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Best Things to Do in Hahndorf: Where To Eat, Stay & Play
Discover our guide to all the best things to do in Handorf - we're talking artisan cheese, luxury stays and some of the finest wines in all of South Australia.
Hahndorf is a town that needs no introduction but always delivers something unexpected. Just a 30-minute drive from Adelaide’s CBD, this charming village that feels like a slice of Bavaria in the Adelaide Hills. Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, its picturesque beauty shines year-round—radiant and warm in summer, vibrant with autumn hues, lush and green in spring, and wonderfully cosy in winter.
Exploring Hahndorf is browsing in quaint boutiques and stopping in delightful cafes to relax and soak up the local charm. It’s strolling Elm-lined streets, finding a keepsake at the German village shop, or fueling up with a stein and bratwurst at the German Arms Hotel. Perfect for solo explorers, couples seeking an escape or families looking for a fun day out, discover the magic of this beloved destination with our guide to the best things to do in Hahndorf. Prost!
The Best Things to Do in Hahndorf: Restaurants, Bars & Cafes
Ernest Delicatessen
Former fine-dining chef James Brinklow has infused Ernest Delicatessen with his culinary flair, offering a delectable mix of deli sandwiches and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Enjoy light, airy focaccia sandwiches, house-made pastas, and small plates crafted from local ingredients. On select Fridays, pasta and wine night extends the good energy into the evening; but you need to be quick to score a table, this wonderful event usually sells out!
48/50 Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf
Thiele’s Shop
Steeped in history, Thiele’s Shop, Hahndorf’s venerable institution since 1839, continues its legacy as a vibrant hub for local entrepreneurs. Partnering with The PaintBox, it offers a unique space where emerging businesses from artisanal bakeries to florists flourish through innovative sponsorships. Visit this historic venue for exceptional coffee and pastries and explore the ever-changing array of pop-up businesses. It’s a delightful glimpse into Hahndorf’s rich heritage and creative spirit.
100B Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf
POT
POT is a haven for coffee and tea lovers. This specialty coffee bar features locally roasted beans from 1645 Coffee Roasters and locally blended teas, brewed to perfection. Discover their inviting space and indulge in fresh gourmet sandwiches, artisanal breads and pastries from local Adelaide Hills bakers. Simple, sweet and oh-so-charming.
1/76 Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf
Vine and Essen
Vine and Essen is the modern bistro and wine bar seamlessly blending old-world charm with contemporary flair in Hahndorf. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the expansive front deck offers an idyllic setting for an afternoon wine or cocktail. Browse the impressive 15-page drinks menu featuring an extensive selection of wines, throw in the selection of small nibbles available, and you’ve got the recipe for the perfect recipe for a well-spent afternoon.
33 Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf
Fourth Hill Providore
Allow yourself a slow morning and take the time to appreciate the good things in life at Fourth Hill Providore. Their brunch and lunch menu is short and sweet, with a few delicious plates and rotating specials to try, alongside a trusty drinks menu featuring some of the best local wines, beers, spirits and hot beverages.
34 Onkaparinga Valley Road, Verdun
Same But Different Café
Step into Same But Different for a relaxed brunch with tasty fare and excellent coffee. Cosy up with a warming bowl of porridge, enjoy pastries from Lobethal’s Clara Cakes, or go for their stacked breakfast bagel, piled with egg, bacon, hash brown, cheese, avocado, tomato, sriracha mayo, and spinach. It’s the perfect place to kickstart your day with a delicious twist.
79 Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf
Adelaide Hills Wine Bar
In Hahndorf’s main street, Adelaide Hills Wine Bar blends modern flair with classic European touches. Whether you stay cosy inside or bask in the sunshine on the verandah, the wine bar and restaurant offers a delightful menu of seasonally inspired share platters, pizzas, and tapas-style plates. Enjoy a premium selection of local wines and beers, or sip on barista-made coffees and refreshing soft drinks.
The Wolf Blass Gallery, 62 Main Street, Hahndorf
Grünthal Brew
Cheese, beer, gin, wine, and pizza—Grünthal has it all! The ultimate hang-out combining a microbrewery, Hesketh Wines and cheesey Udder Delights, stop in with the whole family for a delightful mix of artisanal treats, great drinks and unique experiences. Tuck into their all-day dining menu brimming with tasty share plates like tacos and pizza, book a cheese-making class, relax on the lawn with a beer in hand overlooking the Onkaparinga River, or indulge in tasting flights of beer, gin, cheese, and wine.
827 Mount Barker Road, Verdun
Comida Hahndorf
Whether you’re a couple enjoying a leisurely lunch, a family on the go, or friends gathering for brunch, lunch, or dinner, Comida is the place to be. This stunning Spanish-inspired restaurant and bar opens onto a beautifully landscaped garden with a bar, pizza oven, and deck. Start your day with dishes like pan con tomate with poached eggs or sourdough crumpets. For lunch and dinner, choose from tapas and larger plates, and keep an eye on their socials for the seafood paella—best enjoyed with a carafe of sangria.
100C Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf
Hahndorf Inn
Das original. Das beste. South Australia’s award-winning taste of Bavaria, Hahndorf Inn is the must-try dining spot for hearty German cuisine. Settle into the charming 1863 hotel with its exposed stone walls and wood-panelled ceiling, and get ready to feast. We’re talking beers of the month alongside hearty fare like bratwurst and sausage boards, giant hot dogs, wiener schnitzels, and classic pork knuckles. Each dish is served with traditional sides of sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, and rich gravy.
