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This Medieval Castle In Georgia Is Finally Open For Visitors After More Than A Decade Of Construction

Lisa Sammons

Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. She is passionate about animal rescue and live music - traveling across the country to see a favorite band is a pretty regular occurrence! Being out hiking in the woods enjoying the scenery with her beloved dogs is another favorite hobby, and also checking out the Pokemon Go scene in whatever city she happens to be in at any given time (coffee and dog leash in hand). You can reach Lisa at [email protected]

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Castles aren’t just the stuff of fairy tales or medieval Europe – we have several castles in Georgia , too. The newest one just opened for visitors in the summer of 2023 after a lengthy construction process that took more than a decade. Uhuburg Castle in Helen, GA is an absolutely magnificent architectural triumph that’s sure to become one of the most-visited attractions in this popular tourist town. The castle is currently open for tours on weekends and will soon be hosting visitors for overnight stays. This Eagle Owl Castle is truly one of the state’s most remarkable buildings and a visit here just might make you feel like you stepped back in time a millennium or so.

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This place looks so magical, and as a lover of all things Helen, GA, I can’t wait to go visit myself.

To stay updated on all the events happening as Uhuburg in Helen, GA continues adding on, check out the Uhuburg website or Uhuburg Facebook page. Want to turn this into a weekend adventure? Make sure you reserve a hotel room in Helen, Georgia !

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Why You Should Visit the One-Of-A-Kind Uhuburg Castle in Helen, GA

S ituated a short two miles from downtown Helen, perched atop a mountaintop, you’ll discover an awe-inspiring Renaissance Castle – the Uhuburg Castle.

No, you didn’t step through a worm hole and end up in England. Your feet are still firmly planted on American soil thanks to the vision and creativity of owner, architect, and builder Bob Marthai.

It’s kind of refreshing to be able to explore a castle without having to break out the passport.

WHAT IS UHUBURG CASTLE?

Architecture, lifestyle, and philosophy come together in an engaging and creative way at Uhuburg.

From the castle gates and walls to the castellation at the top of the towers, to the beautifully landscaped gardens, grounds, and walking trails.

It took more than 14 years to build and the Uhuburg,* the Eagle Owl Castle, is now open for weekend tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

*Uhuburg is pronounced much like the call of an owl: Ooo-Hoo-burg and is German for Eagle Owl Castle.

WHAT TO SEE AT UHUBURG CASTLE?

During your self-guided tour, you can explore most of the castle’s incredible features which include:

• Twelve towers
• Three gatehouses
• Eight-story lookout tower
• Cloistered walls with rampart and lower walkways
• Ten guest chambers 
• Two apartments
• Master chamber
• Tropical atrium
• Two acres of courtyard gardens

For a sweeping view of the surrounding mountain terrain, climb the Lookout Tower’s eight flights of stairs to the top, where the highest peak in Georgia can be spotted as well as the occasional hawk.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MURALS?

Don’t skip on walking along the open air, lower level of the rampart walls to view a series of larger-than-life murals by local artists.

The murals depict how humankind has tried to understand life throughout the ages. The murals summarize key ideologies, stories, and applications of various philosophies and religions.

Eventually there will be twenty to thirty murals that continue the theme. Future murals may include artist renditions of ​ French Polynesian theologies, Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism.

HOW TO VISIT UHUBURG CASTLE?

General admission lets you explore at your own pace.  You’ll be given a map with a suggested route and to enjoy the grounds.

Docents are also available to answer questions and share information.

General admission tours at the castle, 571 Ridge Road, can be reserved online at www.Uhuburg.com ; walk-ups are also accepted.

ARE THERE GUIDED TOURS AT THE CASTLE?

Highlights of Uhuburg

Learn about our favorite features and hear some stories with Bob or Naomi. Focused on murals, architectural features, and the gardens. This is a great opportunity to ask questions as well as learn.

Departs from the Red Gates at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, and 1:30 (2:15 as well if requested).

45 minutes in duration.

​ Great Hall & Indoor Tropical Atrium

Experience Uhuburg’s indoor celebration spaces with a docent and hear about highlights of the Great Hall and Tropical Atrium.

Departs twice an hour from the back of the Great Hall on the quarter hours (10:15, 10:45, 11:15, 11:45,12:15, etc.).

10-15 minutes in duration.

WHY IS THERE A CASTLE IN HELEN?

Owner, architect, and builder Bob Marthai dreamed of a castle in the mountains of North Georgia to share what he has found to be important for the good life.

Bob is a former psychologist, naval architect, and retired tall ship captain. He is supported by his wife Janine, a bookkeeper and avid gardener. Daughter Naomi, a former eighth-grade teacher, is event manager, muralist, web designer, gardener and assistant administrator.

