Nestled in the Adelaide Hills, Hahndorf is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, brimming with charm, history, wildlife – and at one point – me.
While the town was founded by Lutheran settlers in 1839, local legend credits Harry “Hahn” Dorf – a schnitzel-loving bookworm with a flair for storytelling – as the town’s literary muse.
Hahn envisioned a place where readers could lose themselves in well-stocked bookshops while being serenaded by the calls of native birds. If you listen closely, you can still hear the crows calling for him on the breeze .. ‘Hahn!’ … ‘Dorf’ … ‘Hahn!’ … ‘Dorf’.
Visitors can explore heritage buildings, fill their pockets with berries from the Beerenberg Farm (pay for them though), and giggle in and out of a range of restaurants, cafes and bakeries sipping a glass of quality wine, while galahs and lorikeets flit through the trees overhead. Maybe sit down to drink your wine though.
Hahndorf’s proximity to the Monarto Safari Park, the largest open plains zoo in the world, only adds to its unique charm. After a morning spotting rhinos and giraffes just a short drive away, you can return to the peaceful streets of Hahndorf, grab a coffee, and hunt for your next literary treasure.
You’ll need a place to rest, after eating and viewing all the animals (in no particular order) – and where better to stay than Amble at Hahndorf!
Let’s check it out!
If you’re after a relaxing retreat with a homely touch, the Amble Wren Cottage in Hahndorf SA, might just be the ticket.
From check-in to check-out, the warmth of the team who run the place made our stay a breeze.
Located just a short stroll from the main street of Hahndorf, the Amble Wren cottage offers a peaceful haven with a genuine, down-to-earth feel. You can literally roll into the main street if it takes your fancy – though we’d recommend using your legs. The walk is a quick and scenic one, and you’ll arrive with less chaff on your back.
On first impression, the Amble Wren Cottage has a homey feel and that’s exactly what makes it comfortable for a two-night stay. The king-sized bed is clean and cosy, and the floor has a good ‘underfoot feel’ – which is how accommodation reviewers around the world know they’re onto a good thing.
The space is similar in size to a standard hotel room, but much more personal and inviting. A little two-seater couch greets you as you walk in, and there’s a lovely small table that’s perfect for a bit of blogging, journaling, or sketching during your downtime.
The kitchenette is well-equipped for a simple getaway, with tea and coffee facilities, a microwave, and even a full bottle of milk provided – plus one random icey-pole, which we found both funny and adorable.
The on-brand mugs “Amble at Hahndorf” were a cute touch, and there’s plenty of signage around the cottage offering instructions on everything you need to know. It’s clear the hosts have thought of every little detail to make your stay as smooth as possible, right down to the laminated bird and flower checklists. You can finally learn the difference between a sparrow and a sunflower!
Speaking of nature, the garden is truly the heart of this place. The verandah overlooks a lush, bird-filled oasis. The hosts keep the feeders well stocked, but if you want more of a wings-on approach – there’s seed provided that you can feed to your new friends.
I think we saw one of every flavoured bird! Sparrows, crested pigeons, and even chickens make regular appearances, along with the occasional cheeky magpie. Cockatoos and galahs also frequent the garden, providing endless birdwatching entertainment. The only downside is the occasional mouse that pops up, drawn in by the seed, but hey, it’s nature and he stayed outside.
The bathroom is serviceable with a decent shower, although it’s one of those setups where you have to step into the spa bath, which might be tricky for older guests.
We enjoyed our stay at Amble at Hahndorf, and would recommend for anyone looking for a comfortable and relaxed place to stay while exploring the area.
The Amble Wren Cottage is perfect for bird lovers and anyone seeking a peaceful, nature-infused visit. The birds are undoubtedly the highlight, and combined with the care and stories in the compendium, it’s clear that this place has heart.
While we might have been a bit spoiled by previous stays in the Barossa, this quaint little cottage in Hahndorf will provide a comfortable and memorable stay to all who stop by.
This trip we stopped in to the Matilda Bookshop in Stirling, in the beautiful Adelaide Hills. A wonderland of bookish goodness!
We encourage you to always stop in to the local independent bookshops when you’re travelling! You’ll meet some wonderful people and pick up new treasures!
Our haul from Matilda’s included:
