Bavarian Alpine village

Helen - Georgia Bavarian Alpine village

Helen is a city in White County, Georgia, United States, along the Chattahoochee River. The city resurrected itself by becoming a replica of a Bavarian alpine town, in the Appalachians instead of the Alps. This design is mandated through zoning first adopted in 1969, so that the classic south-German style is present on every building.

Helen, a Bavarian Alps replica town in Appalachian Georgia, is home to an Oktoberfest for the ages, overflowing with two-liter beer glasses and Germany's famous bratwursts. The Chattahoochee River flows gently through Helen, a re-creation of a Bavarian Alpine village, complete with cobblestone streets. Local history is linked to the Cherokee Indians and early settlers who came to mine for gold and work in the lumber industry.

Helen now has more than 200 specialty and import shops offering everything from candle making and glass blowing to cuckoo clocks and quilts. Dining options range from traditional German fare to traditional Southern.

A favorite getaway is Unicoi State Park with trails for hiking and biking as well as swimming and boating on Unicoi Lake. Stop for a wine tasting at Habersham Winery or for some "Georgia Ice-Cream," otherwise known as grits, at Nora Mill Granary.

Recreation is in abundance with fly-fishing, golfing, horseback riding, River tubing and paddling. Attractions include Charlemagne's Kingdom, Scarlet's Secret, the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway and waterfalls.