Trust us when we say, this is one of the best, most authentic things to do in Hahndorf.
35 Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf
The Best Things to Do in Hahndorf: Wineries
Nepenthe Cellar Door
A gem in the Adelaide Hills, the newly renovated Nepenthe Cellar Door boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, a spacious deck, and a Barrel Room that opens directly onto the lawn, ensuring stunning views from every seat. Minutes from Hahndorf, you can enjoy their exquisite wines while gazing over picturesque vineyards and rolling hills.
93 Jones Road, Balhannah
Sidewood Estate
If you haven’t already visited Sidewood Estate, we suggest adding this to your must-visit list. Their 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 to enjoy a glass of red.
6 River Road, Hahndorf
The Lane
For the best of Hahndorf, seek out two essentials: exceptional wine and stunning countryside views. At The Lane, you’ll be captivated by panoramic vineyard vistas that stretch across the Adelaide Hills, creating the perfect backdrop for their award-winning tastings. And don’t miss out on a leisurely lunch in their stylish dining room before you leave.
5 Ravenswood Lane, Hahndorf
The Best Things to Do in Hahndorf: Explore
Beerenberg Farm
You can’t visit Hahndorf without stopping at this South Australian institution. Family-owned since 1839, Beerenberg 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.
Sitchu tip: Looking for more ways to entertain the little ones? Just 3 minutes up the road, the Hahndorf Farm Barn is a dream for kids, with tractor rides, pony rides, cow milking and a baby animal petting zoo.
The Beerenberg Family Farm, Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf
Gathered SA
Expect a local shopping experience at Gathered in Hahndorf, featuring the finest South Australian products from clever designers and artists. Browse homewares, art, candles, jewellery, and clothing, and enjoy coffee, cakes, and weekend pop-up bars. Originally known for its monthly pop-up markets in Rundle Mall (which still run to this day), Gathered supports vendors by offering a unique platform to showcase their creations in a permanent location. You’re bound to uncover some hidden treasures!
102 Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf
Gin-Making At Ambleside Distillers
If gin is your thing, then a trip to Ambleside Distillers is a non-negotiable. 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, gorgeous gardens and fascinating history will adore The Cedars. This 132-acre property was home to renowned landscape painter Sir Hans Heysen and his family. Explore his captivating artworks in their original home, visit the enchanting garden he planted, and step into his perfectly preserved studio. Guided tours reveal the rich history of a place that once hosted royals and celebrities.
68 Heysen Road, Hahndorf
Hahndorf Academy
The Hahndorf Academy is a treasure trove of art, history, and local talent. Stroll through the art gallery to be inspired by a dynamic range of exhibitions featuring established and emerging artists. Explore the German Migration Museum to uncover the fascinating story of Hahndorf’s early settlers and how they preserved the colonial feel that defines the town today. With its blend of artistic and historical experiences, the Academy offers something for everyone.
68 Mount Barker Road/Main Street, Hahndorf
The Best Things to Do in Hahndorf: Stay
Ode to the Orchard
Ode to the Orchard is a rustic gem in the heart of the Adelaide Hills wine region, perfect for romantic getaways. Less than 20 minutes from Hahndorf, this beautifully restored two-bedroom cottage transports you back in time, enveloped by the tranquillity of an old apple orchard. Sip local wine by the crackling warmth of a cosy wood fire, or unleash your culinary creativity on the vintage wood-fired Aga. Take your relaxation to the next level with a soak in the outdoor clawfoot bath, complete with breathtaking views of rolling hills.
With its unique blend of vintage elegance and natural beauty, this cottage is a dream come true for those looking to unwind.
Lenswood, Adelaide Hills
Under the Oaks
Under the Oaks is a romantic haven where historic charm meets modern luxury. Set beneath ancient oak trees, this beautifully converted 1858 church offers couples a serene retreat just moments from Hahndorf’s main street.
The light-filled sanctuary includes a cloud-like king-size bed, a luxurious bathroom and a crackling fireplace for intimate evenings. Outside, a private courtyard beckons, inviting you to savour memorable moments over morning coffees and afternoon wines.
Located just off Main Street
Private Farm Escape
Only three minutes from Hahndorf, the beautiful adults-only Private Farm Escape welcomes you into a relaxing and chic countryside retreat on an organic 10-acre farm.
A luxury farm stay for every season, stretched-out fields home to friendly cows and sheep and an outdoor tub to soak in call for lush summer stays, while a panoramic infrared sauna, spacious interiors, and ethically sourced designer furnishings keep you cosy come winter.
Exact location upon booking. Bridgewater, South Australia
The Haus Restaurant
As the premier accommodation provider in the Adelaide Hills, The Haus Restaurant collaborates with The Manna Group to deliver exceptional comfort and amenities. With over 85 4 and 5-star rooms across three properties, you can choose from motel rooms, luxury split-level apartments, or rustic lodges, all just a stone’s throw from Hahndorf’s main street. Enjoy the convenience of having the Haus Restaurant right on site, making your stay both relaxing and delicious.
Book your stay with The Manna Group
Ready to discover more of the Adelaide Hills area after uncovering the best things to do in Hahndorf? We’ve rounded up the best wineries to visit, restaurants for every kind of dining experience and accommodation for a stylish stay.
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