CAN I STAY OVERNIGHT AT THE CASTLE?

Overnight guest rooms will be available soon; check the website for updates.

HOW TO GET TO UHUBURG CASTLE?

From Downtown Helen

• Head west on N Main St/Unicoi Turnpike.
• Drive past Betty’s Country Store and take the next Left onto Hambly Street.
• Cross the river and take the first right onto Escowee Drive.
• After 0.6 miles, take the uphill left fork onto Ridge Road.
• After about a half mile, look for the green metal gates on the left.

MORE TO DO IN HELEN

Find fun things to do in Helen, GA  and Unique Georgia Attractions You Can Only Experience Around Helen

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Bavarian castle open for exploration in Helen, Georgia

HELEN, Ga. - Helen, a Bavarian village less than 2 hours from Atlanta, now boasts a Renaissance-style castle that allows visitors to fulfill their castle exploration dreams without having to travel to Europe.

Located on a 45-acre mountain knoll, Uhuburg, also known as the Eagle Owl Castle, prides itself on being a one-of-a-kind destination, both in terms of its mission and structure. The castle's website explains that the choice of a Renaissance castle for Uhuburg was inspired by the values of truth, beauty, and wisdom associated with the Scientific Age and Enlightenment. To learn more, visit the castle's website .

The castle derives its name from the Eurasian Owl, the largest owl species in the world, which is known as the Eagle Owl in English. The German word "Burg" translates to "castle."

Unlike many replicas, Uhuburg stands as a unique creation designed to represent the distinctive characteristics of the southern Appalachia Mountains.

Bob and Janine Marthai are the proud owners of this remarkable castle, which comprises 12 towers, 3 gatehouses, 1 turret, an 8-story lookout tower (yes, you can climb it!), a Great Hall, cloistered walls with ramparts and lower walkways, 10 guest chambers, 2 apartments, a master chamber, a tropical atrium, a grotto, and 2 acres of courtyard gardens.

Photo by Eddie Tapp

The construction of this magnificent castle spanned 14 years, beginning in 2009 with the laying of the cornerstone in the East Gatehouse slab. By 2014, the main structure of the perimeter castle wall and South Gatehouse were completed. In 2016, the castle walls were finished, and the main house was built up to the 2nd floor, followed by the completion of the main house roof and the 7th-floor spiral staircase tower in 2018.

The pools and fountains were completed in 2020, and the interior was fully finished and furnished by 2022. Additionally, murals were added, and the garden landscaping was completed that same year.

In 2022, a board of directors was established, and pre-opening insider tours commenced during the winter of that year. A welcome gatehouse was constructed in 2023, and a soft opening took place in May, followed by the official grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 1.

The castle's mission is truly unique. Uhuburg Institute Ltd. was established with the aim of promoting the reevaluation of core philosophical and religious values, fostering an appreciation for home-grown food, recognizing the wonders of nature, and embracing a life worth celebrating.

Visitors will find a series of murals along a 1,300-foot-long wall, depicting various historical philosophies and religions. These murals are the result of collaborative efforts between local and visiting artists and are still a work in progress. In fact, artists can apply to contribute their own murals to the wall. Interested artists can apply here .

The flourishing gardens at Uhuburg also serve as depictions of different aspects of philosophy and religion. To learn more about what's currently blooming, visit this page.

Apart from its aesthetic appeal, the castle offers challenges designed to explore and define core beliefs, situated near the mural walk. Furthermore, the castle will serve as a venue for formal educational classes, presentations, discussion groups, and workshops.

In addition to the castle's many features, visitors can explore a produce garden, a vineyard that yields over 1,500 pounds of muscadine and concord grapes; a tropical atrium; and a native garden featuring plants such as American beautyberry and local milkweed. A mushroom room and medicinal gardens will be added at a future date.

Future plans also call for an owl aviary for their mascot and other raptors that will provide educational opportunities for visitors. It is planned for 2025.

The castle is currently open for tours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $35 adults, $25 children ages 3-12, $30 for military and seniors (65+) and free for children up to age 3.

During the tour, guests can explore the outdoor grounds, rampart wall and towers. A guided tour includes the Great Hall and Tropical Atrium. Two of their 10 overnight guest rooms are viewable from the upper wall walk (the other rooms are still in post-construction cleanup and are not viewable at this time).

And if you want to get married at the castle, celebrate your birthday, have a company party or meeting or other special event, you can do that too.

