Golden Owl Treasure Found in Dabo, Moselle
Golden Owl Treasure Hunt Ends After 32 Years; Prize Found in Dabo, France
DABO, France (AP) — The decades-long quest for the golden owl, a massive treasure hunt that captivated thousands, concluded in October in the village of Dabo, located in the Moselle region of eastern France, according to one of the enigma’s co-creators. The announcement, made Friday, comes thirty-two years after the hunt’s inception.
Michel Becker, who took over the treasure hunt in 2021, has been managing the aftermath since the treasure’s location was discovered between the night of Oct.2 and 3, 2024. He has been releasing information sparingly to maintain the interest of those still involved.
The exact location of the discovery had been kept under wraps. Access to the information required booking and paying for one of 500 viewings of a 1 hour and 10 minute documentary, The Discovery of the Golden Owl, which was shown only on Friday and Saturday.
According to organizers speaking to Agence France-Presse on Friday evening, the film reveals Dabo as the location where many participants had attempted to dig. They also announced the launch of a new season of the treasure hunt.
The Origins of the Golden Owl Quest
The legendary hunt for the golden owl began in April 1993, conceived by Régis Hauser, who used the pseudonym Max Valentin. Hauser, who died in 2009, buried a bronze owl statuette. Its location was to be persistent by solving eleven puzzles presented in the book On the Trail of the Golden Owl.
Finding the replica owl entitled the winner to the actual golden owl,a sculpture weighing ten kilograms and made of precious metals. Michel Becker designed the owl, and a goldsmith produced it. Its initial estimated value was one million francs (150,000 euros).
After a lengthy dispute between Becker and Hauser’s heirs, the game was relaunched in 2021, incorporating new clues on the Discord social network.
the World with AFP contributed to this report.
The Golden Owl Treasure Hunt: A 32-Year Quest Comes to an End
Are you fascinated by treasure hunts adn unsolved mysteries? Then you’ll be intrigued by the story of the Golden Owl treasure hunt! This article delves into the details of this captivating quest, answering your most pressing questions.
What Exactly Was the Golden Owl Treasure Hunt?
The Golden Owl treasure hunt was a decades-long enigma that began in April 1993, conceived by Régis Hauser, who used the pseudonym Max Valentin. The goal was to find a bronze owl statuette buried somewhere in France. Solving 11 puzzles presented in the book “On the Trail of the Golden Owl” would lead to the discovery of the owl’s location.
Where and When Did the golden Owl Treasure Hunt End?
The hunt concluded in October 2024. The prize was discovered in the village of Dabo, located in the Moselle region of eastern france.
Who Was Involved in Creating the Treasure Hunt?
The treasure hunt was the brainchild of Régis Hauser, who used the pseudonym “Max Valentin.” Michel Becker, the designer of the golden owl, took over managing the hunt in 2021.
What Was the Prize for finding the Golden Owl?
The winner of the hunt would find the real golden Owl. This sculpture weighed 10 kilograms and was made of precious metals.
How Much Was the Golden Owl Worth?
The Golden Owl had an initial estimated value of one million francs, which is equivalent to 150,000 euros.
How Did Participants Discover the Location?
The exact location was revealed in a documentary called “The Discovery of the Golden Owl,” shown only on Friday and Saturday, and required booking and paying for one of 500 viewings.
Why did the Treasure Hunt Take So Long?
The hunt was launched in 1993, which means it took 31 years to find the golden owl. The original source of information states,”The decades-long quest […] concluded” indicating a lengthy period.
What Happened After the Treasure’s Discovery?
After the treasure’s location was discovered, Michel Becker, who took over the hunt in 2021, has been managing the aftermath and releasing information sparingly to maintain interest.
What’s Next for the golden Owl?
Organizers speaking to Agence France-Presse on Friday evening announced the launch of a new season of the treasure hunt.
What were the Major Players in the Golden Owl treasure Hunt?
Here’s a fast summary of the key people involved:
| Role | Name(s) | Key Contribution |
| :———————— | :————————— | :————————————————– |
| Original Creator | Régis Hauser (max Valentin) | Conceived the Golden Owl treasure hunt and puzzles. |
| Owl Designer | Michel Becker | Designed the Golden Owl sculpture. |
| Aftermath Manager | Michel Becker | Managed the treasure hunt in 2021 and after the discovery. |