"LOBETHAL - IN THE ADELAIDE HILLS" Lobethal by balhannah

Lobethal Travel Guide: 8 reviews and 13 photos

Look out for 'Penny Farthing Man' - he appeared just prior to the 2012 Tour Down Under visit to Lobethal, compliments of local business, Henstock.

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LOBETHAL WAS SETTLED BY GERMANS

In 1838, it was decided that South Australia was a suitable place for emigration.

The first German settlers arrived on 25 November, 1838 and established distinctly German villages Klemzig, Glen Osmond, Lobethal and of course, Hahndorf.

Eighteen families purchased 168 acres of land on the present site of Lobethal, and divided it up amongst themselves.

It was then, the town became known as Lobethal, which means 'Valley of praise'.

Perhaps if you are of German origin, you will know the Hufendorf settlement pattern, this is when houses run along the road and the land attached to the houses stretches behind them in narrow strips.

Lobethal

The town was struck by intense anti-German feelings during World War I and the name was changed to Tweedvale by a 1917 Act of Parliament.

It reverted to Lobethal in 1935.

History quote............

'The bulk of the persecuted Lutherans of Lobethal, with their beloved pastor (G.D. Fritsche) came out in the ship 'Skjold' which arrived in Port Adelaide on 28 October 1841, after an eighteen weeks' trip, during which no fewer than forty-four deaths occurred. They were temporarily taken care of and welcomed by the somewhat earlier pioneers of Klemzig and Hahndorf, and some went up to the Tanunda district.'

It wasn't just farming in the district, Industries began, one of them was a Brewery which closed after 20 years of operation.

You may have heard of theOnkaparinga Woollen Company, this is where good quality Onkaparinga Blankets were made.

Lobethal also has the oldest Lutheran church in Australia - St John's, built in 1845, and the historical museum still has the Bible which belonged to the Pastor of 1641.

Lobethal House

Nowdays, Lobethal is the centre of attraction at Christmas time, this is when the whole town lights up for the month of December.

People come from far & wide to view the town, it's like fairyland, and a pleasure for young and old to see!

Continuing on, we stop at the small historic village of MOUNT TORRENS.

Plenty of history here!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Gorgeous Christmas lights all over town
Cons:Can be very cold and snow
In a nutshell:Located in a pretty setting in the Adelaide Hills

Last visit to Lobethal: May 2012
Intro Updated Sep 23, 2012
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Reviews (8)

LOBETHAL CENTENNIAL HALL Things to Do (8)

The Lobethal Centennial Hall is unusual, as it is built in Art Deco Style. The foundation stone was laid on 8 August in... more travel advice

LOBETHAL BIERHAUS Things to Do (8)

Located in the old Woollen Mills are many small businesses.`The Tourist Information centre is located in the forefront,... more travel advice

ONKAPARINGA WOOLLEN MILLS MUSEUM Things to Do (8)

If you are Australian, there is a good chance you once had an Onkaparinga Blanket on your bed. These were the best... more travel advice

HISTORY OF LOBETHAL MURALS Things to Do (8)

Entering the town of Lobethal from Woodside, we come to a road junction where a large red brick building is located,... more travel advice

Comments (5)

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Regina1965 Jan 31, 2013 at 11:42 AM

Interesting history.
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  balhannah Jan 31, 2013 at 3:12 PM
  
  Used to live here. Christmas time is wonderful here!
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globetrott Dec 12, 2011 at 6:06 PM

that race of historic cars and motorbikes sounds interesting !
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Yaqui Mar 7, 2011 at 6:44 AM

Another wonderful gem Dee. Keep them coming! Neat page!
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yumyum Feb 26, 2011 at 12:17 AM

Sounds like a great event to visit!
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thegreynomad Feb 11, 2011 at 1:16 PM

I must go to Lobethal and see the Grand Carnival race.