You probably wouldn’t expect to find a medieval-style castle in the mountains of Georgia.
But tucked away on a quiet, winding road, there’s a place with white towers, spiral staircases, and balconies that look like they belong in the 12th century.
This isn’t a movie set or a theme park, it’s an actual castle you can walk inside.
When you step through the doors, you’ll find stone walls and incredible murals that make you feel like you’ve time-traveled a few hundred years back.
If you’re curious where this castle is, what it’s like inside, and how you can visit, keep reading because this hidden gem is way more magical than you’d expect.
Where Is It?
Uhuburg, also known as Eagle Owl Castle, is located at 571 Ridge Road in Helen, Georgia.
If you’re driving in, it’s 2 hours and 20 minutes from Atlanta, just under 2 hours from Greenville, South Carolina, and 2.5 hours from Asheville, North Carolina.
It rests in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with forested hills all around that make the journey feel like part of the adventure.
About
Uhuburg is a medieval-style castle that was built piece by piece over many years and really does look like something straight out of a European countryside postcard.
It all started in 2008 when Bob Marthai began what was meant to be a two-year build, but it eventually stretched into a 14-year project on 45 wooded acres.
The name isn’t random either, since “Uhuburg” comes from the German word for eagle owl (Uhu) and castle (burg), a nod to the owl as a symbol of wisdom.
And once you see the place in person, you’ll spot tall walls, turrets, gatehouses, and an eight-story lookout tower with sweeping Blue Ridge views.
Step inside and you’ll find philosophical murals, a Great Hall, guest chambers, a tropical atrium, and a spiral staircase that give the castle a timeless feel.
It feels more like stepping into someone’s passion project where every stone, arch, and painted detail was crafted with intention.
Things To Do
When you visit, you can join two guided tours: Highlights of Uhuburg or the Great Hall & Tropical Atrium.
If you want the full castle experience, join Highlights of Uhuburg, a 45 to 60-minute tour that shows off the murals, architecture, and grounds.
From there, you can climb the lookout tower and castle walls for great mountain views, so wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
Bring your camera too, because the viewpoints up there are perfect for wide landscape shots.
If you love unique builds like this, take your time and study the details, like the classical statues and the arched corridors that give the space its character.
As for the 15-minute Great Hall & Tropical Atrium tour, it’s a great pick if you’re into lush greenery and dramatic indoor spaces.
The Great Hall is a highlight, and it really comes alive during events like CastleFaire and contra dances, so it’s worth checking the castle calendar before you go.
Once you’re done inside, wander through the nearly two acres of courtyard gardens, check out the ponds and fruit trees, and enjoy the peaceful mountain backdrop.
And if you fall in love with the setting, you can even book Uhuburg for private rentals, weddings, or photoshoots.
Know Before You Go
How to Visit Uhuburg
Uhuburg is open to the public during scheduled Day Visit hours, and you can explore at your own pace by arriving anytime between opening and 2:00 PM.
Please note that Uhuburg closes at 3:00 PM so plan accordingly.
Your Day Visit ticket also gives you access to two guided tours offered on site: Highlights of Uhuburg and the Great Hall & Tropical Atrium experience.
Before you head out, always check the official Uhuburg website, especially in the winter months when schedules are more limited.
Tickets and Pricing
Tickets are required for entry, and since this is a smaller, more personal experience, it’s best to buy yours in advance.
Admission is $35 for adults, $30 for seniors and military, $25 for kids ages 3 to 12, and free for children 3 and under.
Private events like weddings or group rentals have separate pricing and must be arranged directly with the castle.
Parking
When you arrive, you’ll check in at the lower parking lot and take a shuttle up to the property to start your visit.
Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes because you will be climbing narrow stone staircases and walking on uneven surfaces.
- The interior includes spiral stairs and elevated balconies, so keep that in mind if you have mobility concerns.
- Plan to spend about 1 to 2 hours on site depending on whether you are just touring or attending a longer event.
Make It a Full-Day Trip
While you’re in the area, pair your visit with nearby spots to make it a full day.
Downtown Helen is only about a five-minute drive away and is known for its charming Bavarian-style buildings and alpine village feel.
If you prefer something peaceful, Smithgall Woods State Park is around 5 minutes away and has shaded hiking trails and beautiful mountain scenery.
For another easy nature stop nearby, you can drive about 15 minutes to Anna Ruby Falls, where a paved 0.9 mile out-and-back trail leads you to twin waterfalls.
Related Posts
