Leavenworth

Travel Guide

Leavenworth featuring street scenes and a small town or village
Leavenworth featuring street scenes
Leavenworth
Leavenworth showing a small town or village and land animals
Leavenworth featuring street scenes

Experience the traditions, culture and architecture of Bavaria relocated to the mountains of Central Washington.

You might imagine you have been transported to the German alps while in Leavenworth, a town in Central Washington famed for its eye-catching Bavarian aesthetic and culture. Don your lederhosen and order a pint of weissbeir (wheat beer) in a local tavern surrounded by the mountains of the Cascade Range. The beautiful scenery and adventure sports in the forests and rivers further add to the appeal of this charming town.

Pioneers on the hunt for gold first settled in this area toward the end of the 19th century. Leavenworth’s boom era arrived with the railways, which brought work and commerce to the town. After an economic downturn, however, Leavenworth remodeled itself as a Bavarian village in the 1960s to appeal to tourists. Marvel at the success of that transformation as you explore a town that looks distinctly German.

Learn about the history behind this unique blend of America and Germany in the Upper Valley Museum. The Leavenworth Nutcracker MuseumOpens in a new window is a popular, niche attraction with a gigantic display of nutcrackers of every shape and size.

Mingle with locals over steins of beer in October during the annual, raucous Oktoberfest. This classic German tradition has been transplanted wholeheartedly to Leavenworth. Enjoy live music, European arts and crafts and family activities as well as copious amounts of beer. Other Bavarian traditions in the town include the raising of the maypole during Maifest and a music festival dedicated to accordions.

Relax by the river in Enchantment Park and Waterfront Park. Float down the river in rubber tubes or go on a whitewater rafting excursion down nearby rapids. Inquire at the tourist information center about going on bike, horse and boat rides into the surrounding wilderness.

Take an Amtrak train from ChicagoOpens in a new window or SeattleOpens in a new window to Leavenworth, or drive along Highway 2 through the dramatic scenery of the Cascades. Once here, explore the town on foot.

Visit Leavenworth throughout the year to see the mountains of Washington in different colors. Ski down the white slopes in winter and enjoy the German-style après-ski scene. Come in summer to go mountain biking down the same mountainside routes.

Where to stay in Leavenworth

Leavenworth

Downtown Leavenworth

Downtown Leavenworth is a destination visitors seek out for its captivating mountain views, ample dining options and beautiful river views. You might also want to check out attractions like Icicle Gorge or Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Downtown Leavenworth
Icicle Village Resort
Icicle Village Resort
3.5 out of 5
505 Highway 2, Leavenworth, WA
The price is S$313 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
S$313
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Leavenworth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,393 reviews)
"Great location and clean room"

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Icicle Village Resort
Bavarian Lodge
Bavarian Lodge
3.5 out of 5
810 US Hwy 2, Leavenworth, WA
The price is S$277 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
S$277
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Leavenworth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,264 reviews)
"Beautiful property, excellent staff.. Wonderful location. Will definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Bavarian Lodge
Fairbridge Inn & Suites
Fairbridge Inn & Suites
2 out of 5
185 US Hwy 2, Leavenworth, WA
The price is S$192 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
S$192
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Leavenworth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,499 reviews)
"Best hotel breakfast I’ve ever had. Property itself shows its age, and was neither really great nor really terrible. Location is very convenient to all the Leavenworth attractions, and is within walking distance of an amazing array of shopping and dining options."

Reviewed on 4 Jul, 2025

Fairbridge Inn & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bavarian Lodge Suites
Bavarian Lodge Suites
4 out of 5
827 Front St, Leavenworth, WA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Leavenworth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room massages. Popular attractions Front Street Park and Leavenworth Nutcracker ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"Lovely place. Walkable to everything in town. Clean, neat and large space. Loved it"

Reviewed on 11 Apr, 2025

Bavarian Lodge Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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