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All the United States West Virginia Randolph County Helvetia

Helvetia

In 1869, Swiss and German immigrants settled in this small town in the mountains of West Virginia.

Randolph County, West Virginia

Added By
Reagan Castleman
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Cabin in Helvetia   Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress
Helvetia shield sign   Andrew Bain / Public Domain
The history of Helvetia.   readayy / Atlas Obscura User
A sign that points to different places to visit.   readayy / Atlas Obscura User
The general store where you can purchase local cheese.   readayy / Atlas Obscura User
  readayy / Atlas Obscura User
The Hütte Restaurant - a must-do for foodies   readayy / Atlas Obscura User
The public library, where the community holds meetings.   readayy / Atlas Obscura User
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About

In 1869, Swiss and German immigrants settled in the mountains of West Virginia. They brought their traditions with them and have kept them alive throughout the years. Every year they host Fasnacht, the Helvetia Fair, and a Ramp Supper. Fasnacht is a German tradition that started as a celebration of the end of the Catholic Lent. It has taken on its own Appalachian flair and now the town uses it as a way to celebrate the end of a harsh winter.

One place that is a must-visit is the Hütte Restaurant. It is a place where you can get traditional Swiss food. The special food of the area is a locally produced cheese called the Appalachian Alpine Cheese or Helvetia Swiss Cheese. You can get it prepared in a variety of ways at the Hütte Restaurant or pick it up from the general store just a few steps down the road.

A draw of the area is its Swiss charm. The buildings are all beautifully hand-crafted wooden homes with great attention paid to detail. There is a path by the Hütte Restaurant that leads you past more of the beautiful homes and places to stay. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the area's beauty and all the wonderful nature surrounding it.

Related Tags

Appalachia History & Culture Immigration

Know Before You Go

Most cell phones do not receive service in Helvetia, and GPS is not reliable. We suggest you download maps to your mobile or follow the directions below.  Given the rural nature of the village, there are no ATMs and the nearest gas station is in Pickens, West Virginia, five miles south of Helvetia. There is a pay phone near the Helvetia Star Band Hall.

From Morgantown & North: I-79 to Weston (Exit 99) and take Rt 33 East to Buckhannon. Take Rt. 20 South 12 miles to WV Wildlife Center, turn left onto Alexander/Helvetia Road. Follow signs 20 miles to Helvetia.

From Elkins: Rt. 219 South 16 miles to Mill Creek, turn right onto Mill Street. Follow signs 20 miles to Helvetia.

From Charleston & South: I-79N to Flatwoods (Exit 67). Take Rt. 19 North 20 miles to Ireland then Rt. 4 East (toward Rock Cave). Go 6 miles through Rock Cave to the WV Wildlife Center, turn right on the Alexander/Helvetia Road. Follow signs 20 miles to Helvetia.

Community Contributors

Added By

readayy

Edited By

Osage, Michelle Cassidy

  • Osage
  • Michelle Cassidy

Published

March 17, 2023

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  • https://www.helvetiawv.com/
Helvetia
Randolph County, West Virginia, 26234
United States
38.705939, -80.201188
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Nearby Places

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of West Virginia

West Virginia

United States

Places 112
Stories 10

Nearby Places

Cass Scenic Railroad

Cass, West Virginia

miles away

Glady Tunnel

Bowden, West Virginia

miles away

Blenko Man

Weston, West Virginia

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of West Virginia

West Virginia

United States

Places 112
Stories 10

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