Transport yourself to Germany with a visit to picturesque Leavenworth in Washington State. Just over two hours from Seattle, the town sits nestled in the eastern foothills of the towering Cascade Mountains and is known for its charming Bavarian-style architecture and cuisine.
Leavenworth makes an incredible home base for outdoor recreation, from hiking and floating the Wenatchee River to skiing and snowshoeing. It’s also home to a thriving and walkable downtown with a wide range of boutiques, wineries, restaurants, and more.
Things to do in Leavenworth
Outdoors & Nature
With views in every direction, you’ll want to spend some time outdoors in Leavenworth. Countless hiking trails within a short drive offer something for every skill level, from the Icicle Gorge Nature Loop to the challenging Colchuck Lake Trail. For something easier and close to town, stroll through Waterfront Park and view wildlife from Blackbird Island. In late summer and early fall, keep an eye out for salmon spawning in the river.
In summer, enjoy a leisurely tube float or paddleboard excursion on the Icicle River or head out on a rafting trip on the Wenatchee River. Several companies offer guided adventures. On land, see the area by horseback with a guided outing with Icicle Outfitters, which offers everything from short trail rides to overnight camping trips.
Come winter, snow blankets the mountain and town, creating an especially picturesque escape. Ski or snowboard at Stevens Pass just 40 minutes away or drive to Plain Valley to explore more than 15 miles of cross-country ski trails. Bring your snowshoes for exploring nearby trails, or rent a pair at Arlberg Sports Haus or Der Sportsmann.
Travel Tip: Due to popular events during weekends in December, time your visit for mid-week or consider February if looking for fewer crowds.
Attractions
Leavenworth boasts quirky shops and fun for the whole family. Get into the Christmas spirit all year long with a visit to the Nutcracker Museum, home to more than 9,000 nutcrackers from around the world. Families will also love the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm. Open year-round, don’t miss the chance to meet a herd of friendly reindeer (and even feed them a snack).
Thrill-seekers can head to Leavenworth Adventure Park for a ride on the park’s alpine coaster, rock climbing, or panning for gemstones.
After a long day of exploration, take a dip at The Springs, a new adults-only soaking facility. Grab a robe and experience a hydrotherapy soaking circuit with warm pools, a cold plunge, a cedar sauna, and fire pits.
Annual Events
Leavenworth festivals take place throughout the year. Celebrate spring during Maifest, a centuries-old tradition held throughout May that features traditional music, a Maipole, chainsaw carving, and more.
Come fall, the Autumn Leaf Festival marks the changing of the seasons with live music, exceptional food, and the Grand Parade. Raise a stein on multiple weekends in October during Oktoberfest and enjoy music, dancing, and an outdoor street fair featuring local and imported Festbiers and stellar food, including brats and Bavarian pretzels.
For those who love the magic of the holiday season, Leavenworth is known for being transformed into Christmastown with its Village of Lights running from Thanksgiving through the end of February. Over half a million twinkling lights deck the trees and village buildings, along with performances from carolers and photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus. In January, celebrate the season with Winter Karneval, a time-honored German tradition. Everything from fireworks to live ice carving and fire dancing is on the schedule. Time your visit for mid-week if possible for fewer crowds.
Where to Eat & Drink
Start the day at Argonaut Coffee on Highway 2, which runs through the center of town. Here, pair your morning coffee with flaky buttermilk biscuits (go sweet with butter and jam, or opt for a hearty ham, egg, and cheddar biscuit sandwich).
At München Haus, try a traditional Bavarian sausage and choose from more than 15 different types of mustard and other toppings to dress it up. Round out your meal with a warm, soft pretzel dunked in Beecher’s cheese sauce and a crisp Pilsner. You’ll find plenty of seating at the fire tables in the outdoor beer garden. Beer lovers can also choose from a wide selection of beers at Icicle Brewing Company, which boasts fantastic views from the patio.
For a sweet treat, Das Sweet Shoppe offers the ultimate selection of candy along with churros, taffy, and cotton candy. Take home an assorted box of European-style chocolates from Shocolat, and don’t miss grabbing a jar of the shop’s pear cinnamon caramel sauce. For ice cream, head to Whistlepunk Ice Cream for scoops of handmade flavors featuring locally sourced ingredients, like the Blackberry Fool with Pacific Northwest berries or Mint Chocolate Freckle with Seattle-made Theo chocolate. For cookie lovers, The Gingerbread Factory is a can’t-miss stop for a heart-shaped, soft-iced gingerbread cookie.
For dinner, head to Prusik Kitchen’s exposed brick dining room for a seasonal menu with plenty of shareable dishes and creative pizzas.
Sip Washington wine at multiple tasting rooms throughout downtown. Enjoy a merlot or flight of cider by the fireplace at Goose Ridge Estate Winery or visit Hard Row to Hoe for wines made from organically and sustainably farmed grapes. Boudreaux Cellars has a downtown tasting room and offers by-appointment tastings from its beautiful stone building outside of town.
Where to Stay
Located downtown, LOGE embraces adventure with cozy accommodations complete with outdoorsy touches like in-room hammocks. Choose from suites or bunk rooms for a group or a budget-friendly hostel stay. Gear rentals are available on-site.
Icicle Village Resort offers an all-in-one experience with complimentary breakfast, a heated pool, mini golf, a spa, pickleball courts, bike rentals, and wine tasting with Rocky Pond Winery.
For upscale luxury, the adults-only Posthotel sits next to Waterfront Park and embraces wellness with saltwater pools, saunas, and steam baths. With incredible European-inspired architecture, the property features rooms with stone and marble detailing coupled with mountain and river views.
Nestled next to the Icicle River, Sleeping Lady Resort offers an idyllic setting a few minutes outside downtown. Whether you choose a loft-style room or book the Steller’s Jay cabin suite, a portion of each stay goes to the nonprofit Icicle Fund to support environmental, cultural, and natural heritage. Walk the dog-friendly property, soak in the hot tub, dine at the riverfront Kingfisher Restaurant, or gather around the fire pit with a cup of hot chocolate.
Know Before You Go
Leavenworth is a year-round destination, whether you love the charm of a winter wonderland or want to bask in the summer sun. Weekends are usually busy summer through winter thanks to festivals and events, so time your visit during the week if seeking a slower pace.
You can easily reach Leavenworth by car via Stevens Pass, Blewett Pass, or through Wenatchee from Eastern Washington. For a car-free trip, Amtrak’s Empire Builder route connects Leavenworth to destinations like Seattle and Spokane. If you’re staying downtown, Leavenworth is easily walkable.
Travel Tip: Tire chains are often required when crossing the pass during winter. If winter driving feels daunting, the train is a great alternative.
About the Author
Molly Allen is a freelance food and travel writer, hiker, and paddleboarder who has spent more than 14 years exploring the Pacific Northwest. When she’s not playing outside, you’ll find her perfecting her homemade pizza craft. Her work can be seen in Travel & Leisure, Wine Enthusiast, Business Insider, Taste of Home, and other publications.
Featured image courtesy of Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce