This Is Washington's Quirkiest Little Town
Drumming to its own beat in the Cascades, Leavenworth is among the United States's topmost European-esque towns. The mountain vistas from any spot in town transport you to a Bavarian village, albeit touristy, in the Alps. With its dynamic feel, evolving attractions, and utmost respect for the natural environment, it takes a stroll to fall for this charmer, home to only 2,200.
Cradled in the valley amid some of the most magnificent mountain peaks, Leavenworth is Washington's quirkiest gem. Both timeless and modern, with just the right amount of quirkiness, it imparts the feel of another culture. Replete with family-friendly attractions, discover its allure year-round in the natural surroundings of every season's dress.
History to Present
Having turned to its Bavarian roots following the rerouting of the railroad in the 1920s and during the hard times of the mid-20th century, the scheme to create a Bavarian-styled village worked. However, before its Alpine transformation, Leavenworth was home to the Wenatchi and Yakama tribes, who lived along the Wenatchee River for centuries, fishing for salmon and utilizing the area's natural resources. In the late 19th century, the arrival of settlers led to the establishment of a logging and railroad hub, with the Great Northern Railway passing through. The town thrived on the timber industry until the railroad was rerouted in the 1920s, leading to an economic downturn.
In the 1960s, local leaders sought to revitalize Leavenworth, drawing inspiration from Bavaria's architecture and culture to transform the struggling town into a themed destination. The aesthetic result—an enamoring destination for an Alpine love affair. No longer lacking attention, millions of world tourists travel to Leavenworth annually to get hyped on a series of Bavarian experiences. The authentic buildings and the snowy peaks create a magical atmosphere. Amid the twinkling lights, it's hard to differentiate it from a European town.
Downtown & Dining
The walkable downtown flaunts breweries, traditional restaurants, and casual nooks serving bratwurst. Every experience in Leavenworth is elevated along Leavenworth Square by the surrounding scenery, the colorful homes, and storefronts, like having a brew under an eave taking on a Bavarian spin. Unmissable along Front Street, Studio 1890 Old Time Photos offers to "memento" your visit. The Cheesemonger's Shop is a place to return to time and again for its great selection and samples, as well as a bottle from the next door at Boudreaux Cellars Tasting Room. While adults can drink, Gingerbread Factory delights the kids and the kid in you with gingerbread treats, espresso, and quick bites for a pick-me-up when you're shopped out on souvenirs at Mountain Modern Supply Company.
From morning brew or breakfast at Louie's to the spacious wood-hued Rhein House, dining is an experience in itself. Gustav's is a longtime Bavarian-style tavern with a beer garden serving pub grub by a fireplace and grand views. Wash down German sausages with craft brews at München Haus, its Bavarian decor, and the verdant courtyard with music.
Nearby, Andreas Keller Restaurant is a family-owned German spot since 1989 with old-world flair, Bavarian recipes, and imported beers. For more beer, stop by Doghaus Brewery or Bushel & Bee Taproom, which features a rotating selection of 12 craft ciders and meads on tap.
Notable Attractions
Leavenworth’s quirky charm isn’t limited to its urban businesses but is also present in its array of landmarks. Visitors can drop by Willkommen Center and Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce for a warm welcome with seasonal decor and shopping guides. Similarly, the top-rated Greater Leavenworth Museum offers history from Indigenous roots to the modern Bavarian village. Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum is an intimate showcase of thousands of modern and antique nutcrackers in a Bavarian-style building. Last but not least, Leavenworth Festhalle comes alive for Oktoberfest in an indoor/outdoor space with energetic bands and other entertainment among bottomless mugs, plus pretzels, handmade corndogs, and more.
Experiences & The Outdoors
Right north of town, Leavenworth Reindeer Farm attracts families for rides and interactions with lovable animals, particularly during the holiday season. Open year-round, entrance cost starts at $35, and space is limited. Commemorate your Christmas visit with a reindeer and Santa, and try their Norwegian potato lefse with seasonal drinks.
No visit is complete without the mountain coaster at the Leavenworth Adventure Park downtown, offering both single and double rides. Enjoy a relaxing ride up, soaking in the views to the top, because thrills begin on the descent. There's also a climbing wall and mining sluice at this year-round park. Avoid longer wait times during the high season by opting for a foliage-peeping ride pre-Halloween.
In the summer, Leavenworth becomes an unlikely destination for the water babies to float or paddle on the Wenatchee River. A number of companies rent out tubes, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards for self-assured river adventurers, while whitewater guide companies offer thrilling rafting trips downstream. Alpine lakes, like Colchuck Lake or Icicle Lake, sparkle throughout the creases after a nice hike. Bavarian E-Bike Tours offers a 16-mile ride through downtown, by Icicle Creek, and the historic Leavenworth Ski Hill.
Accommodations
Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort offers hip, high-end rustic in a cluster of log cabins, highly rated for comfort. It is near Icicle Creek, overlooking the Cascade Range, and has a spa on-site to book your daily adventures. Nearby, PostHotel Leavenworth has a romantic, relaxing, and luxurious vibe. Its saltwater pools, saunas, and steam baths make it perfect for a romantic retreat that will leave you and your special other well-rested and rejuvenated.
At around $200 per night, more in the high seasons, Bavarian Lodge is the venerable option for any group. This chalet-style hotel and property overlooks both downtown and the mountains in rustic-chic digs. This heated pool and hot tubs year-round are two miles from Leavenworth Icicle Amtrak Station.
Best Time to Visit
Leavenworth will not disappoint the most imaginative minds conjuring up the perfect Christmas town. Blink right after Thanksgiving, and you're in the Village of Lights. The warm glow amid the Cascades captures the soul and alights smiling faces. The excitement and holiday spirit are palpable with carolers, festivities, glühwein, and gingerbread smells. The annual Winter Karneval extends this joyous season with a unique German tradition of “Fasching” before Lent.
January activities include ice carving, fireworks, and live weekend entertainment to avoid the December crowds but still enjoy the lights. Imagine the carpeted Cascades on a crowdless foliage hike, and you'll think fall is the best time to visit. Enjoying the pleasant days and nippy evenings at a cider tasting, kick it up with Oktoberfest celebrations in late September and October. The active flock during the t-shirt-weather months with hiking, biking, and rafting on the Wenatchee River.
Getting There
Most out-of-state travelers fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), then rent a car for a scenic two-hour drive into the mountain cleave, passing through breathtaking landscapes along the way. There are also daily flights with Alaska Airlines to Pangborn Memorial Airport (EAT) in Wenatchee, just 30 miles southeast of Leavenworth, and shuttles are available upon landing. A little longer yet most rewarding, relax in the comfort of your seat, watching the views from a train window via the direct Seattle to Leavenworth route on Amtrak, a particularly scenic journey in fall and winter.
Closing Remarks
Born out of a unique history and matured on views of the Cascades, Leavenworth continues to captivate visitors seeking an enchanting holiday or an active getaway. Whether basking in its Bavarian charm, hiking through breathtaking landscapes, or celebrating the seasons with festive traditions, this town offers an experience unlike any other. The magnetic views and evolving attractions make it hard to depart. Perhaps gliding across the snow in a jingling sleigh, with the twinkling town behind, serves as a perfect reassurance that Leavenworth is always worth returning to.
