The World’s Longest Treasure Hunt Has Finally Ended After 31 Years

The world’s longest-running treasure hunt has finally reached its anticipated conclusion after more than three decades of intrigue. 

Tens of thousands of participants joined the quest to uncover a bronze owl—an exact replica of a golden statue hidden in 1993. To unlock the treasure, they had to solve 12 intricate riddles from a specially published puzzle book.

A 31-Year Treasure Hunt That Captivated the World

The treasure hunt, On the Trail of the Golden Owl, enchanted puzzle enthusiasts across France and beyond. Launched in 1993 with a riddle-filled book, this extraordinary adventure promised a golden owl sculpture worth an estimated $165,000, according to CNN. After 31 years of relentless searching, the hunt's official social media confirmed on a Thursday morning that the coveted bronze token had finally been unearthed.

Photo Credit: Michel Becke

“We confirm that the replica of the golden owl was dug up last night, and that simultaneously a solution has been sent on the online verification system,” read an announcement on the official chatline for the hunt. “It is therefore now pointless traveling to dig at any place you believe the cache might be situated.”

The post was shared by Michel Becker, the illustrator of the original Golden Owl book and the sculptor of the hidden statuette in 1993.

The Origins of the World’s Longest Treasure Hunt

The treasure hunt attracted thousands of seekers from all over France, each hoping to claim the grand prize. Participants had to solve 11 riddles from the puzzle book and the elusive 12th riddle, which was hidden within the previous clues, to pinpoint the owl’s location. Some treasure hunters even resorted to unconventional methods, such as witchcraft and deep-dive research, to find the bronze owl.

The use of metal detectors was strictly prohibited, pushing participants to rely entirely on their wits, intuition, and problem-solving abilities.

The riddles eventually led to a precise location in France where the bronze owl had been buried underground. Michel Becker, who sculpted the owl and illustrated the book, officially announced that the treasure had been uncovered. Initially conceived as a contest tied to the book’s release, On the Trail of the Golden Owl became a legendary treasure hunt across France.

The book’s 11 riddles were carefully crafted by the hunt’s creator, Régis Hauser, who published the work under the pseudonym Max Valentin. After Hauser’s death in 2009, sculptor Michel Becker took over the responsibility of continuing the hunt. The ultimate prize—a finely crafted owl sculpture made from 3 kilograms of gold, 7 kilograms of silver, and adorned with diamonds—remains safely stored by Becker. Its bronze replica was the object buried for treasure hunters to find.

A Cultural Phenomenon and Decades of Dedication

Since its inception, On the Trail of the Golden Owl became a cultural phenomenon, particularly in France. Treasure hunters, affectionately known as “owlers,” invested countless hours into cracking the puzzle’s complex clues. They built online communities, shared theories, and even organized events to collaborate on their quest. Despite numerous claims of being on the verge of success, the owl remained elusive for over 30 years.

To claim the treasure, the lucky finder had to recover the buried owl and present the correct solutions to the riddles.

The hunt’s remarkable longevity has drawn comparisons to Kit Williams’ Masquerade, a similar treasure hunt from 1979, where participants solved riddles to find a hidden golden hare.

The conclusion of the world’s longest treasure hunt marks the end of an era for treasure hunters, but its legacy of ingenuity, determination, and community will live on.