Leavenworth, WA

Travel Guide

Leavenworth featuring a small town or village and street scenes
Leavenworth which includes street scenes
Leavenworth featuring a small town or village and street scenes
Leavenworth featuring 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

Modeled after a Bavarian village, this charming town offers the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum and picturesque Alpine German architecture. Easily accessible via Amtrak's Empire Builder train and U.S. Route 2, it's a delightful destination for travelers.

Downtown Leavenworth
Icicle Village Resort
Icicle Village Resort
3.5 out of 5
505 Highway 2, Leavenworth, WA
$219 nightly
The price is $244 total per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
$244 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,388 reviews)
Family-Friendly Gem in Leavenworth!
"We recently stayed at Icicle Village Resort with our two kids, and overall, it was a fantastic experience for a family getaway. There are so many kid-friendly amenities—our children especially loved the pool and the mini golf course. The location is also excellent, just a short distance from the ..."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Icicle Village Resort
Bavarian Lodge
Bavarian Lodge
3.5 out of 5
810 US Hwy 2, Leavenworth, WA
$194 nightly
The price is $217 total per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
$217 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,265 reviews)
"Clean, friendly staff, great location and amenities. Always lovely to stay here. I would recommend."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Bavarian Lodge
Fairbridge Inn & Suites
Fairbridge Inn & Suites
2 out of 5
185 US Hwy 2, Leavenworth, WA
$133 nightly
The price is $149 total per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
$149 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,500 reviews)
Germany in Washington
"Perfect location to restaurants and shops. Walked everywhere without needing to drive. We used the covered parking in back of hotel."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (111 reviews)
Great Condo
"It was a nice condo with everything we needed. Close to the Alpine Coaster, we actually walked to it! Great stay, we will definitely be back."

Reviewed on May 16, 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! (28 reviews)
"This place was great for our short stay in Leavenworth. We didn’t spend a lot of time in our room as we were out and about exploring. Centrally located so you can walk to everything. We didn’t have any trouble with the noise from the bar above but we are sound sleepers. No views so you should consider ..."

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2025

Inn On 8th, Suite C - In the Heart of Town
Bavarian Gasthaus, Suite B - An Effortless Stay!
Bavarian Gasthaus, Suite B - An Effortless Stay!
3 out of 5
Leavenworth
Stay at this apartment in Leavenworth. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Upper Valley Museum and Icicle Gorge ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (28 reviews)
"Great place near the heart of town. Lots of room to relax. Great parking."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Bavarian Gasthaus, Suite B - An Effortless Stay!
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Leavenworth

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
680
5 - Excellent 72%
4 - Good
226
4 - Good 24%
3 - Okay
30
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Cute

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Lot of eateries. Custom alcohol and wineries. Lot of little shops.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Parking in town is tough

4/5 - Good

MBD

Leavenworth was fun. There was lots of dining, shopping and wine tasting options. Lots of live music at night. The only downside was that it was crowded and parking was difficult as usual.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

touristy town, ok,not my style with ugly lighting at night

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Super fun

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