Hahndorf state heritage area

Established in 1839, Hahndorf is Australia's oldest surviving German settlement, located in the Adelaide Hills 28km south east of Adelaide.

Hahndorf's pioneer settlers were refugees from religious persecution in Prussia (north-eastern Germany). 38 Lutheran families settled the area after arriving at Port Adelaide in 1838 aboard the Zebra, captained by Dirk Hahn. To thank the Captain for his assistance they named the town Hahndorf, after him.

Hahndorf's layout is unique, combining characteristics of both the farmlet (Hufendorf) and street village (Strassendorf) patterns of historical Prussian planning. The state heritage area is centred on Main and Victoria Streets, and encompasses this hybrid plan and features early 19^th century buildings showing a distinctive German influence.

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