Experience 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.
​
Day Visit Hours
Late Fall Schedule
Day Visit tickets are currently available through the end of December. Please see our ticket calendar for specifics, as Uhuburg is open on Saturdays, Thanksgiving Friday, and only some Sundays in the later fall and winter. Day Visits are closed in January, but Uhuburg will be hosting our 3rd annual CastleFaire January 16-19! Day Visit availability is added on a rolling basis.​
Friday, Nov 28 10:00 to 3:00pm*
Saturdays 10:00 to 3:00pm*
Sunday, Nov 23 11:00 to 3:00pm*
*Entrance closes at 2:00
Special Events
Friday, Nov 28 ~ Open for Thanksgiving
Dec 20 & 21 ~ Father Christmas at the Castle ~ Gallery from 2024
Jan 16-19 ~ CastleFaire
Weather
Day Visits at Uhuburg are mostly an outdoor experience, so check the weather and bring your sun hats, sunscreen, and umbrellas if needed! Guest umbrellas are available on site for rain or sun.
What are Day Visits?
Explore Uhuburg at your personal pace during Day Visit public hours. Arrive anytime between opening hour and 2:00. Grounds are open until 3:00.​​ Tickets are required and each purchase supports our community services.
​​
Day Visits are primarily an outdoor experience. Dress for the season!
​Tickets include:​
Your choice of arrival time between opening and 2:00
Free parking and shuttle service
Uhuburg Quest: Complete the quest and earn a trinket to take home!
Two and a half acres of gardens & grounds (perfect for picnics!)
Two levels of castle walls to walk
Philosophical mural walk (more murals added every year)
Various towers to climb with mountain views
A collection of castle games
Royal Portraits (props available!) in the Great Hall
Two guided tours: Highlights of Uhuburg and Interior Tropical Atrium
Concessions available for purchase in the Great Hall
Uhuburg Gift Shop (temporarily closed, reopening again soon)
​
​​ Frequently Asked Questions
Join the Guided Tours
Highlights of Uhuburg: Featuring highlights of the philosophical murals, medieval architecture, and gardens. Departs from the Red Gates once an hour.
45 to 60 minutes
Great Hall & Tropical Atrium: Join a Docent to enter the Drawing Room and Tropical Atrium with features described along the way.
Departs twice per hour from the Great Hall.
15 minutes
Need to Know Information
Please review the following information to know what to expect on your visit:
-
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!
-
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.
-
Docents (guides) can be found around the grounds to answer questions and share information.
-
How long do people stay? Suggested time for a visit is 2 hours.
-
Pets are not allowed on the grounds at this time.
-
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.
-
Classical statues: Our statues are that of a classic nature and some celebrate the human body.
-
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.
-
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.​​
-
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.
​
Accessibility
The castle grounds and walls are partially wheelchair accessible. An ADA compliant bathroom is available in the Great Hall. Read more in 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.
​
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.
​​
Bookings, Accommodations & Events
Photoshoots
The castle is calling for your fairytale photoshoot See More
