I have had an urge to travel internationally, but due to the many travel requirements enforced during the pandemic I have put my international travel wishes on hold. Thanks to google, I came across a german town known as Leavenworth in Washington and I was instantly transported to Germany. From the authentic german food to the festive christmas light display, Leavenworth was the most perfect winter wonderland. I couldn’t believe I was able to get a touch of european taste without leaving the country! This travel guide to Leavenworth will give you insight on my favorite activities to do, places to stay, and seasonal festivals year around.
About Leavenworth
This Bavarian town wasn’t always this way. It was actually a ghost town and on the edge of extinction in the 1900s after the railroads rerouted its trails and wasn’t a hub for business anymore. In the 1960s, the town revitalized itself and got a german facelift to catch the attention of people near and far. It has since grown in popularity thanks to its Bavarian authenticity. I guarantee you will feel like you’re in Germany!
How to get to Leavenworth
Fly into SEA airport (Seattle-Tacoma) and drive 2 hours and 20 minutes to Leavenworth. Highly recommend the scenic route to get there: Hwy 2 Steven’s Pass. Most of the drive is along the river and mountain views in all directions. The road is a gradual incline, but not too winding. It is a very easy road to drive on.
Winter warning: if passing on this highway during the snowy months, you will likely need chains. Check road conditions before coming. I came mid February and did not have to put any chains on my car.
Where to stay in Leavenworth
There are plenty of places to stay near the area. Many hotels are within walking distance to the main street.
- Bavarian Lodge: located in the heart of downtown is this large lodge, with some rooms having fireplaces and balconies
- Icicle Ridge Resort: for those who want a hotel close to the main attractions but far enough away, this resort is a short 10 minute walk to the main street
- Evergreen Inn: if you’re looking for remodeled modern rooms right in the heart of town, this hotel is for you
There are also plenty of bed and breakfasts to choose from. This was actually my first experience staying in a B&B and couldn’t have had more rave reviews for one.
- Haus Rohrbach Pension: this is the first B&B in Leavenworth that has been going strong, offering cozy and quaint family-friendly suites and has the friendliest owners to greet you through your stay
- Abendblume Pension: a pricier option for a bed and breakfast, but if you’re looking for intricate details and luxurious bedding, this place is for you
What to do in Leavenworth
- Taste several german beers at the variety of breweries in town or even go to an iconic german beer garden
- Sample Bavarian food: brautwurst, schnitzel, pretzels, oh my!
- Wine taste at several of the cozy wineries in and around town. Mulled wine, anyone?
- Leave enough room in your suitcase to bring back goodies after shopping in the boutique stores
- Visit a Reindeer farm, where you can learn, feed, and pet reindeer!
- Take a hike along the river trail, or even raft down one!
- Go on a horse guided sleigh ride through the snow, or a carriage ride through town
- Just a mile from town is Ski Hill where you can bring your own skis, snowboards, or sleds to enjoy your snow activities
- If you love nutcrackers, you’ll be interested to see over 7,000 nutcrackers at the Nutcracker Museum
- Enjoy olive oil tasting in town
- Rent an e-bike to cycle around town
- Indulge in endless gingerbread cookies atThe Gingerbread Factory!
- Visit Leavenworth during one of the many seasonal festivals they host
Seasonal Festivals in Leavenworth
Village Art in the Park: a colorful outdoor art market that takes place every weekend between May-October
Christmas Lights Festival: this town becomes magical during the winter season thanks to the lights that light up every corner. The christmas lights stay on between Thanksgiving and February
My Favorite Wineries in Leavenworth
Icicle Ridge Winery
About a 7 minute drive from the heart of downtown is a beautifully built cabin that is now a winery. In the spring or summer, you can enjoy sitting out on the balcony overlooking a pond. In the winter, it’s nice and cozy to stay inside with view of a large fireplace as the center of attention.
My review of the wine: I tried the flight of wine (4 in a flight) and was more impressed by the reds. Their cab was my favorite.
Silvara Cellars
A short 5 minute drive from downtown is this winery perched on the hillside with a spectacular view of the mountains in the distance. What stood out to me was the igloos that were set up during the winter months only. It was a nice change of scenery drinking from an igloo! If you prefer to seat inside, there is plenty of seating to be enjoyed next to the beautiful fireplace or near the big bright windows. There also two small fireplaces outside you can sit next to.
My review of the wine: Excellent lineup of wines in my flight (3 in a flight). The sparkling wine was my favorite.
My Favorite Breweries in Leavenworth
Stein
This is the place you want to go for a late night brewskie. The list of beers is long, the music has you fully content and relaxed, and the atmosphere is so lively. They also have great munchies.
Cider House
It’s because of this place that renewed my enjoyment for ciders. The flavor of cider actually tastes like the description. My favorite cider choices was the apple pie cider and the vanilla bean cider.
Munchen Haus
No German experience is fulfilled until you go to a beer garden. This place is known for the best brauts in town (but with the best comes really long lines). It has an upper and lower level for seating, both of which are open air.
Leavenworth has something fun for everyone all year round. Since I went during the winter, I was able to experience many of the winter activities and enjoyed some fun in the snow. The highlight was visiting the reindeer farm and seeing the Christmas lights on display (even in February)!
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If you found this travel guide helpful, leave a comment below!
For travel advice during a pandemic, take a read through my post here before traveling! Happy travels!