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
Bavarian Lodge

Bavarian Lodge

3.5 out of 5
810 US Hwy 2, Leavenworth, WA
The price is P11,910 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P11,910
P13,292 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,323 reviews)
"Very nice staff"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Bavarian Lodge
Icicle Village Resort

Icicle Village Resort

3.5 out of 5
505 Highway 2, Leavenworth, WA
The price is P12,500 per night from Sep 16 to Sep 17
P12,500
P13,950 total
Sep 16 - Sep 17
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! (1,386 reviews)
"10/10 will stay again!"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Icicle Village Resort
Fairbridge Inn & Suites

Fairbridge Inn & Suites

2 out of 5
185 US Hwy 2, Leavenworth, WA
The price is P9,068 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P9,068
P10,120 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,531 reviews)
"Close to all amenities. Quiet friendly staff"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 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.
Medallion Inn & Suites

Medallion Inn & Suites

3.5 out of 5
16710 Smokey Point Blvd, Arlington, WA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Arlington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,240 reviews)
"Its really a nice area"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Medallion Inn & Suites
Stratford Suites

Stratford Suites

2.5 out of 5
11808 W Center Ln, Airway Heights, WA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Airway Heights. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour business center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,304 reviews)
"Very nice hotel with a good amount of space. Clean and private. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Stratford Suites
Sweet Suites Capitol Hill

Sweet Suites Capitol Hill

2 out of 5
702 18th Ave, Seattle, WA
Stay at this aparthotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions Lumen Field and Seattle Waterfront are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (214 reviews)
"it’s a little bit of home and a little bit of hotel all at once with a kitchen perfect for a little wine and cheese before going out in capitol hill!"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Sweet Suites Capitol Hill
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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