Travel Guides Weekend Getaways
Caitlyn Knuth
Those inspired by medieval castles, majestic mountain landscapes, a laid-back atmosphere, and plenty of savory bites and beverages to match will find it all in the beautiful German state of Bavaria. However, that rich Bavarian experience is also within reach for those who make their way to the charming village of Leavenworth, Washington. Mere hours from bustling Seattle and tucked within the beauty of the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth offers visitors an authentic place to embrace a European adventure without ever leaving the U.S.
According to Leavenworth History, the small mountain town of Leavenworth thrived as a logging community throughout the early 19th century. When local railroads were eventually diverted, the village began to suffer economically. By 1960, the history site states that town leaders decided to focus on how similar the landscape here was to that found in Bavaria, Germany. Plans were put in place to transform Leavenworth into a Bavarian-style tourist stop in its own right.
The plan was a success and today, the village of Leavenworth is home to 2,000 residents while drawing in 2 million visitors a year as reported by the local Chamber of Commerce. Visitors come to experience the authentic Bavarian atmosphere year-round. Whether they arrive in the name of architecture, specialty shops, seasonal festivals, or fantastic food, there’s a long list of activities and attractions to experience in Leavenworth.
Make the most of a summer visit to Leavenworth
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The Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth has something appealing to offer its guests no matter what season they happen to arrive. Warm-weather visitors setting their travel sights on Leavenworth will want to consider kicking things off on a savory note. The restaurants here are designed to rival the flavors of those found in Bavaria and the result is often a treat for the taste buds.
Rhein Haus on Front Street is an eatery where many visitors choose to cool off with a cold beer and grab an oversized pretzel while enjoying time in good company. München Haus is the place to be when visitors find themselves craving an authentic Bavarian bratwurst or two. Have a sweet tooth to satisfy? A visit to The Gingerbread Factory where they serve up cookies and gingerbread specialties year-round is a promising solution.
Travelers who are exploring Leavenworth in the summertime and love to get outdoors will find time on the Enchantments Trail a great option to add to the itinerary. According to All Trails, this is an 18-mile route that can provide trekkers with over 11 hours of hiking adventures. Summer travel this way is also a chance to enjoy the annual Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration in June which celebrates a beloved German musical tradition.
Bavarian-style wintertime fun in Washington
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Travelers heading to Bavaria in the winter often come to enjoy skiing. According to Bavaria Travel, this is thanks to the region’s scenic Bavarian Forest, Fichtel Mountains, and the Alps. The good news is that those exploring Leavenworth, Washington for a winter getaway can enjoy similar scenery and just as much downhill fun.
Nearby Stevens Pass is a popular place for Leavenworth winter travelers to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Tubing opportunities are easy to access at the Leavenworth Ski Hill. After time outdoors, a stop at Mozart’s Restaurant is in order. This steakhouse features a cozy European setting and a menu featuring everything from fondue to Bavarian salads and short ribs.
Winter is a season of festival fun in Leavenworth. Oktoberfest is an exciting event complete with traditional Bavarian dress. The Village of Lights Christmastown experience illuminates Leavenworth from November through December much to the delight of guests.
When temperatures drop, visitors will find there are plenty of specialty museums to check out. The Greater Leavenworth Museum offers a comprehensive look at the area’s people and history. According to the museum website, a stop at the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum is a chance to see over 9,000 nutcrackers on display.
A trip to Leavenworth provides an authentic Bavarian experience with every visit. It’s a unique stop in the Cascades worth well-worth exploring. While it’s far from Europe, the heart of Bavaria and the scenic beauty of Germany can still easily be found here.
