Dreaming of a European vacation in the quaint countryside of Germany or Switzerland? I have good news – you can experience the ambiance of the Old World without leaving the southern United States!
In the small mountain town of Helen, Georgia, you can trade the Alps for the Appalachians and enjoy a Bavarian getaway right here at home.
When you visit Alpine Helen, you will feel as though you are in another time and place. This former logging town was refashioned into an old-world German Alpine village and has become one of the most popular tourist areas in the South.
Its colorful architecture, cobblestone alleys, and winding hills will transport you to a village from a classic European fairy tale. You will also find a wide variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment to make your visit just as charming.
First Came Gold
The third most-visited town in Georgia, after Atlanta and Savannah, Helen wasn’t always a Bavarian tourism magnet. Like most of North Georgia, the area where Helen is located was home to the Cherokee nation before the arrival of European settlers in the early 19th century.
The discovery of gold in the foothills of northern Georgia, and the first Gold Rush in America that followed in 1828, brought an influx of settlers and opportunists to the area. Settlements and towns were established around what became Habersham, White and Lumpkin counties, where prospectors worked the land for nearly a century in pursuit of the precious metal.
When the rush was over, the town of Helen became practically abandoned until the end of the 19th century, when it was rediscovered for its valuable forests that surrounded it.
Sawmills and a railroad were built, and the town of Helen, named for a railroad surveyor’s daughter, was established.
Then Came Lumber
Helen operated as a dedicated lumber town for several decades. The logging industry kept Helen a viable community until the 1930s, when the timber companies abandoned it in favor of other areas.
The creation of the Chattahoochee National Forest at that time kept Helen from becoming a ghost town and brought both tourism and forestry opportunities to the area through the mid-1900s.
But soon, Helen faced a new decline in popularity in the 1960s. With the rise of plastic came less demand for lumber, and a simultaneous decline in tourism threatened the very existence of the town.
Faced with the possibility of abandonment, city leaders proposed a unique solution to keep Helen viable as a tourist attraction.
A European Escape
Hoping to head off potential economic ruin, civic leaders proposed redesigning the town into a Bavarian mountain village, complete with half-timbered structures, cobblestone alleyways, and old-world windmills.
It became a tourist destination, and one now famously known for its authentic European flair and festive atmosphere.
A local artist with German roots who had spent time in Bavaria was hired to supervise the town makeover. All downtown storefronts were renovated and, according to building codes established in 1969, every structure in the town must use Germanic design.
Given the strong influence of German immigrants who settled in the area, it was an authentic upgrade.
And the gamble worked. Helen rapidly became a sought-after tourist destination, and its tourism revenue was multiplied practically overnight.
It became a vibrant community with much to see and do, and the natural beauty of the Appalachian foothills that surround the area contributes to its charm.
With a walkable downtown and plenty of things to see and do, Helen is the perfect European escape right here in the South. Here are a few of our favorite things about Georgia’s Alpine Village.
EAT + DRINK HELEN
Helen attracts some of the most talented chefs from Germany and elsewhere across Europe, with many relocating to North Georgia to open their own authentic Bavarian restaurants. Several Helen eateries offer authentic Bavarian cuisine that can only be found in a few other places outside of Europe.
- The Heidlburg – The first German restaurant in town offers authentic German beer, wine and music along with authentic European cuisine.
- Hofer’s Bakery & Café – Located just north of the square, this café usually has a line of hungry patrons waiting to taste the European cakes, pastries, and breads, as well as a full lunch and dinner menu of Old World favorites.
- King Ludwig’s Biergarten – You can enjoy live music, German fare, and giant mugs of beer at this open-air tavern and social space in the center of downtown.
- Mullers Famous Fried Cheese Café – Specializing in German and Central European cuisine, this specialized eatery uses the freshest ingredients in their unique recipes.
- Paul’s Steakhouse – Enjoy a range of steak and seafood, along with nightly specials, while overlooking the Chattahoochee River.
- Café International – An outdoor riverside eatery serving a variety of European sandwiches and entrees on a large deck with some of the best views of Helen.
EXPLORE HELEN
Helen’s unique blend of culture, attractions, history, and art offers a variety of fun experiences and recreational activities.
- Georgia Mountain Coaster – The first alpine coaster in the state is a thrill ride up to 35 miles per hour and is open all year long.
- Charlemagne’s Kingdom – Everyone will love this 50-ft model railroad exhibit set in Germany’s North Sea. It depicts German railroads, terrain, and architecture spanning 700 miles to the Swiss Alps.
- Nora Mill Granary – Just outside of town, you can pick up a bag of freshly stone-milled grits or cornmeal from this operational grist mill built in 1876.
- Nacoochee Adventures – Enjoy exciting activities at this adventure venue just outside of town, including zip lining, tree houses, giant swing, ATV excursions, and more.
- Alpine Carriage Company – This tour company gives visitors a relaxing horse-and-buggy tour through the village, complete with knowledgeable coachman.
- Helen Waterpark & Tubing and Cool River Tubing – Spend a hot summer day floating down the Chattahoochee River with these outfitters which pick you up at the end of your trip.
SHOP HELEN
Helen offers over 200 boutique shops and specialty stores that line both sides of downtown, selling a variety of hand-crafted items from imported apparel and collectibles to home décor and local crafts.
- Betty’s Country Store – Visitors to Helen often make it a tradition to stop at this iconic store that combines today’s necessities with the quaint atmosphere of a time gone by. This traditional general store offers fresh produce, deli items, beer and wine, fresh meats, candy, books, baked good, camping needs, and so much more!
- Lindenhaus Imports – Step into a bounty of Old World charm, with cookoo clocks, traditional German attire, nesting dolls, unique beer steins, and more goods imported from Russia, Scandinavia, Germany, Ireland, and Poland.
- The Christmas Shoppe – Open seasonally, this whimsical shop offers local and imported holiday ornaments and hand-made décor.
- Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen – This candy factory and shop has been serving hand-crafted fudge, brittles, pralines, and many other sweet treats since 1973.
- House of Jerky – Stop by this popular shop and pick up unusual jerky flavors including alligator, ostrich, snake, reindeer, alpaca and kangaroo.
- The Village Peddler – This country-chic shop sells relaxed attire & artsy jewelry, as well as scented candles, quilts, and more.
HELEN’S FESTIVALS
Helen welcomes visitors all year long to a regular lineup of special events and festivals. These ideas and events can help you decide what time of year to plan your trip to Helen.
- Oktoberfest – Revel as they did in the Old World and enjoy lively German music, food and drinks. The celebration starts with a parade and runs through October.
- Winterfest Art Tour – Exhibits, crafts, demonstrations, and prizes make up this event hosted by The Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center and celebrating over 145 artists spread over three locations.
- Christmas Market – Held at the downtown Marketplatz, this annual holiday event features Christmas gifts and decorations, sweet treats and
- Wine Fest – Hosted by local Habersham Winery, this annual event showcases over 20 regional wineries. Enjoy live music and sample the best harvests of Georgia’s wine country.
- Balloon Race – The Helen to the Atlantic Balloon Race and Festival takes place each summer, showcasing hundreds of colorful balloons in a race to the sea.
Ready to visit Helen, Georgia? Click here to plan your trip!
Have you visited Georgia’s Alpine getaway? What do you love about Helen? Drop your comment below!
Shop my travel favorites here!
