

Pop into the German Migration Museum to peek into the lives of Hahndorf’s settlement in early 1839 and how it held on to the colonial charm that we know it for today.

68 Mount Barker Road/Main Street, Hahndorf

Hahndorf Oktoberfest

The famed festival celebrating traditional German culture, heritage and fun is celebrated in South Australia’s very own little Germany each October.

Head to the Hills for good times and good steins of authentic beer, food and music to dance the day away to. Hands down one of the best free things to do in Hahndorf - just don’t forget your lederhosen and dirndl!

October

Alec Johnston Park, Hahndorf

Pavilions at Lenswood 

Only a 15-minute drive from Hahndorf (and well worth it), Pavilions at Lenswood is Adelaide Hills’ response to a stylish and luxe romantic getaway.

The modern one-bedroom self-contained pavilions are designed the be the ultimate couple’s retreat. Each comes with an open woodfire, kitchen, freestanding bathtub and king-size bed, all of which overlook the lush gardens and rolling valley.

Each pavilion offers a unique touch, from a free-standing hot tub or a plunge pool – so your biggest dilemma will be choosing which best suits your style!

Corner of Swamp & Leslie Roads, Lenswood 

Ode to the Orchard

This rustically chic cottage hails back to the 1890s (one of the first in the region), beautifully restored and achingly romantic. Surrounded by the Adelaide Hills wine region and overlooking an old apple orchard, the two-bedroom cottage is like stepping back in time.

Sip wine in front of a cosy wood fire and cook hearty meals on a vintage wood-fired Aga (stove), and nothing quite beats the outdoor clawfoot bath that overlooks the hills.

Location on request

Under the Oaks

Under the Oaks is a romantic haven nestled in the heart of Hahndorf, where historic charm meets modern luxury. Set beneath ancient oak trees, this beautifully converted 1858 church offers couples a serene retreat just moments from the vibrant main street.

Step inside to discover a light-filled sanctuary, complete with a cloud-like king-size bed, a luxurious bathroom with a divine bath, and a cosy fireplace for intimate evenings. Outside, a private courtyard beckons, inviting you to savour tranquil moments over morning coffees and afternoon wines.

Escape to Under the Oaks for a special getaway filled with romance and relaxation - it's one of the best things to do in Hahndorf.

Located just off Main Street

Luxury Private Farm Escapes

Three minutes out of Hahndorf will feel like you’re miles from anywhere with this luxury accommodation, set among the rolling Adelaide Hills on an organic farm.

Choose the Private Farm Escape complete with uninterrupted farm views, fireplace, outdoor fire pit and 2-person soak tub or the Tinyhome Private Escape perfect for two (or one) with a panoramic sauna, outdoor soak tub, cosy living space and complete privacy.

Location on request

The Haus Restaurant

As the Adelaide Hills' leading accommodation provider, The Haus Restaurant partners with The Manna Group to offer comfort and amenities for those who don’t want to travel far, complete with the Haus Restaurant.

With more than 85 4 and 5-star rooms available across three properties, choose from motel rooms, luxury split-level apartments and rustic lodges, all a stones-throw from Hahndorf’s main street.

Located just off the Main Street, Hahndorf

Ready to discover more of the Adelaide Hills area? We've rounded up the best wineries to visit, restaurants for every kind of dining experience and accommodation for a stylish stay.