Leavenworth Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Leavenworth which includes a small town or village and street scenes
Leavenworth showing street scenes
Leavenworth
Leavenworth showing a small town or village and land animals
Leavenworth which includes 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 centre 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 colours. 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 AU$276 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$276
19 Oct - 20 Oct
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! (1,410 reviews)
"Room was clean, staff were very nice. Room was noisy (ground floor near an outside door). Breakfast was great, with nice options. Walkable to town. Would stay again but request quieter room."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Icicle Village Resort
Hampton Inn & Suites Leavenworth

Hampton Inn & Suites Leavenworth

2.5 out of 5
301 Ward Strasse, Leavenworth, WA
The price is AU$187 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
AU$187
11 Nov - 12 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Leavenworth. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,516 reviews)
"Best free hotel breakfast ever. Staff was uniformly pleasant and helpful. Beds were comfortable, unit was clean, bright, and spacious. Highest rating!"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Hampton Inn & Suites Leavenworth
Bavarian Lodge

Bavarian Lodge

3.5 out of 5
810 US Hwy 2, Leavenworth, WA
The price is AU$300 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$300
19 Oct - 20 Oct
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! (1,403 reviews)
"Great place to stay!"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Bavarian Lodge
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.
Chalet @ Icicle Creek -  Free night promo, please read promo in full below**

Chalet @ Icicle Creek - Free night promo, please read promo in full below**

Leavenworth
Stay at this chalet in Leavenworth. Enjoy private pools, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Icicle Ridge Trailhead and Leavenworth Golf Club ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (116 reviews)
"We had a great time in the Chalet in Leavenworth! It was close to town, had an amazing pool and plenty of space for everyone."

Reviewed on 4 Sept 2025

Chalet @ Icicle Creek - Free night promo, please read promo in full below**
Heaven Can Wait Lodge ~ Riverfront Estate on 12 Private Acres ~ Expansive Views

Heaven Can Wait Lodge ~ Riverfront Estate on 12 Private Acres ~ Expansive Views

Leavenworth
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Leavenworth. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a sauna. Popular attractions Plain Cellars and Plain Valley ...
10/10 Exceptional! (101 reviews)
"Heaven Can Wait Lodge is a beautiful space with more activities than can be done in a single stay - whether it's the aquatic pool, dry sauna & hot tub; or pickle ball, foosball & billiards. The entire house was clean & comfortable. Our group especially appreciated the three refrigerators and well-appointed ..."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 2025

Heaven Can Wait Lodge ~ Riverfront Estate on 12 Private Acres ~ Expansive Views
Bavarian Gasthaus, Suite C - Downtown Basecamp!

Bavarian Gasthaus, Suite C - Downtown Basecamp!

3 out of 5
Leavenworth
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Leavenworth. Enjoy free WiFi, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Upper Valley Museum ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
"Very convenient location with free parking. Almost all of the parking in Leavenworth is paid parking. The free parking at the room within walking distance of downtown was perfect."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

Bavarian Gasthaus, Suite C - Downtown Basecamp!
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

Activities

Reviews of Leavenworth

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

It was a unique town that was fascinating to browse through unfortunatelywe could only look for a few hours but will definitely have to go back for longer

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