This U.S. Town is out of Germany!? 🥨🍻 - Leavenworth, Washington.

Read about this one-of-a-kind town, known for it Bavarian style and festivities!

Today’s town is modeled after Alpine Germany! Take a look, you’ll want to see this town! ⬇️

Picture a charming village in the Cascade Mountains, where every building looks like it came from a classic Bavarian town. Welcome to Leavenworth, Washington, the town with festivals, stunning views/beauty, and cozy alpine charm.

Driving into Leavenworth, you'll notice the transformation right away. The road winds through towering trees and rugged mountains, leading you to a town that feels like a slice of Germany. The buildings have a distinct Bavarian style, with stereotypical fronts, wood craftsmanship, and flower-filled window boxes.

Front Street, the center road, is the heart of the village. During Winter, the lights will lead you past shops and inviting restaurants, all decorated with traditional Bavarian flair. In the center of town, Front Street Park is always bustling. In winter, the park becomes a Christmas wonderland with sparkling lights and an ice rink where kids skate and laugh. In summer, it’s a green space where families picnic and visitors relax, enjoying the mountain views.

Leavenworth’s natural surroundings are just as stunning as the town itself. The Wenatchee River runs along the edge of town, perfect for rafting, kayaking, or a peaceful walk along the shore. There are plenty of hiking trails that lead you through forests and up to different viewpoints. In winter, the snowy landscape is ideal for skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter activities.

The town is just warm - cozy inns and lodges, many with Bavarian themes, offer are one a of kind getaway.

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Leavenworth is more than just a place to visit; it’s an experience. It’s a town where you can enjoy a different culture, connect with nature, and make unique memories.

What made Leavenworth become the Bavarian-themed village it is today?

Incorporated in 1906, Leavenworth was only a small timber community. The town’s entire way of life was centralized around the timber economy. When the Great Northern Railway moved its office from Leavenworth in 1925, it began a cascade of struggle for the town. The decline continued as more and more lumber businesses were forced to relocate until sometime in the 1950s, when the town shifted its focus towards finding a new market to base its economy on - one that wouldn’t relocate.

It turns out… if your economy is reliant on tourism, you really don’t have that issue… and so that’s exactly what they did.

Beginning in the 1960s, Leavenworth was modeled after a traditional Bavarian village. Taking notes from Danish-themed Solvang, California, two Seattle businessmen set out to transform the town into a place that would draw newcomers in from all over the country. With the Alpine setting already in place, the town began by remodeling the Chikamin Hotel, which was renamed “Edelweiss” after the state flower of Bavaria.

It didn’t take long for this new cascade of renovating and economic success to ensue. Many more buildings changed their look and changed their name, and today, the 2,300 or so residents welcome 2 million tourists every year. 

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Things to Do

Outdoor Adventures

  1. Icicle Ridge Trail:

    • Details: The Icicle Ridge Trail is a popular hiking route offering great panoramic views of the Wenatchee and Icicle River valleys. It's a moderate hike, about 5 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of nearly 1,800 feet. The trail is known for its switchbacks and rewarding vistas at the top.

    • Location: From downtown Leavenworth, take Icicle Road for 1.5 miles until you reach the trailhead. There is ample parking available.

    • Time: Typically takes around 3 hours to complete.

  2. Leavenworth Ski Hill:

    • Details: This facility offers skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and a ski jump. It’s a great spot for winter sports enthusiasts and families looking for fun in the snow.

    • Location: Just a few minutes from downtown Leavenworth.

  3. Wenatchee River:

    • Details: In the summer, the river is perfect for rafting, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Various local companies offer equipment rentals and guided tours.

Festivals and Events

  1. Oktoberfest:

    • Details: Hosting about 100,000 every year, Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest is one of the most authentic outside Germany, featuring traditional Bavarian music, dancing, and plenty of beer.

    • Time: Held over three weekends in October.

  2. Christmas Lighting Festival:

    • Details: During the first three weekends of December, Leavenworth transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights, carolers, and holiday festivities.

    • Activities: Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, and warm beverages.

Dining and Drinking

  1. Andreas Keller Restaurant:

    • Details: Known for its authentic German cuisine, this restaurant offers dishes like schnitzels, bratwursts, and pretzels in a cozy, Bavarian-themed setting.

    • Location: Front Street, Leavenworth.

  2. Icicle Brewing Company:

    • Details: This brewery is a local favorite, offering a variety of craft beers. The outdoor patio is a perfect spot to enjoy a pint on a sunny day.

    • Location: Downtown Leavenworth.

  3. Boudreaux Cellars:

    • Details: A boutique winery offering handcrafted wines. Its scenic location provides a serene setting for wine tasting.

    • Location: A short drive from Leavenworth.

Unique Stays

  1. Bavarian Lodge:

    • Details: Combines modern comforts with Bavarian charm. Centrally located, it’s a great base for exploring the town.

    • Location: Downtown Leavenworth.

  2. Leavenworth Tiny House Village:

    • Details: Offers unique and charming tiny homes, each with its own distinctive personality.

    • Location: Near Leavenworth.

How do I get there?

  • By Car: Leavenworth is about a two-hour drive from Seattle via US Highway 2.

  • By Train: Amtrak’s Empire Builder route stops in Leavenworth, providing a scenic travel option.

Best Time to Visit

  • Winter: For snow activities and the magical Christmas Lighting Festival.

  • Spring/Summer: For hiking, river activities, and vibrant foliage.

  • Fall: For Oktoberfest and stunning autumn colors.

See you in Leavenworth, DE WA

Razvan Orendovici

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