Hahndorf

Early in March I went to Hahndorf in South Australia. It was a terribly hot day 42 degrees and the school I was suppose to go to had cancelled because their boards had not been put up. I had been to Hahndorf before but didn't have time to check the place out so I thought what better way to use my day up.

Hahndorf is situated in the Adelaide Hills and it was a very pleasent 20minute drive to get there. Once in Hahndorf the first thing that strikes you is the lovely avenue of trees that greets you and extends throughout the town. It was quite refreshing walking underthem to get away from the heat.

Hahndorf's first settlement took place in 1839 when Prussian Lutheran families arrived. The name "Hahndorf" was derived from Captain Dirk Hahn of the ship named 'Zebra', which arrived in Adelaide in 1838 with a party of immigrants from the Eastern Provinces of Prussia. Captain Hahn stayed on to see the new arrivals were settled, after having survived a horrendous journey by sea. He eventually selected an area near Mt Barker which his passengers named after him in recognition of his efforts.

Hahndorf's attraction lies in the historical value of the town. I was taken aback by the beautiful buildings that are dotted up and down the town. I spent my time walking from one end to the other checking out the architecture.Apparently t is the ideal place to buy traditionally made wursts and German smallgoods, there are also museums, galleries, antiques, soaps, fabrics, and a crazy leather shop. Unfortunatly lots of places were closed so I wasn't able to get in. I also noticed that for every one shop there were about 5 eateries. They must think people only come here to eat.

I did buy some cottage craft to show the Hurstbridge CWA and I managed to get into one of the art galleries and had a long chat with the curator.