Main street Helen Georgia

Things to Do in Helen Georgia: 3 Day Oktoberfest Itinerary

There are many amazing things to do in Helen Georgia. In fact, nearly six million people visit Helen Georgia each year for its Oktoberfest celebrations. Helen is a Bavarian village in northern Georgia less than 1.5 hours north of Atlanta. The city was revitalized in the 1960s to resemble an Alpine village in the Appalachia Mountains. It is now the third most visited city in Georgia. You will find cobblestone streets, half-timbered architecture, over 200 specialty shops, and authentic German food and beer. Adventure lovers can hike, mountain bike, zipline, and go white water rafting. 

Main street Helen Georgia
Main street Helen Georgia

One of Helen’s must-see attractions is the Bavarian Village’s Main Street. If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, be sure to visit the Stovall Mill Covered Bridge. If you love spending time outdoors and adventure sports you will not want to miss the nearby waterfalls. As you can see, you will have no problem filling your long weekend in Helen Georgia with amazing experiences. Enjoy your time out of the office!

READ 100 Things to Do in Atlanta Georgia, a Bucket List City

Toccoa Falls Helen Georgia
Toccoa Falls

How to Spend 3 Days in Helen Georgia During Oktoberfest

Day One: Arrival and Festhalle

Arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and pick up your rental car. Drive 1.5 hours toward your hotel in Helen Georgia. Check into your hotel and head to the Helen Festhalle in the village for a German meal (and beer).

If you arrive early enough in the day, add a stop at Amicalola Falls State Park on the way to Helen, you won’t be disappointed in this waterfall.

Be sure to book your lodging early if you plan to visit during Oktoberfest. I stayed at Nacoochee Valley Rentals. It was inexpensive and close to the village.

Day Two: Anna Ruby Falls and Helen Georgia

Enjoy a morning hike to Anna Ruby Falls. Stop by the Stovall Mill Covered Bridge and Old Sautee Store on your way back to town. Consider a Hardman Farm Historic Site tour or a wine tasting stop at Habersham Winery.

Spend the rest of the day in Helen eating schnitzel, drinking beer, and wandering the Bavarian town.

Habersham Winery Helen Georgia
Wine tasting at Habersham Winery

Day Three: Helton Creek Falls

Take a morning drive on the Russell–Brasstown Scenic Byway stopping by Dukes Creek Falls on the way to Helton Creek Falls. Take a short walk to the viewing platform or spend some time hiking in the area.

Return to Helen for more schnitzel and beer. Consider playing a round of Alpine mini golf or riding the Alpine coaster. Check the list of additional things to do in Helen Georgia for more ideas on how to spend your time.

Day Four: Minnehaha Falls and Return Flight

Enjoy a morning hike to Minnehaha Falls. If time allows, also stop by Tallulah Falls and/or Toccoa Falls before returning to Atlanta for your return flight.

Minnehaha Falls Helen Georgia
Minnehaha Falls

Things to do in Helen Georgia During Oktoberfest

  • Eat schnitzel, spaetzle, brats and pretzels with beer cheese
  • Relax with a German beer in a biergarten
  • Take a walk down Main Street and photograph the Bavarian Village
  • See where Cabbage Patch kids are born at the Babyland General Hospital
  • Get your adrenaline pumping on the Georgia Mountain Coaster
  • Spend a day river tubing on the Chattahoochee River
  • Play a Bavarian Village themed game of mini-golf
  • Check out the German themed model train display at Charlemagne’s Kingdom
  • Grab a coffee and head to the Helen Trail for a morning stroll
  • Visit the Nora Mill Granary and buy a souvenir mix
  • Enjoy wine tasting at Habersham Winery
  • Take an old-time photo
  • Mine for treasures at the Outpost Gold and Gem Mining Co
  • Take the Taste of Germany or Alpine Pub Crawl
  • Float down the 1,000-foot lazy river at the Helen Waterpark
  • Browse the Alpine Festival of Arts and Crafts and the Old Sautee Store for souvenirs
  • Check out the 40+ dealers at the Nacoochee Village Antique Mall
  • Tour the Hardman Farm and see the Nacoochee Indian Mound
  • Zipline through Unicoi State Park
  • Enjoy a cocktail with a view at Valhalla Resort Sky Bar
  • Stop at Betty’s Country Store and grab picnic supplies
  • See the Stovall Mill Covered Bridge
  • Fish for trout in the Chattahoochee River
  • Take a trail ride along the river with Chattahoochee Stables
  • Drive the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway stopping at the overlooks
  • Check out the mountain views from the Brasstown Bald observation tower
  • Chase waterfalls: Amicalola Falls, Helton Creek Falls, Dukes Creek Falls, Anna Ruby Falls, Minnehaha Falls, Tallulah Falls, or Toccoa Falls
  • Go for a swim at Wildcat Creek Sliding Rock
  • Kayak and canoe on Unicoi Lake
  • Go white water rafting on the Chattahoochee River
Old Sautee Store Helen Georgia
Stop for souvenirs at Old Sautee Store

Have more time? Spend a day or two in Atlanta Georgia or explore the Georgia wine trail.

Be sure to check the Helen Chamber of Commerce website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

Booking Resources for Helen Georgia

Georgia Travel Guide Books

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Helen Georgia Attractions and Day Tours

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Travel Essentials

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Have a great vacation!