Hahndorf- A bit of old Germany in the Adelaide Hills
Hahndorf in South Australia was settled by German immigrants in 1838. The town was named after the ship captain who carried them To Australia, Dirk Hahn, who provided them with the land they used to found Hahndorf. (In German, Hahndorf means literally “Hahn Town”.) The old town is now a must-see item on any Adelaide sightseeing tour.
Most people are aware of the German settlement of South Australia, but few know the full story. Like most of the early colonial-era migrants, the Germans had to make their own way in Australia, and it was their idea to establish a wine growing industry in the Barossa Valley, now one of the world’s famous wine regions.
Hahndorf, a part of history and the future
Hahndorf is one of the unique group of villages in the Barossa. The German and English migrants who created the Barossa retained a true village lifestyle. The Adelaide day tour is like going back in time and space, and much of the original German culture has been retained.
This really is a very picturesque place, and it’s also very much a combination of traditional Australian and German concepts. The result is a mix of amazing places and authentic Australiana. This is a real character town, and a major part of South Australian history.
Here’s a quick list of some of the amazing sites in Hahndorf:
Thiele’s Cottage and Thiele’s Flower Shop
Built by the first couple ever to marry in Hahndorf, Friedrich Thiele (pronounced tee-ler) and his wife Anna nee Schmidt. These two buildings are the original cottage and the flower shop, which was owned by the Thiele family from 1839 to 1990.
Haebich’s Cottage
In Main Street, Haebich’s Cottage is in the eastern old German mode, and a good example of the old village of Hahndorf. The cottage was built in the 1850s, and is what’s called a “half timber” design. This was the home of the blacksmith, George Haebich, who also constructed what is now the Storison’s Arts and Crafts building, the original blacksmith’s shop.
The German Arms Hotel
Another typically German design, The German Arms Hotel in Main Street this is the centre of the town. The hotel, dates from 1839. It’s a large, rather distinguished looking stone faced building, with an external eating area and elegant timber interior. It was extensively renovated in 1990, but Australian tourists will recognize a lot of old style bush pub features, including the chalk menu outside.
There are almost endless examples of the 19th century culture in which Hahndorf was created. The buildings and the existing village cultural life combine to produce a truly unique impression of South Australia’s early days. Hahndorf is perhaps one of the best preserved of the old bush towns in Australia, and that’s no minor achievement.
When you stop at the German Arms for a meal and some of the local wine, consider for a moment the nearly two centuries of hard work and human life which have created Hahndorf. It’s not just a tourist destination. It’s part of the history of Australia and a testimony to the courageous spirit of the original settlers, making a living out of the bush.