Last but not least, the castle is available for photoshoots outside of public tour hours. Right now, they are offering a grand opening special which includes a two-hour session with a Uhuburg manager and client-provided photographer for $160.

Uhuburg, Eagle Owl Castle is Officially Open in Alpine Helen

Weekend tours of an architectural marvel starting may 20.

ALPINE HELEN-WHITE COUNTY, GEORGIA–MAY 2023– Capture the feeling of being in a castle inspired by European design, high on a mountaintop just two miles from downtown Alpine Helen, with unbroken, forested views that are as stunning as the architecture. More than 14 years under construction, Uhuburg,* the Eagle Owl Castle, is now open for weekend tours May 20-21 and May 26-29 (Memorial Day weekend) from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tours will continue Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. General admission tours at the castle, 571 Ridge Road, can be reserved online at  www.Uhuburg.com ; walkups are also accepted. *Uhuburg is pronounced much like the call of an owl: Ooo-Hoo-burg and is German for Eagle Owl Castle.

Architecture, lifestyle and philosophy come together in a stunning juxtaposition, from the castle gates and walls to the castellation at the top of the towers, to the beautifully landscaped gardens, grounds and walking trails. Available for special events are the enchanting indoor tropical atrium, ballroom and banquet areas. The soon-available guest rooms are charming. In the open air, lower level of the rampart walls is a series of larger-than-life murals by local artists that depict the spirit and philosophical tenets of the world’s great religions and schools of thought. For a sweeping view of the surrounding mountain terrain, guests may climb the Lookout Tower’s eight flights of stairs to the top, where the highest peak in Georgia can be spotted as well as the occasional hawk.

General admission entry is for touring Uhuburg in a museum-style format with a suggested route and to enjoy the grounds at a personal pace and time of your arrival/departure time of your choice within open hours (last entry is one hour prior to close). Docents (guides) can be found around the grounds to answer questions and share information. A brochure with a map will be provided to guests upon entry. For a “what to know before you go,” please review details at  www.Uhuburg.com/visit

Owner, architect and builder Bob Marthai dreamed of a castle in the mountains of North Georgia to share what he has found to be important for the good life. Bob is a former psychologist, naval architect and retired tall ship captain. He is supported by his wife Janine, a bookkeeper and avid gardener. Daughter Naomi, a former eighth-grade teacher, is event manager, muralist, web designer, gardener and assistant administrator.

Tours can now be booked online to learn about this philosophical, food producing, naturalistic and celebratory place. Special events and photography sessions for couples, brides and for various occasions can be reserved as well; check the website for details and send a message through the Contact Us page at  www.Uhuburg.com .

Bob Marthai commented, “We are grateful for the more than 70 workers, volunteers, trade folks, donors and inspectors who helped build Uhuburg from foundation to tower. Several construction staff members have been with us from the beginning, including Miguel, Russell, Alonso, Pedro and Tigre, who have contributed greatly to the success of the project.”

Overnight chamber guest rooms will be available soon; check the website for updates. 

Driving Directions: From Downtown Helen: Head west on N Main St/Unicoi Turnpike. Drive past Betty’s Country Store and take the next Left onto Hambly Street. Cross the river and take the first right onto Escowee Drive. After 0.6 miles, take the uphill left fork onto Ridge Road. After about a half mile, look for the green metal gates on the left.

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Hear ye, hear ye! Go back in time and see this massive castle that just opened in North Georgia

Uhuburg Castle Uhuburg - the “Eagle Owl” Castle - was nearly 15 years in the making. A ribbon cutting last held week. The castle officially opened for tours on May 20. (PHOTO: The Helen Chamber of Commerce.

HELEN, Ga. — If you’re headed to Helen anytime soon, not only can you enjoy a trip through Bavaria, but you can now also go back in time to the Renaissance era.

Welcome to Uhuburg - the “Eagle Owl” Castle.

The massive project, nearly 15 years in the making, held a ribbon cutting last week. The castle officially opened for tours on May 20.

“As a Renaissance Castle, Uhuburg has twelve towers, one turret, three gatehouses, an eight-story lookout tower, Great Hall, cloistered walls with rampart and lower walkways, ten guest chambers, two apartments, a master chamber, tropical atrium, grotto, and two acres of courtyard gardens. Situated on a mountain knoll, the castle has spectacular views from each of the walls and towers,” the castle’s website said.

The castle is a dream come true for owners Bob and Janine Marthai.

Bob Marthai is a former psychologist, naval architect, and retired tall ship captain, NowHabersham.com reports.

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The newspaper said Marthai dreamed of building a castle in the North Georgia mountains to share what he has found to be important for “the good life.”

