Helen, Georgia

Nestled in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, Helen is an absolute must-visit destination. This enchanting Bavarian town offers everything you would anticipate: delectable German cuisine, refreshing beer, lively Oktoberfest celebrations, captivating music, and so much more. 

This page presents a comprehensive guide to the top attractions and activities, finest dining establishments, captivating video tours of Helen, and intriguing historical insights into how this peaceful mountain town transformed into the charming Alpine Helen. 
Helen Ga vacation

Things to do in
Helen, Ga

Explore the Bavarian Village: Immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere of Helen's Bavarian Village. 

Enjoy Outdoor Activities: Helen is surrounded by natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Experience the thrill of tubing down the Chattahoochee River, where you can relax and enjoy the scenic views. 

Experience Festivals and Events: Helen hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, adding a lively and festive atmosphere to the town. 

Please note that specific events and availability may vary, so it's advisable to check the local event calendar and plan your visit accordingly.
More Info Below!

Helen Ga

Where to eat in
Helen , Georgia

Combining personal experiences and TripAdvisor ratings we are confident on recommending these top dining experiences!
View our top Dining Matrix Below!

Helene Ga Cabin Rentals

Where to stay in
Helen Georgia

Check out these great vacation rentals in and around Blue Ridge, Georgia!

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[Helen Ga Vacation Rentals


As the Chattahoochee River gracefully flows through the heart of the town, tubing along its waters is a beloved outdoor adventure for visitors. From exploring antique shops to experiencing the thrill of zip lines, Helen ensures a comprehensive and unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Once a declining logging town, Helen, Georgia underwent a remarkable transformation by reinventing itself as a replica of a Bavarian alpine village nestled in the Appalachians. Since the adoption of zoning regulations in 1969, the distinctive south-German architectural style became a requirement for every building in the city, even including a few national franchise establishments like Huddle House and Wendy's.

Established in the late 1800s and named after a local businessman's daughter, Helen initially thrived as a logging community. However, in the 1960s, it underwent a significant shift, transitioning into a sought-after tourist destination through its Bavarian village makeover.

Today, Helen draws numerous visitors seeking its charming alpine ambiance, offering a range of outdoor activities, cultural events, and the allure of its unique architectural design.

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Top Three Things to Do in Helen Georgia

'2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen'

A great way to get a fun and informative overview of the culture, history and artistry of our little town!

Along this 1.9 mile easy-paced stroll, you will experience some the best sights, tastes and activities of Helen. You will also learn about how this amazing town became a worldwide tourist destination.

The approximate 2 hour walking tour, led by our local and friendly guides, is the perfect way to start your adventure in Helen!. [Book Online Here]

river tubing helen ga

Outdoors in Helen Ga - Tubing!

Helen, GA offers a variety of outdoor activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Here are some popular outdoor activities in Helen:

Tubing on the Chattahoochee River: One of the most beloved activities in Helen is tubing down the scenic Chattahoochee River. Grab a tube, relax, and let the gentle current carry you along as you enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the refreshing water.

Helen Ga Waterfalls

Hiking/Waterfalls in Helen Ga

Hiking and Waterfalls: The North Georgia Mountains surrounding Helen provide excellent opportunities for hiking and exploring nature. You can discover picturesque trails like the Anna Ruby Falls trail, which leads to stunning waterfalls. Other notable trails in the area include the Raven Cliff Falls Trail and the Dukes Creek Falls Trail.

zipline helen ga

Flying in the Trees!

Zip-lining and Canopy Tours: For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Helen offers zip-lining and canopy tour experiences. Soar through the treetops and enjoy breathtaking views while experiencing an exhilarating adventure. There are several zip-lining companies in the area that offer different courses and options to suit various skill levels.


More Family Fun in Helen Ga

Fishing: Helen is a great spot for fishing enthusiasts. The Chattahoochee River and nearby mountain streams offer opportunities for trout fishing. You can cast your line and try your luck catching trout while enjoying the peaceful and scenic surroundings.

Golfing: If you're a golf enthusiast, you can enjoy a round of golf at one of the golf courses near Helen. Some of the nearby courses offer beautiful landscapes and challenging holes for an enjoyable golfing experience.


Camping and Picnicking: The area surrounding Helen provides options for camping and picnicking. Unwind in nature by setting up camp at one of the nearby campgrounds, or pack a picnic and enjoy a meal amidst the scenic beauty of the North Georgia Mountains.

These are just a few examples of the outdoor activities available in Helen, GA. The town's location in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy in the great outdoors.


