Experiencing Uhuburg
The Castle's unique features are worth a visit in itself, and there's plenty more to see and do throughout our open air grounds! Whether admiring the 360° view of the Blue Ridge Mountains from atop the Tower and castle walls or pondering the meaning of life amongst the philosophy murals, Uhuburg has something for you. In addition to exploring on your own, join our guided tours for the full experience.
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Hours
Saturdays 10:00 to 3:00*
Sundays 11:00 t0 3:00*
*Entrance closes at 2:00​
Weather
Day Visits at Uhuburg are mostly an outdoor experience, so check the weather and bring your coats and umbrellas if needed! We have some umbrellas on site for guests as well.
Day Visits are mostly an outdoor experience and include:
Your choice of arrival time between opening and 2:00
Free parking and shuttle service
Two levels of castle walls and so many towers
Two acres of gardens & grounds
A collection of castle games
Mural project on various religions & philosophies (more added every year!)
Two guided tour offerings
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Explore Uhuburg at your personal pace during open hours on your ticket date. Last entry is one hour before closing (Uhuburg typically closes at 3:00).
Explore the Grounds
Climb the Lookout Tower
Walk the upper castle wall promenade
See the Philosophical Murals
Contemplate at the Zen Garden
Find your match at Castle Games
Grab a snack at our refreshment table
Strike a pose in the Gazebo
Sit, relax, and enjoy the view
Join the Guided Tours
Highlights of Uhuburg: Learn about the murals, architecture, and gardens. Departs from the Red Gates once an hour.
45 to 60 minutes
Great Hall & Tropical Atrium: Take passage through the Great Hall and into the atrium full of interesting plants.
Departs twice per hour from the Great Hall back entrance.
15 minutes
Enjoy the Gardens
Carnivorous Bog
Ponds (with tadpoles & coi!)
Odiferous Garden
​Native Garden
Eightfold Path
Produce Gardens
Greenhouse
Vineyard
Interior Tropical Atrium (a must see! Short tours offered all day)
Note: Not all areas are open to the public all the time due to maintenance, weather, private uses and special events.
Need to Know Information
Please review the following information to know what to expect on your visit:
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What do I do at Uhuburg? Guests tour Uhuburg in a museum style format, experiencing various features and areas at your own pace with the option of joining our two guided tours, both of which are offered throughout public hours. We recommend joining the guided tours as well as exploring on your own. Make sure to walk the upper castle wall and climb the Lookout Tower!
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Can I buy food at the castle? We have a small selection of refreshments available via cash and Venmo in the back of the Great Hall. Bottled water is also available on the shuttle. Additionally, you may bring your own food & beverage.
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Docents (guides) can be found around the grounds to answer questions and share information.
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How long do people stay? Suggested time for a visit is 2 hours.
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Pets are not allowed on the grounds at this time.
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Where do I park? Guests park at our lower level and take the Uhuburg shuttle up to the grounds and back again at the end of your visit. Uhuburg staff are stationed at the lower level to assist with parking and for guest check-in. Personal belongings in vehicles are left at your own risk.
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Classical statues: Our statues are that of a classic nature and some celebrate the human body.
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Leave no trace: Please enjoy the grounds by looking instead of touching and please leave no trace. We ask guests to stay on the paths and in designated areas for the public.
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Guests will be escorted off the grounds without refund if climbing on statues or castle walls, defacing mural artwork or any castle structures, causing damage to garden plantings, entering ponds and/or exhibiting other similar behaviors that may be unsafe or disrespectful to Uhuburg grounds, guests, and staff.​​
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Location & Logistics
Location
Parking
​Parking is available at our lower level off of Ridge Road. A shuttle bus will take visitors up to the castle from this parking area.
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Accessibility
The castle grounds and walls are partially wheelchair accessible. An ADA compliant bathroom is available in the Great Hall. More information is in our FAQ's.
Finding Our Entrance
We are located at 571 Ridge Road in Helen, Georgia, USA. Look for red and white flags marking our entrance on the day of your visit (flags are only out during open hours).
The castle is not visible from the road. The driveway is on the South side of Ridge Road, about half a mile from either end of the road. After turning into our entrance, slowly proceed through the green metal gates under the watchful eye of an owl statue mounted on a cairn. Uhuburg staff will greet you and direct you to parking.
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 our entrance on the left.
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From points South & Southwest:
From route 129, head north on route 75a for about 8 miles. Turn right onto Ridge Road for about 1 mile. Look for our entrance on the right.
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Bookings, Accommodations & Events
Photoshoots
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