His dreams have been supported by his wife, Janine, who is a bookkeeper and avid gardener.

“We are grateful for the more than 70 workers, volunteers, trade folks, donors, and inspectors who helped build Uhuburg from foundation to tower,” Bob Marthai told NowHabersham .

To see more about the castle as well as info about visiting, CLICK HERE.

TAKE A TOUR OF THE CASTLE:

Uhuburg - the “Eagle Owl” Castle “As a Renaissance Castle, Uhuburg has twelve towers, one turret, three gatehouses, an eight-story lookout tower, Great Hall, cloistered walls with rampart and lower walkways, ten guest chambers, two apartments, a master chamber, tropical atrium, grotto, and two acres of courtyard gardens. Situated on a mountain knoll, the castle has spectacular views from each of the walls and towers,” the castle’s website said. (PHOTOS: Taken by Naomi Marthai, used with permission)

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Castle Tour - Uhuburg

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• Georgia (GA)    
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Beautiful and unique. Our wedding anniversary goal is to visit one new castle in each state (if... read more

It was super fun to walk around the castle grounds. We took lots of amazing photo's and saw an... read more

Castle Tour

"I recently went on a castle tour and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life! As soon as I stepped inside the castle walls, I felt like I had been transported back in time to a different era.

We're so glad you enjoyed it!

UHUBURG CASTLE

Accommodations

Uhuburg castle offers distinctive and comfortable chambers and gate h ouses for unforgettable enchanting ov ernight exper ie nces. daily breakfast ser vice in the dining room  inc lude d.   two-night minimum stay required and friday and saturday nights must be booked together. all guests must be 18 years of age or older. .

Indulge in a Majestic Stay at the Eagle Owl Castle

The castle features four private chambers featuring ornate carved wood  queen-sized beds , seating, large window exposures, and en suite bathrooms that contain tiled walk-in showers with adjustable luxury column systems. The décor in each chamber is unique and has been collected and curated over the years by Bob Marthai, Uhubur g’s builder and architect. All chambers are located on the second floor of the main castle which is centrally located within the walls of the Uhuburg. 

Eclipse Chamber Special

Uhuburg offers clear unobstructed views of the sky for viewing the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.  Experience the magic of Uhuburg and view the eclipse from one of the most unique viewing spots in North Georgia.  Eclipse package only valid on chamber stays April 7-9, 2024.  Two-night minimum stay required.  Breakfast served daily in our dining room and ISO 12312-2 certified glasses included.

Castle Chambers

King Chamber

Featuring a private balcony perfect for enjoying the early morning sunrise peeking through the mountains or stargazing above the expansive castle grounds in the evening. This chamber is decorated in rich gold and red tones.   One queen-sized bed.

Queen Chamber

Our most spacious guest chamber boasts views of the castle grounds, nearby mountain ridges and our tropical atrium. The chamber is elegantly adorned in deep greens and vibrant blues. The bathroom features a large soaking tub in addition to the shower. One queen-sized bed.

Prince Chamber

The rich cerulean blue color of the chamber provides the perfect backdrop for the elegant tapestries and patterned drapes that adorn it. Three large windows provide a magnificent view of our tropical atrium. This chamber has two entrances and can be accessed from the main stairwell as well as the tower entrance. One queen-sized bed.

Princess Chamber

The soft lilac tones with deep purple accents throughout provide a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. Guests can lounge about on the fainting couch tucked in the windowed alcove featuring mountain vistas.  A one-of-a-kind view of the tropical atrium can be observed from the door that opens to the spiral staircase. Guests enter the chamber via the tower entrance. One queen-sized bed.

Castle Common Areas

The main floor hosts a parlor, atrium and drawing room for overnight guests to enjoy.  This floor is also home to our unique two-story circular dining room with a crystal chandelier and matching wall lights where a deca dent daily breakfast* is served.  

The whisper room, a cozy nook on the second floor is perfect for enjoying your evening take-away or a relaxing beverage. And during your stay guests will learn why it’s appropriately named the whisper room. 

Each morning guests will enjoy waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed castle blend coffee available in the parlor along with tea and cocoa.

*Most dietar y restrictions/preferences can be accommodated if noted at time of rese rvation.

Gateh ouse Chambers

(O pening for guests soon)

Tucked in various locations within the two-level walls of the castle grounds are six distinctive gatehouse chambers. Each gatehouse chamber is a private unit with an en   suite bathroom, and four include kitchenettes.

Chamber Questions?

Contact our chamberlains [email protected].

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800-858-8027

706-878-2181.

726 Bruckenstrasse Helen, GA 30545

P.O Box 730 Helen, GA 30545

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