German Import Shops
Cuckoo clocks, steins, nutcrackers and a few surprises along Main Street
The short answer
Where to buy German goods in Helen
Helen has been selling German-style goods since the village took on its Alpine look in the late 1960s, and a few shops still specialize in the real thing: Black Forest cuckoo clocks, beer steins, nutcrackers and handcrafted gifts. These are the importers worth a stop, with addresses and phones taken from the shops' own listings on helenga.org.
| Shop | Address | Phone | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lindenhaus Imports | 8669 N Main St, Helen | 706-878-2357 | Cuckoo clocks, beer steins, nutcrackers, Christmas decorations, Russian nesting dolls and hat pins |
| Bavarian Clockworks | 8065 S Main St, Helen | 800-950-6753 | Black Forest cuckoo clocks, clock repair, beer steins, Alpine wooden crafts |
| Windmill Dutch Imports | 8660 N Main St, Helen | 706-878-3444 | Dutch imports: Royal Delft, wooden shoes, chocolate and licorice; open 7 days |
| The Christmas Shoppe | 8749 N Main St, Helen | 706-878-1012 | European ornaments and nutcrackers; seasonal, closed Tue-Wed |
What to look for
Cuckoo clocks
Bavarian Clockworks says it has the largest display of authentic Black Forest cuckoo clocks in North America, and it repairs clocks in house. Ask whether a clock is a weight-driven mechanical movement or battery quartz before you buy.
Beer steins
Lindenhaus Imports and Bavarian Clockworks both list steins. Look for a Made in Germany mark on the bottom and ask how the lid and hinge are attached.
Nutcrackers and Christmas decor
Lindenhaus carries nutcrackers and Christmas decorations, and the seasonal Christmas Shoppe adds Steinbach nutcrackers and European ornaments.
Something Dutch
Windmill Dutch Imports takes a different turn: Royal Delft pottery, wooden shoes, Dutch and Indonesian foods, chocolate and licorice.
Shop with the calendar
These shops are busiest on Oktoberfest weekends (through November 1 this year), during the Christmas Market weekends of November 28-29 and December 5-6, and around Fasching in winter. For a quieter browse, go on a weekday morning. Ask each shop about shipping before you commit to a big or fragile piece, since policies vary.
Park once and walk the blocks between the shops. Our parking guide shows which lots are free.
Quick questions
Where can I buy a real cuckoo clock in Helen?
Bavarian Clockworks at 8065 S Main St (800-950-6753) specializes in Black Forest cuckoo clocks and repairs, and Lindenhaus Imports at 8669 N Main St (706-878-2357) also carries them.
Are the German goods in Helen actually imported?
The specialty shops say they carry German-made goods, but many souvenir shops sell Bavarian-style items made elsewhere. Look for a Made in Germany mark and ask the staff where something was made.
What are the shops' hours?
They vary by shop and season. Windmill Dutch Imports lists seven days a week; call ahead for the others.
Can I ship a big purchase home?
Ask at the register. Shipping policies differ from shop to shop.
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