Bavarian bites, riverside ambiance, a castle and a mountain coaster beckon visitors to explore this North Georgia destination
ALPINE HELEN-WHITE COUNTY, GEORGIA–MAY 2026–The world arrives in Atlanta for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but visitors may escape the crowds and still enjoy global ambiance only an hour and a half away. The quaint town of Helen in the North Georgia Mountains offers Bavarian charm, food and culture within the natural paradise that exists in White County, including protected national forests, designated wilderness areas, state parks and scenic highways. It’s the perfect North Georgia Mountain getaway when it’s time for a peaceful, yet international-flavored retreat.
Soccer and stein
The quaint town of Helen dates to the Georgia Gold Rush in the 1800s but received a revitalization in the 1960s when local artist John Kollock reimagined the mountain hamlet as an Alpine village. Today, thousands visit Helen for its Bavarian-style breweries, restaurants and shops, enjoying authentic German beer, cuisine and music.
At Bodensee Restaurant, diners feel they’ve been transported to Europe enjoying Weiner Schnitzel and other German favorites created by Master Chef Aurel Prodan who lived and worked in Germany. Café International, situated on the lovely Chattahoochee River, serves up a variety of German dishes, including “the Best Reuben Ever!” The folks at Hofer’s of Helen Bakery and Café offer Bavarian recipes that have been passed down for generations, some of which have been featured on Food Network and the establishment listed as one of the “Top Restaurants in the World” by TripAdvisor. For more sweet treats, look for chocolates, fudges, ice cream and other candies at Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen.
Whether you’re staying at a cabin or campground and in search of sustenance or want to sample local favorite foods and grab a fun gift item, Betty’s Country Store is a must visit. It began in 1973 as a grocery—hence the place to stock up on supplies—but now sells thousands of homemade and specialty items, including the largest German beer selection in Georgia.
If a sampling is more your style—especially this time of year when the weather’s balmy and temperate—join Helen & Back Food Tours for an Alpine Pub Crawl or a Taste of Germany tour.
International meets Alpine
Live music happens weekly in Helen within the town’s many venues, and several times of year Helen hosts special events, including promoting its European roots with multicultural events. Helen is home to the South’s oldest balloon event and the U.S.’s longest distance hot air balloon race and its Helen Oktoberfest is the longest running of its kind in the United States with weeks of dancing, entertainment, food, and, of course, beer and wine.
Helen even has its own castle! Just a short drive from downtown and nestled in the mountains is Uhuburg, a Renaissance castle open for stays, tours and special events such as weddings. Uhuburg is pronounced much like the call of an owl (Ooo-Hoo-burg) and translated from German as Eagle Owl Castle.
Shopping in Helen means touring Bavaria as well, from Bavarian Clockworks and the Helen Hat Company to the Helen Arts and Heritage Center showcasing local artists and artisans within a building touting traditional German architecture.
Adventure between matches
Helen and White Country provides hours of outdoors fun, including trips to waterfalls, mountain biking and hiking through ancient mountain forests, which means there’s so much to enjoy between World Cup matches. Adventures range from a short 30-minute hike to Anna Ruby Falls in the Chattahoochee National Forest next to Unicoi State Park and “shooting the ’Hooch” with Cool River Tubing by tubing the Chattahoochee that runs right through town. Kick adrenaline up a notch with a ride down Georgia’s first and only mountain coaster. Visitors can even step onto the Appalachian Trail for a hike and bragging rights and Yonah Mountain, about 10 miles outside Helen, is one of the top three rock climbing spots in Georgia and a top spot for mountain biking. You’ll easily see why the area has been designated by the Georgia Legislature as “Georgia’s Official Outdoor Adventure Destination.”
If you go
Helen and White County offers a variety of accommodations, including hotels, bed and breakfasts and campgrounds. Remember to plan early, for metro Atlanta (and Helen) will fill up fast with arriving World Cup international and national visitors.