By Pam Guenther
If you’re looking for something a little different to do this year, I highly recommend a visit to Uhuburg Castle.
Located on about 45 acres near Helen, Georgia, the castle looks as though it has been standing there for centuries. In reality, construction began in 2008, and Uhuburg officially opened to the public in June 2023.
I had only recently heard about the castle, which was built by Bob Marthai, a former psychologist, retired tall ship captain and naval architect, along with a team of more than 80 workers. Since it is only a little more than an hour away, my hubby and I decided it was time to see it for ourselves.
I’m certainly glad we did.
After parking in a small, shady parking area, we purchased our tickets and soon boarded a shuttle for the short ride to the castle. When Uhuburg first came into view, it was every bit as stately and beautiful as I had hoped.
Fortunately, it wasn’t particularly crowded that day, so we were able to take our time exploring.
One of the first things that caught my attention was the beautiful landscaping, including fountains and a statue of “The Thinker.” Once through the main gate, however, I was amazed by the sheer size of the castle itself.
Walking paths wind through the grounds past flowers, gardens and numerous statues. The gardens feature different themes, including one devoted to carnivorous plants. Everywhere we turned, there seemed to be something interesting or beautiful to see.
Uhuburg is designed as a Renaissance-style castle and is sometimes referred to as the “Eagle Owl Castle.” The complex covers about 10 acres and includes 12 towers, an eight-story lookout tower and a tropical atrium. Its name combines “uhu,” the German word for eagle owl, with “burg,” meaning castle.
Despite the heat that day, I couldn’t wait to explore, so up we went to the top of the eight-story lookout tower.
The climb was worth it.
With hardly a cloud in the sky, the view from the top was spectacular. I also especially enjoyed seeing the gardens, vineyard and vegetable gardens. I was impressed to learn that edible plants grown on the property are put to use, including grapes that can be harvested and made into juice.
Stepping inside the main castle brought an entirely different experience. The large, open rooms created a wonderful feeling of grandeur — almost enough to make you feel a little like royalty yourself!
The stately chairs and decorative crowns that visitors can try on also made for some great photographs. The atrium was beautiful, with sunlight streaming through the glass, and we opted to take a guided tour. Our guide was knowledgeable and happy to share the story behind the castle.
There is plenty to explore outside as well.
One of the most interesting features is a roughly 1,300-foot mural wall designed to tell stories involving history, philosophy, cultures and religious beliefs. The project continues to grow as additional stories and ideas are added.
A Buddhist garden is also being developed around the concept of the Eightfold Path and the cultivation of wisdom. Throughout the property, Uhuburg seeks to explore four paths of idealism: Reflection, Nutrition, Nature and Celebration.
I could go on and on about everything there is to see, but Uhuburg offers more than simply touring the castle and grounds.
Special events throughout the year include Renaissance fairs, swordsmanship competitions, medieval music, Contra at the Castle and holiday celebrations featuring Father Christmas. The castle also offers accommodations for special occasions, including weddings, with a minimum stay required for its guest rooms.
Whether you are interested in history, architecture, gardens or simply want to spend a day doing something completely different, Uhuburg Castle is certainly worth considering.
And if you really want to get into the spirit of your visit, knights in armor are optional!