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.
German Influence
Is still visible today in the architecture of the old buildings, many of which still stand as homes and shops. The Pioneer Gardens in the main street have memorials to Hahn and the pioneering families.
An old windmill (1842) has been fully restored, there are several 19th century churches, Storison's souvenir shop was once the blacksmith's shop (1870) and the Hahndorf Academy (1871) is now an Art Gallery.
Sir Hans Heysen O.B.E. (1877 - 1968) lived and worked in Hahndorf for 60 years and prints (some originals) of his works can be seen and purchased.
St Paul's Lutheran Church
Built in 1890 to
celebrate the 50th. anniversary of the first Lutheran Church in Australia, it
is located at the eastern end of Main St, just across Braun Dve, on the
northern side of the road.
It was designed by Adelaide architect F.W. Dancker to replace the original St. Paul's, erected in Windsor Ave. in 1858. In 1846 a rift developed in Hahndorf's Lutheran Congregation over doctrinal differences, and until the new St. Paul's was completed, worshippers gathered at the old church under Pastor Kavel. The church bell was imported from Germany.
St. Michael's Lutheran Church
Opened in 1859 and dedicated on St. Michael's Day, 1858, the St. Michael's Lutheran Congregation was established in 1839 and is the oldest surviving Lutheran congregation in Australia.
In 1840 a mud-walled church was built on the site of the present church and dedicated by Pastor Kavel. The St. Michael's congregation continued to worship here under Pastor Fritzsche following the split between the pair in 1846. The church is located at the corner of Church St and Balhannah Rd.