Octoberfest in Helen Ga

Oktoberfest in Helen Ga

Note: Oktoberfest will run from September 8-11, then reopen September 15-18, then reopen September 22-25, then reopen again on September 29 and continue daily through October 30, 2022.

German music, dancing, food & drinks! Enjoy Waltzes, Polkas and the Chicken Dance

We list this seasonal event as #1A due to it's popularity! 

Oktoberfest! in Helen GA

Oktoberfest!

The 'Oktoberfest' festival in Alpine Helen, Georgia is one of the largest in the country. Come celebrate with us, Prost!!


Top Dining Experiences in Helen, Ga

Helen Ga Dining

Helen, GA offers a diverse range of dining options to satisfy various tastes and preferences. Here are some dining options you can explore in Helen:

Bavarian Cuisine: Embrace the town's Bavarian theme by indulging in authentic Bavarian cuisine. Several restaurants in Helen serve traditional German dishes such as bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, and pretzels. You can also savor German desserts like Black Forest cake or apple strudel. Some popular Bavarian restaurants in Helen include Bodensee Restaurant, Hofbrauhaus Restaurant, and The Troll Tavern.

American Fare: If you're in the mood for classic American comfort food, you'll find options in Helen as well. From burgers and fries to barbecue and sandwiches, there are restaurants that offer a wide variety of American dishes. Try the Old Bavaria Inn for a mix of German and American fare, or visit the Helen's Country Cafe for Southern-style cooking.

Seafood: Despite being located in the mountains, Helen offers seafood options for those craving fresh seafood dishes. You can enjoy shrimp, crab, oysters, and fish prepared in various styles, from grilled to fried. Try the Hofbrau Riverfront Hotel's restaurant, Paul's Steakhouse, for a selection of seafood options.

International Cuisine: In addition to German and American cuisine, Helen also features restaurants serving international flavors. You can find Italian restaurants offering pasta dishes and pizzas, Mexican eateries serving tacos and enchiladas, and Asian restaurants offering sushi, stir-fries, and more.

Cafés and Bakeries: Helen has several charming cafés and bakeries where you can grab a quick bite or enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee. These establishments often offer sandwiches, pastries, desserts, and a cozy atmosphere to relax in.

It's worth noting that some restaurants in Helen may have seasonal hours or limited operating days, so it's a good idea to check their availability before visiting.     

The Top 5 Restaurants in Helen, Ga!

Helen GA Restaurants
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Cimmi's Courtyard Cafe
8797 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545-2328
706-878-6037
Closed Tues
 X
X

Betty's Country Store
18 Yonah St, Helen, GA 30545-3120
706-878-2943
X
X
X
Spice 55 Thai And Sushi Restaurant
705 Brucken Strasse, Helen, GA 30545-3606
706-878-1010
Closed Tues

X
X
Mully's Nacoochee Grill
7277 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545-3616
706-878-1020
Closed Sun, Mon, Tues
 
 Sat Only
X
Muller's Famous Fried Cheese Cafe
60 Chattahoochee St, Helen, GA 30545-3502
706-892-1212
X
X
X

The story behind Alpine Helen Georgia

Helen, Georgia History

The little known history of the small mountain village of Alpine Helen. Georgia. Narrated by the late artist John Kollock


Helen Georgia - More Video Tours!

Helen, Georgia

Come and join us as we explore the wonderful little Alpine style town of Helen. This is a great little place to get into the Christmas spirit with their yearly Christmas market. Along with that we'll check out some fun places for an imported German beer, good German food and some local Georgian wine. Video: Explore by the Glass


Helen Georgia Weather

Helen Georgia Weather


Helen Georgia - TV and The Movies

Helen Georgia has been the site of motion pictures, made for TV movies and TV shows including:

Smokey and the Bandit (1977) includes a scene filmed on Chimney Mountain Rd. just outside of Helen.

In the episode "Helen" from Season 2: Robbin' Season of the television series Atlanta, main characters Vanessa and Earn visit Helen for a Fastnacht celebration.[15] The character Vanessa, played by Zazie Beetz, is from Helen and is fluent in German. The episode aired on March 22, 2018.

The Lifetime TV movie "Christmas Love Letter" was filmed in Helen and aired on December 21, 2019. Content: wikipedia

'2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen'

A great way to get a fun and informative overview of the culture, history and artistry of our little town!

Along this 1.9 mile easy-paced stroll, you will experience some the best sights, tastes and activities of Helen. You will also learn about how this amazing town became a worldwide tourist destination.

The approximate 2 hour walking tour, led by our local and friendly guides, is the perfect way to start your adventure in Helen!. [Book Online Here]

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