Hahndorf, South Australia: For Your Inner German

The historic Hahndorf is the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia . A mere twenty-minutes drive south east from Adelaide in South Australia, Hahndorf is among the favourite destinations for Adelaide locals to escape the hustle bustle of the city, to enjoy a weekend afternoon browsing through the many boutique and craft shops, or to relax in the sun with a stein of good German brew on tap.

I especially enjoy Hahndorf during the Australian spring. Nestled in Adelaide Hills, one of the few Australian regions with distinctive climate for its four seasons, Hahndorf oozes charm. This is where the 100 years old skeleton elm trees that lines the main street start to sprout different shades of green; when the winter-shy sun finally makes a warm appearance and when the fresh crisp morning mist carries the scent of wild blooms. The town comes alive with various festivities for the young and old.

Since its first German settlement in 1839, the town has never lost touch with its inner German. Many residents are in fact, descendents from the first settlement - Prussians escaping religious persecution, and have carried on their family business generation after generation.

Walking is the best way to explore the many surprises Hahndorf has to offer. Several original structures are still intact, and are part of the South Australian State Heritage, including the Hahndorf Academy and St Michael's Lutheran Church . Before settling down on a wooden bench in one of the two German pubs - The German Arms Hotel and Hahndorf Inn - for a relaxing yet hearty specialty meal, it's also worth to visit The Cedars, the former home and studio for 56 years to artist Sir Hans Heysen, where extensive display of works still owned by the Heysen family exhibits.

One iconic structure to note is the Hahndorf Academy . Established in 1839 as a school, the building is now the largest region art galleries in South Australia . You'll find the German Migration Museum as well as Hans Heysen Drawings on regular display. Special events and exhibitions are often held in this 150 year old building and is free to visitors all other days in the year.

The gourmet selection available in Hahndorf means it is also easy to find a treat for even the pickiest eaters. Standing at the counter of The German Cake Shop where breads and sweet pastries are still baked in German traditions, I surrender to a thick and rich black forest cake while still contemplating purchases of the many seed and grain rolls and loafs. A couple of steps further down the road, a second generation German butcher sells Weisswurst, Bockwursts and other smallgoods made traditionally with his grandfather's recipe. If you are looking for well wrapped gourmet goods to take home as gifts, perhaps Hahndorf Smallgoods maybe your best stop. Right next to the Hahndorf Inn, the shop is stocked with tempting cheeses and their famous dried smoked sausages. You may want to try their x-rated chilli sausages but be warned, it's made for chilli enthusiasts.

Besides its heritage and food specialties, Hahndorf is a great place to simply stroll and browse. Cafes, craft and boutique stores scatters along the main street under the elm and plane trees. Still munching on my cake, I stop to stare into a window displaying genuine wooden cuckoo clocks, with carved birds and trees and small children figures, tick-tocking in synchronised swing. A few properties down across the road, the Leathersmith & Bush Gallery is more a gallery than a shop, welcoming you with an open fire place as you then wind in and out of small passage ways, awing at well crafted leather belts, bags and other works around the store.

Up the road from the town centre, is the historic and famous Beerenberg Strawberry Farm, boasting strawberries farmed and preserved in traditional European fashion, where you can pick your own strawberries between November and May. The farm's famous Rose Petal jam, as well as other gourmet sauces, pickles and other condiments are for sale all year round in the factory store. Those little jars of Bavarian mustards make perfect gifts for family and friends back home.

The sun was already setting behind the hills as I drove out of Hahndorf after a relaxing weekend stay. Having fallen in love with the township, I was already planning my next visit in my head.