Leavenworth

Travel Guide

Leavenworth showing street scenes and a small town or village
Leavenworth featuring street scenes
Leavenworth
Leavenworth showing land animals and a small town or village
Leavenworth showing 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 is captivating mountain views, ample dining options, and beautiful river views. You might also want to check out attractions like Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum or Wenatchee River while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Downtown Leavenworth
Icicle Village Resort
Icicle Village Resort
3.5 out of 5
505 Highway 2, Leavenworth, WA
The price is P8,440 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
P8,440
P9,419 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 30 - Mar 31
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! (1,370 reviews)
"We have stayed here a couple times and love it! Great spot for a quick getaway."

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2025

Icicle Village Resort
Bavarian Lodge
Bavarian Lodge
3.5 out of 5
810 US Hwy 2, Leavenworth, WA
The price is P9,166 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
P9,166
P10,229 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
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! (1,149 reviews)
"Everyone was very kind and helpful!"

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2025

Bavarian Lodge
Fairbridge Inn & Suites
Fairbridge Inn & Suites
2 out of 5
185 US Hwy 2, Leavenworth, WA
The price is P7,232 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
P7,232
P8,071 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 3 - Apr 4
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! (1,423 reviews)
"Pro: Staff is friendly and helpful, free breakfast with many choices (hot and cold options), pool & jacuzzi. Easily walkable to shops, food and adventure park. Quiet. Con: it is older property and room got stuffy. We’ve learned to bring a fan on our trips when we can. We would comeback again."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 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! (7 reviews)
"Great property"

Reviewed on Jan 7, 2025

Bavarian Lodge Suites
Icicle Village Winter Wonderland. Pool
Icicle Village Winter Wonderland. Pool
3 out of 5
535 Junction Ln, Leavenworth, WA
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Leavenworth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Tumwater Twister and Leavenworth Summer Theater ...
Icicle Village Winter Wonderland. Pool
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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