Just because a place is tiny, it does not mean it is insignificant. Helvetia is one such town. The best thing about this town is its unique history: It is the only Swiss village in West Virginia.

In the years following the Civil War, a group of Swiss and German immigrants left Brooklyn for a quiet place to settle down.
YouTube/Steve Hamm
The group, who called themselves Grütliverein, founded Helvetia in 1869. Despite the wild foliage of the land, which would require a lot of work to clear, the price of the land was too good to pass up.
A few years later, in 1871, a man named C.E. Lutz became the local land agent and brought in more residents, some directly from Switzerland.
Today, this tiny town has a population of 59 people (according to the last census) and the residents have maintained all their Swiss heritage, traditions and folkways.
YouTube/Steve Hamm
A walk through the town will lead you to structures that have clearly stood since the early days of the town.

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You will definitely want to pay a visit to Husse Swiss Restaurant and try their traditional foods, such as their bratwurst, sauerkraut and applesauce.
YouTube/Steve Hamm
While there, be sure to visit their historic district, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Another must see is their mask museum, which has traditional masks generally reserved for Fasnacht, an annual festival similar to Mardi Gras. It is held on the last Saturday before Lent.
YouTube/Steve Hamm


Their other festivals include the West Virginia Maple Syrup Festival, Helvetia Ramp Supper, Swiss National Holiday, Helvetia Bliss Fest, Helvetia Community Fair and Helvetia Day. To learn more about Helvetia and their festivals, including dates, visit the official website here.
YouTube/Harley K.


Ultimately, what makes Helvetia the best place in the state is its complete uniqueness. There is no other town like it in West Virginia.

Have you been to Helvetia? Feel free to comment below and tell us about your visit.

To learn more about West Virginia, check out these 10 reasons why small town West Virginia is actually the best place to grow up.

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