Leavenworth is a beautiful small town located in the Cascade Mountains in Washington State. Known for its Bavarian-style architecture, the town attracts visitors year-round for its charming ambiance, scenic landscapes, and outdoor recreational activities.
It is also a testament to the power of community collaboration and creativity, as what was once a town in decline after its logging industry dwindled became a popular and thriving tourist destination. This came about in the 1960s when a group of local business owners and residents came together to revitalize the town by transforming its buildings to resemble a traditional Bavarian village.
Fancy a visit to this town that looks like it came straight from a fairytale book? Here are some things that you can do there:
Enjoy the Bavarian-style architecture
Leavenworth’s streets are lined with Bavarian-style buildings that look like they were transported from Germany. The buildings are painted with vibrant colors, and the streets are decorated with flowers, making it the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll and snap some pictures.
Drop by “where it’s Christmas all year long”
Kris Kringl, a a year-round Christmas shop stocked full of unforgettable gifts and beautiful home décor that help to impart that yuletide spirit to its visitors, is located right at the heart of Leavenworth. You can through its extensive selections of holiday items, and you can even personalize your purchases.
Visit the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum
This museum is dedicated to nutcrackers and has an impressive collection of over 7,000 nutcrackers from all over the world. It’s a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Try out various headgear and toys
Leavenworth also houses The Hat Shop | Wood Shop which features all sorts of fun and functional hats as well as handcrafted wooden toys. Have fun trying out different hats and checking out the toy merchandise.
Go wine tasting
Leavenworth has several wineries that offer wine tasting. Try some of the region’s best wines and learn about the winemaking process.
Explore the natural beauty
Leavenworth is surrounded by beautiful mountains, forests, and rivers. There are several hiking trails, scenic drives, and outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, river rafting, skiing, snowmobiling, and more.
Attend a festival
Leavenworth hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the famous Oktoberfest, Maifest, and Christmas Lighting Festival. The town comes alive with music, food, and drinks, making it a fun and festive atmosphere.
Visit the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
The farm is home to several reindeer that visitors can feed and pet. It’s a unique and memorable experience that is perfect for families.
Indulge in the local cuisine
Leavenworth has a wide variety of restaurants that serve delicious Bavarian-style cuisine. Try some of the local favorites, such as schnitzel, bratwurst, and strudel. You can also check out popular eateries that have also adopted a Bavarian-style look, in keeping with the rest of the town.
Relax at the hot springs
Leavenworth is located near several natural hot springs that offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Take a dip in the hot springs and soak in the beautiful surroundings.
Stay at a cozy lodge
Leavenworth has several lodges and cabins that offer a cozy and comfortable stay. Enjoy the town’s charming ambiance and natural beauty while staying in a warm and inviting accommodation.
The best thing about Leavenworth is that it’s a great destination to visit year-round, and the best time to visit largely depends on your interests and preferences.
- Summer (June to August) – to enjoy the warm and sunny weather, with Bavarian-style architecture and vibrant flowers are also on full display
- Fall (September to November) – to see the stunning autumn foliage colors and to join in the Oktoberfest activities
- Winter (December to February) – to see the town lit up by millions of twinkling lights, creating a winter wonderland atmosphere, in time for the Christmas Lighting Festival, and to enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding
- Spring (March to May) – to enjoy the mild weather and the early blooms as well as blossoming trees as you explore the town minus the busy crowds
Leavenworth, Washington is approximately 120 miles east of Seattle, Washington and is accessible by car, bus, or shuttle. Here’s how to get to Leavenworth from Seattle:
- By car: Take I-5 North from Seattle and then merge onto US-2 East at Everett. Follow US-2 East for about 90 miles until you reach Leavenworth. The drive takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
- By bus: Several bus companies offer daily service from Seattle to Leavenworth. The trip takes about 3.5 hours and costs between $25 to $35 per person, depending on the bus company and time of year. Some of the popular bus companies include Greyhound, Northwestern Trailways, and Amtrak Thruway.
- By shuttle: Several shuttle services operate between Seattle and Leavenworth. These services offer door-to-door transportation and are a great option if you don’t want to drive or take the bus. Some of the popular shuttle services include Leavenworth Shuttle Express, Quick Shuttle, and Shuttle Express. The cost for shuttle service varies depending on the shuttle company and the number of passengers.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for adventure, a foodie seeking delicious cuisine, or a culture lover interested in festivals and events, Leavenworth has it all. The town’s rich history and community-driven transformation also make it a fascinating place to explore. With so much to see and do, Leavenworth is truly a destination that will let you step into a storybook world and will leave you with unforgettable memories.
To know more about Leavenworth, Washington, visit its website.
Pictures were taken during a family trip to the US in 2019.
Jellybeans in the City 