Leavenworth

Travel Guide

Leavenworth featuring a small town or village and street scenes
Leavenworth showing street scenes
Leavenworth
Leavenworth featuring 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 Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum or Wenatchee River 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 €153 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
€153
2 Sept - 3 Sept
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! (1,391 reviews)
"We liked nature around the hotel."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Icicle Village Resort
Bavarian Lodge

Bavarian Lodge

3.5 out of 5
810 US Hwy 2, Leavenworth, WA
The price is €244 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
€244
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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! (1,305 reviews)
"Thank you very much!"

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Bavarian Lodge
Fairbridge Inn & Suites

Fairbridge Inn & Suites

2 out of 5
185 US Hwy 2, Leavenworth, WA
The price is €166 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
€166
10 Aug - 11 Aug
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! (1,522 reviews)
"Breakfast is included, room is clean, price is reasonable"

Reviewed on 30 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.
My Alpine Place: Spacious Condo within easy walking distance of Leavenworth

My Alpine Place: Spacious Condo within easy walking distance of Leavenworth

Leavenworth
Stay at this condo in Leavenworth. Enjoy laundry facilities, a picnic area, and patios. Popular attractions Tumwater Twister and Leavenworth Summer Theater are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (114 reviews)
"Super spacious condo! Very clean with all the things for our home away from home. So convenient being close to downtown and the new rollercoaster. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

My Alpine Place: Spacious Condo within easy walking distance of Leavenworth
Inn On 8th, Suite C - In the Heart of Town

Inn On 8th, Suite C - In the Heart of Town

3 out of 5
Leavenworth
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Leavenworth. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Greater Leavenworth ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
A cute little spot near downtown
"It was interesting, driving into a back alley to find our spot for the week. The ceilings are low, the bathroom is functional but tiny, and there is only a microwave. It was very considerate of the hosts to provide earplugs, as the bar next door plays the bass loudly and continues into the ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Inn On 8th, Suite C - In the Heart of Town
Snowcreek Suite - Cedar - ADA-  Hot Tub - Kitchenette

Snowcreek Suite - Cedar - ADA- Hot Tub - Kitchenette

Leavenworth
Stay at this condo in Leavenworth. Enjoy a garden, patios, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Upper Valley Museum and Icicle Gorge are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
Spacious and Comfortable
"On a quiet street corner, great room with no carpet (much cleaner), comfy bed, accessible bathroom, office corner, and highly functional little kitchenette. No green space to speak of."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Snowcreek Suite - Cedar - ADA- Hot Tub - Kitchenette
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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