For over three decades, thousands of adventurers across France and beyond have been captivated by a treasure hunt that promised the grand prize of a golden owl. As of Thursday, this long-standing mystery came to a close. According to official social media channels linked to the hunt, the elusive token necessary to claim the treasure was finally discovered.
The end of this treasure hunt, known as “On the Trail of the Golden Owl,” marks a historic moment in the world of puzzles and scavenger hunts, leaving many participants with mixed emotions as they bid farewell to this adventure.
A Riddle-Based Treasure Hunt Spanning 31 Years
The hunt, initiated by the 1993 book “On the Trail of the Golden Owl,” challenged participants to solve 11 riddles and uncover a hidden 12th puzzle to locate the token. Thousands of players, called “owlers,” were drawn into this elaborate game, solving enigmas for over 30 years in hopes of discovering the treasure.
“Don’t go digging!” was the cautionary message that appeared on Discord, a platform with tens of thousands of followers dedicated to the hunt. “We confirm that the Golden Owl countermark was unearthed last night,” the post announced. This message, paired with emojis of sadness, brought closure to the decades-long journey.
The Golden Owl’s Unique Legacy
Artist Michel Becker designed the original prize—a stunning owl crafted from three kilograms of gold and seven kilograms of silver. Adorned with diamond chips, this treasure remains safely kept, with a replica buried for the hunt. The owl’s estimated value now stands at an impressive €150,000.
Author Régis Hauser, who wrote under the pen name Max Valentin, was the mastermind behind the riddles. Hauser’s death in 2009 added a layer of mystery to the hunt, leaving behind a community of over 200,000 “owlers” dedicated to solving the puzzles he created. Reflecting on Hauser’s legacy, Becker explained in a YouTube documentary that he had overseen the prize’s creation.
Reactions to the Hunt’s Conclusion
As news of the token’s discovery spread, “owlers” flocked to Discord to share their reactions. One user posted, “Time to get the tissues out,” while another lamented, “It’s the end of an era.” These reactions captured the bittersweet emotions of those who had dedicated years to the hunt.
A participant from southern France, who had spent his weekends searching for the owl for the past two years, expressed his feelings on France Inter radio: “I’m disappointed because I thought I was close, but simultaneously relieved that it’s stopping.”
French media outlets joined in marking the end of one of the world’s most extended unsolved treasure hunts, a pursuit that captured the imagination of thousands.
The Golden Owl’s Final Chapter
While the token’s discovery signals the end of an era, it also serves as a reminder of the excitement and dedication that the hunt inspired. Michel Becker reminds participants that digging on either public or private land is strictly prohibited without authorization.
As the solutions are being vetted, many will look back on this treasure hunt with nostalgia, knowing that the 31-year-long journey has finally ended.
The conclusion of “On the Trail of the Golden Owl” has left many treasure hunters feeling heartbroken and satisfied. The journey united a community of passionate solvers, and although the hunt is over, its legacy will continue to inspire those who dare to dream of treasure-filled adventures.