A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Thursday, June 1 for one of Alpine Helen’s newest and most unique attractions.
Uhuburg, the Eagle Owl Castle, is now open for tours.
It took the owners, Bob and Janine Marthai, 14 years to build. They used modern construction materials and relied on European designs. The castle and its neatly landscaped gardens are enclosed within a high castle wall encircling the property on top of a mountain about two miles north of downtown Helen.
There are walkways throughout the property. Eight flights of stairs will carry you to the top of Lookout Tower, where you can catch stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Murals painted by local artists adorn the courtyard walls, and the Great Hall, with its high vaulted ceiling, makes an impressive gathering space. Visitors can book the indoor tropical atrium, ballroom, and banquet areas for special events, and soon, chamber rooms will be available to rent for overnight stays.
A dream come true
Uhuburg Castle is more than a spectacle and tourist venue; it’s a dream come true for Bob Marthai.
A former psychologist, naval architect, and retired tall ship captain, Marthai dreamed of building a castle in the North Georgia mountains to share what he has found to be important for “the good life.”
He is supported in his dream and endeavors by his wife, Janine, a bookkeeper and avid gardener. Their daughter Naomi is a former eighth-grade teacher. She now works as the castle’s event manager, muralist, web designer, gardener, and assistant administrator.
The castle officially opened to the public on May 20.
“We are grateful for the more than 70 workers, volunteers, trade folks, donors, and inspectors who helped build Uhuburg from foundation to tower,” says Bob.
An owl’s eye view of the Blue Ridge
The castle’s website explains the origins of its name, which comes from the largest owl in the world – the Eurasian Owl. In German, this owl is named Uhu, which translates to Eagle Owl in English. Burg is the German word for castle. Combining those words into Uhuburg, the English translation is Eagle Owl Castle.
The pronunciation is easier than the explanation. It’s pronounced Ooo-Hoo-burg, much like the call of an owl.
It’s a fitting name considering the aerial views the turrets and wall walks provide high above Helen, just on the outskirts of town.
Here, architecture, lifestyle, and philosophy come together in stunning juxtaposition, from the castle gates and walls to the castellation at the top of the towers to the beautifully landscaped gardens, grounds, and walking trails.
Marthai envisioned the castle as a place where people could explore nature’s beauty, discover new things, and celebrate life.
Guests can enjoy self-guided tours of the grounds at their own pace. Guides are available to answer questions.
Tours and directions
Since opening last month, Naomi Marthai says they’ve received a good response.
“Guests have enjoyed being at ‘an actual castle,’ as they say.”
She adds visitors have especially enjoyed “seeing the views from the upper rampart wall walk and Lookout Tower.” They’ve also enjoyed joining the guided tours about architectural features, philosophical murals, and the interior tropical atrium.
The castle is now open on weekends. Tours are available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
If you plan to visit Uhuburg Castle, you may want to consider making reservations ahead of time. General admission tours may be reserved online at www.Uhuburg.com. Walkups are also accepted.
The suggested length of stay is 1.5 to 2 hours. Guests can join guided tours about castle features and murals periodically throughout the day. Start times and meeting places are posted around the grounds.
The last entry onto the grounds is one hour before closing.
Directions: Uhuburg Castle is located at 571 Ridge Road. From downtown Helen, head west on North Main Street/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 the green metal gates on the left.
