Hahndorf

Hahndorf, an old German town in the Adelaide Hills, is classified as the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia.  It was named after Captain Hahn who was the captain of the ship that brought German immigrants, who were escaping religious persecution from Prussia. Captain Hahn also saved many lives on the voyage out because of his stringent hygene measures on board the ship. He also helped the immigrants establish themselves in the Adelaide Hills.  The 'dorf' part of Hahndorf is the German word for village.   During the first world war the Hahndorf was changed to Ambleside, which it retained until about 1937, when it reverted back to Hahndorf.

 Hans Heyson, the artist, lived here, and used Hahndorf and the surrounding area in his paintings.

The historic Hahndorf Academy, which I forgot to photograph, was a respected school of higher learning, now a gallery with exhibitions and display of artists in residence.    A very interesting place to visit, as it contained old photographs and a comprehensive explanation of Hahndorf's history.

Hahndorf has retained much of its German heritage, although the larger and slightly newer buildings are Australian in style.

The main street is picturesque and shaded with decidious trees from the northern hemisphere.  And some conifers too, well shaped and pruned

Many of the really old buildings are charmingly quaint.  The old utility truck looks the part as it drives along the street in front of the little old cottages.

This was once a farm shed but now a  trendy cafe and shop.

The down side of Hahndorf is the high price charged for everything, goods for sale, food and drinks.   It took us some time to find a shop which sold ice creams at a realistic price.

Yes, and the German flavour is there, according to this sign.  At a price of course.

We had taken a massive detour through the hills, from the northern suburbs of Adelaide, to visit Hahndorf, along winding roads and some very straight ones too.

Hahndorf, despite high prices and a tendency to be a bit kitsch, is a worthwhile town to visit in Adelaide.   And the ice cream was locally made and delicious.