There are a lot of towns in this world known for their holidays. On St. Paddy’s, there’s no better place to be than Boston. For Thanksgiving, there’s no other place to be than New York and the Macy’s Parade. And for an Oktoberfest done right, Helen GA is where it’s at.
There are a lot of towns in this world known for their holidays. On St. Paddy’s, there’s no better place to be than Boston. For Thanksgiving, there’s no other place to be than New York at the Macy’s Parade. And for an Oktoberfest done right, Helen GA is where it’s happening.
Helen proudly boasts the longest Oktoberfest celebration in the world, running from the middle of September all the way through the end of October – including Halloween! That’s more than a full month of the greatest in German food, entertainment, and of course, beer!
Helen, of course, is known throughout the area, and around the world, for its stunning recreation of classic Bavarian living, right here in the backyard of America! With the Appalachians standing in for the Alpines (hey, close enough) we’ve got all the charming old-world wood-and-stone architecture you could want!
During Oktoberfest, that proud German heritage shines through and through the town, making every shop and restaurant an exceptional experience during this beloved holiday.
If there’s a trip to Helen in your future, here are just a few of the reasons it should happen during Oktoberfest!
Why Helen Is THE Place To Be For Oktoberfest
1. Opening Day Parade
Helen has her parade, and it’s a doozy! Every year, we kick off Oktoberfest with a massive city-wide celebration. The whole town rolls out for days of nearly nonstop parties, dancing, songs, and -yes- quite a lot of beer-drinking. (Please drink responsibly.)
The Bavarian vibe is never stronger than on the opening day of Oktoberfest, and it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Even better, since it’s happening all over town, there are no tickets or reservations to be made. No matter where you’re staying in Helen, you’ll be part of the action when Oktoberfest gets underway. This party includes everyone in town!
2. The Helen Festhalle
The Oktoberfest spirit is all over Helen, but its heart is at The Festhalle. Helen’s central hall turns into a Germanic palace, with long tables serving up family-style dinners while a nonstop parade of live music plays. There’s singing, dancing, activities, and more beer than you could ever drink. Really.
The Festhalle is also located alongside the scenic Chattahoochee River, providing a marvelous backdrop for all the activities. If the action inside gets too much, all it takes is a few minutes in the fresh, cooler autumn air and you’ll be ready for more.
The Festhalle is loud and raucous and exactly what party-hungry Helen visitors need to get into the Oktoberfest seriously.
3. The Bodensee Restaurant
For the best in German dining in Helen, look no further than the Bodensee. While Helen is full of incredible opportunities for eating, nowhere else in town can boast an actual European Master Chef, trained in some of the old world’s finest schools. Some of Master Chef Aurel Prodan’s specialties include:
- Ribeye Steak Grilled with Roasted Onion and Bacon
- Gypsy Schnitzel with Paprika, Mushrooms, Onions and Spicy Red Sauce
- Fresh Mountain Trout Pan Fried with Almonds and Dill Sauce
- Chicken Schnitzel Breaded and Fried
- Sauerbraten with Potato Dumplings and Red Cabbage
- Hungarian Goulash with Spaetzels
Or, bring at least one more person and try the Sampler Platter. It’s the best and most authentic German food in Helen and a true staple of the area.
4. King Ludvig’s Biergarten
There are more places to stop for a drink in Helen during Oktoberfest than you could shake a meter-long stein at, but our favorite is King Ludvig’s. Nestled in the middle of town, under some of our most charming architecture, King Ludvig’s offers a surprising range of beers and treats for its small size. There’s usually several beers on tap, as well as a wide variety of brews both local and imported.
While you’re enjoying the Biergarten, order a giant pretzel and cheese sauce! They’re some of the best in town, made hot and fresh right there at Ludvig’s.
Still Can’t Get Enough Of Helen’s Oktoberfest?
There’s far more to do in Helen this October than we could cram into a blog post. If you’re coming for the fall season, we invite you to download our free ebook Tips For Oktoberfest in Helen!
And while you’re here, why not stay in style in a fabulous luxury cabin? Cedar Creek is only minutes away from Helen, while allowing you peaceful nights of quiet if you want to get away from the party. After all, Helen in Oktoberfest can get a little noisy.
Give us a call or reserve your room if you’d like to feel the stars over your head, and hear the wind whistling through the trees.
