The world’s longest treasure hunt, “On the Trail of the Golden Owl” (Chouette d’Or), ended in France in October 2024 after 31 years, with the discovery of a buried bronze replica of the iconic golden owl statue, culminating a quest based on a 1993 book of riddles that captivated tens of thousands of searchers, known as “Owlers“. Organizer Michel Becker confirmed the finding on October 3, 2024, ending the hunt that began with creator Max Valentin’s intricate puzzles, with the winner set to exchange the replica for the actual gold, silver, and diamond-studded owl statue.
This video shows the reaction of the treasure hunters after the announcement:
Key Details of the Hunt:
- Origin: Launched in 1993 in France by Max Valentin, who created 11 complex riddles in a book.
- Goal: Find the buried bronze owl replica, which would lead to the actual prize—a valuable golden owl statue.
- Participants: Tens of thousands of enthusiasts, called “Owlers,” worldwide followed the clues.
- Organizer: After Valentin’s death, co-creator Michel Becker took over the project.
- Conclusion: On October 3, 2024, Becker announced the replica was unearthed and the solution submitted, ending the 31-year search.
- Prize: The original statue is made of gold, silver, and diamonds, valued at approximately $150,000-$165,000.
- Legacy: The hunt spawned significant online communities and related literature, becoming a legendary scavenger hunt.
Watch this video to learn more about the history of the Golden Owl treasure hunt:
The world’s longest treasure hunt has come to an end after the buried statue of the Golden Owl was unearthed after 31 years.
The organiser Michel Becker posted a message on the treasure hunt’s official site which read, “We confirm that the Golden Owl countermark was unearthed last night, simultaneously with a solution uploaded to the online verification system.”
“It is therefore useless to go digging on the location you assume to be the cache,” he added.
The identity of the winner as well as the location of the Golden Owl, where it was buried, is yet to be announced.
Tens of thousands of people have taken part in the search, reported BBC.
Michel Becker took over the operation after the passing away of its creator Max Valentin. Valentin has set out 11 complicated puzzles in the first book. These clues are supposed to lead to a point in France, where a bronze replica of the actual Golden Owl will be found under the ground and whoever finds it will be given the original Golden OwlAs per reports, the value of the Golden Owl is estimated to be $150,000.
After the news of the discovery, the treasure-hunters erupted in joy and came out on the treasure hunt’s Discord forum.
“Finally – liberated!” said a user.
“I didn’t think I’d live to see the day,” said another user. “It’s like Covid. So good when it’s over.”
A third user commented, “Curiously, I’m relieved. I’m desperate to know the solutions now to see if I was on the right path.”
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