Discover Why Leavenworth, Washington, is the Ultimate Weekend Getaway

Downtown Leavenworth

If you live in the Pacific Northwest and haven’t been to Leavenworth, Washington, yet, what are you waiting for? 

Nestled into the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, in the heart of Washington, sits the quaint Bavarian Village of Leavenworth. Leavenworth is the ultimate destination for a Pacific Northwest weekend escape, boasting authentic German restaurants, festive celebrations, unique shops, and a wealth of outdoor adventures. 

Did I mention it’s just two hours from Seattle?

Traveling from Eastern Oregon, the trip was a bit longer for us, but still just as worth it. Driving into Leavenworth feels like you're crossing the border into Germany. From the architecture of the buildings to the authentic cuisine and traditional festivals, Leavenworth has all the charm of a Bavarian Alpine Village minus the 20-hour travel day. 

I truly believe that Leavenworth is a must-visit destination for every Northwesterner. So, I’ve compiled a list of all the best experiences and highlights this charming, picturesque town has to offer. 

The Bavarian Charm

You might be wondering, ‘What is a Bavarian village doing in the middle of Washington?’ In the 1960s, Leavenworth faced a sharp decline in visitors, leading to an unstable economy. In hopes of revitalizing the town, officials decided to completely change its appearance. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding alpine hills resembling Bavarian mountains, the city planned to complete this German-inspired experience. As a result, the town of Leavenworth that we know and love today, was born. 

Each building in Leavenworth town center draws inspiration from the Bavarian architecture of classic A-Frame homes and exposed wood framing. From restaurants and shops to gas stations and even the local hospital, every part of town feels like you're strolling through the streets of Germany. 

The Bavarian feel doesn’t stop with the architecture. Stepping into the many shops and eateries, the authentic theme continues. Boutique stores offer everything from handmade crafts to imported German goods. At ‘The Little Bavarian’, you can even purchase your very own Lederhosen. Or step into ‘The Cheesemonger's Shop’ to take home a selection of imported cheeses!

The many restaurants and breweries also offer an array of traditional German foods (but more on that later).  

We can’t talk about Leavenworth without mentioning the Nutcracker Museum. Home to over 9,000 unique nutcrackers, this museum is truly one of a kind… or rather, two of a kind. That’s because there are only two all-Nutcracker museums in the world, and one of them is right here in Leavenworth. 

Wondering where the other one is?

You guessed it — Germany!

If the imported goods and authentic German dolls aren’t enough, Leavenworth is also known for hosting a variety of traditional events and festivals throughout the year, including Winter Karneval, Maifest, and, of course, Octoberfest. 

We went during Winter Karneval and were fortunate to experience the Fire Dancers' performance at the Gazebo on Main St. The night before, the Leavenworth Alphorn Concert played at the Gazebo, but unfortunately, we did not make it to town in time to see them. 

Explore more of Leavenworth’s events here: Leavenworth Event Calendar

The Town Where It’s Always Christmas 

In addition to relishing in the Bavarian charm of this German-themed town, Leavenworth is the place to go if you just can’t get enough of the magic of Christmas. Every year, from the day after Thanksgiving all the way through Christmas, Leavenworth becomes The Village of Lights. The town sparkles with over half a million lights lining the streets and shops. The sounds of Christmas songs and cheers echo from the town gazebo, and Santa Clause himself comes down for a jolly visit. I think it’s safe to say that Leavenworth is one of the top destinations for Christmas festivities. 

Not planning a trip to Leavenworth during the Holidays? No worries! The Christmas spirit is felt all year long. Festive lights stay shining throughout winter, and shops like Kris Kringl keep the magic of Christmas alive by continuing to offer holiday decorations and collectible ornaments no matter the season.

The Leavenworth Reindeer Farm hosts Christmas in July every Saturday, where you can feed and pet the live reindeer, plus get a visit from Santa. This family-run farm is a fun activity for the whole family, kids AND adults! 

Vibrant Food Scene

It wouldn’t be a Bavarian-inspired town without authentic German cuisine. From bratwursts to schnitzel and flowing steins of beer Leavenworth is a foodies delight. But the culinary scene doesn’t stop there — Leavenworth offers far more than just German treats. The streets are lined with a diverse array of dining options, from Italian eateries, craft breweries, and local specialties there is truly something for everyone. 

Craving a classic Bavarian sausage? Head to München Haus to relax in their cozy beer garden with a brat in one hand and a local beer in the other. Looking for an authentic German experience? You can’t miss Andreas Kellar’s famous Schnitzel! Dining to the music of a traditional accordion player is an added bonus. For a taste of locally brewed beer, Icicle Brewing is the place to be! Grab a warm pretzel with beer cheese for the perfect evening snack. Want something beyond German? Yodelin Broth Company serves up homemade fish bone broth made with 100% local ingredients. No trip to Leavenworth would be complete without stopping at the renowned Gingerbread Factory for freshly baked gingerbread cookies.  

With such a wide selection of food options, you’ll never go hungry in Leavenworth. 

Endless Outdoor Activities 

There’s so much more to Leavenworth than its Bavarian Charm. Nestled into the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, the area is brimming with endless outdoor adventures. Sitting between Wenatchee Lake State Park and the Enchantments Wilderness with Stevens Pass Ski Mountain just a short drive away, this beautifully natural region offers year-round adventure for every kind of explorer. 

We visited Leavenworth in January, allowing us to take advantage of the snow-covered mountains and endless trails groomed for snowshoeing. On our first day of trekking, we ventured up to Wenatchee Crest at Blewett Pass — a moderate, well-manicured trail offering stunning, panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains. This trail is also suited for cross-country skiers looking for a scenic winter route. 

Wenatchee Lake State Park provided us with the perfect setting for our first night of winter camping in our truck-bed setup. Though it was quite chilly, waking up to the sunrise over the glossy lake was well worth it. Plus, we were the first of the day to set out on one of their many snow-shoeing trails. We chose a three-mile loop through the park that led us into snow-draped trees before opening up to the breathtaking lakefront views.

If you’re more into cross-country skiing, Wenatchee Lake State Park also features a network of beautifully groomed trails just for skiers! 

Just remember: when snowshoeing or hiking, stay on designated paths and avoid stepping on ski tracks to help preserve the trails! 

Adventure Awaits in Leavenworth

There is no bad time to head to Leavenworth for a magical weekend getaway. With endless activities, delicious food, and an authentic experience, Leavenworth offers everything you need for the perfect escape. Whether you’re looking for Christmas cheer, outdoor adventure, or simply want to take in the unique feel of this Bavarian town, Leavenworth is a destination you won’t want to miss.