The Bavarian Village of Leavenworthsalman2024-04-15T16:20:20-07:00
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Leavenworth, Washington, is a charming Bavarian village nestled in the picturesque Cascade Mountains. Known for its unique architectural style and festive atmosphere, the village transports visitors to a quaint European setting. The town exudes a lively ambiance throughout the year, with seasonal decorations and events adding to its allure. Visitors can explore the village’s charming shops, indulge in authentic German cuisine, sample locally brewed beers, and immerse themselves in the vibrant festivities and cultural experiences that make Leavenworth a truly remarkable destination.
Cozy Comfort: Enjoy a Vacation
When selecting lodging in Leavenworth, you can choose from a range of accommodations ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay in this picturesque Bavarian village.
Bed & Breakfast
Cozy and charming B&Bs offering personalized guest experiences.
Cabin-Vacation Rentals
Cozy cabin-vacation rentals for a memorable retreat.
Hotel-Motels
Discover a range of amenities and services in our hotels and motels.
Lodges
Discover tranquility and outdoor adventures at our scenic lodges.
RV Parks & Camping
Embrace the beauty of nature while camping in our picturesque area.
Suites-Condos
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in our suites and condos.
Vacation Rental Companies
Professional vacation rental companies offering exceptional service and options.
The History of Leavenworth
Believe it or not, we were not always a Bavarian style village. Instead, the towering mountain peaks and bountiful land was known amongst Native Americans as some of the most plentiful land anyone had laid eyes on. The Yakama, Chinook and Wenatchi tribes all hunted the same land for deer & elk, and also fished Icicle Creek for salmon.
Settlers hungry for gold, timber, and furs soon settled the area, and by 1890, Icicle Flats was born. The area exploded with the arrival of the rail line near the turn of the century. At that point, Leavenworth was a whole lot less Bavaria and a whole lot more Deadwood! The logging and sawmill business was great…until it wasn’t. When the railroad re-routed its rails and moved out of town, it almost turned Leavenworth into a ghost town. The area scuffled along for more than thirty years, always on the brink of extinction.
In the early 1960’s, town leaders had a bright idea: change Leavenworth’s appearance to draw visitors. If the gorgeous alpine hills had no equal except in German Bavaria, the city planned on completing the experience.
This was no mere facelift. In addition to completely renovating the downtown area, community leaders created a series of festivals, drawing revelers into town. From there, the Autumn Leaf Festival, Maifest, and the immensely popular Christmas Lighting Festivals were born and continue to this day.
To say the change worked is like saying you can taste a hint of cabbage in kraut. For decades, Leavenworth has been a top tourist destination in the Pacific Northwest. More than a million tourists walk our streets every year, finding “Bavarian authenticity and Northwest hospitality.”
To learn more about our history on your next visit, please visit our Greater Leavenworth Museum.
Explore Leavenworth Parks
Leavenworth, Washington, boasts several beautiful parks that offer stunning natural landscapes and recreational opportunities.
Waterfront Park
If you want to get away from it all without going far at all, we have the perfect solution. Nestled along the banks of the Wenatchee River just a few blocks from the downtown core, Waterfront Park is a birdwatcher’s heaven. Eagles and osprey are everyday sights, along with warblers and other spring migrants once the winter’s chill wears off. See a flash of color in the thickets? It could be a Western Tanager, Lazuli Bunting or American Goldfinch. Dip your toes…or a whole lot more with an inner tube…in the Wenatchee with the birds as your soundtrack. When the snow flies, strap on the snowshoes or cross country skis and transport yourself to a winter wonderland. All of this, literally within a few blocks of the downtown core.
Front Street Park
Featuring our gazebo and Maibaum (maypole), Front Street Park is the heartbeat of our downtown. Just a few steps away, find shops and live entertainment. Watch festivals and parades unfold right before your eyes on our beautiful lawns and under our shade trees. In the winter, bring your sled and your sense of adventure while you barrel down our sledding hill under the Christmas lights while shoppers stroll and savor.
Lions Club Park
Located just off Highway 2 between City Hall and the Community Pool, Lions Club Park offers a sanctuary of shade trees and soft green grass. Come to the park and enjoy one of the many picnic tables or the picnic shelter, stretch out on the grass, play some frisbee or catch, and just watch the world go by. On Saturdays from June 1-October 12, our Leavenworth Community Farmers Market is in the park, where you will find local musicians performing during this vibrant celebration of local farmers, producers, and artisans.
Enchantment Park
Game on! Enchantment Park boasts two softball fields, a junior baseball field that doubles as a youth soccer field, our Bike Pump Park (paved), Skateboard Park and a playground. The parking lot can fit a large number of vehicles on site as well as up to 3 buses. Need to take a victory lap, or walk off that loss? Trails linking directly to the city’s scenic Waterfront Park recreation area do the job. In addition, Enchantment Trail, Rafters Trail, Bear Trail, and Deer Trail feature walking and bicycle paths through unspoiled country, and Enchantment Bridge connects you to Blackbird Island.
Food & Shopping
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Pub at the Club, The
Full service bar and restaurant with patio seating and spectacular views of the Leavenworth Golf club and Icicle Valley.
- Contact(509) 888-3372
Websitethepubattheclub.com
Emailproshop@leavenworthgolf.com
Getting Here
9101 Icicle Road, Leavenworth WA 98826
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Visconti's of Leavenworth
Award winning authentic Italian cuisine, featuring wood fired ovens, Northwest dishes, and Wine Spectator Best of Wine List. Featuring house-made pasta, locally sourced chops, Prime Grade steaks, and award winning Cured by Visconti Salami and charcuterie. A perfect setting for a romantic dinner for two, or any larger celebration. Open daily at 3pm. Reservations are recommended.
- Contact(509) 548-1213
Websiteviscontis.com
Emailinfo@viscontis.com
Getting Here
636 Front Street, Leavenworth WA 98826
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Leavenworth Sausage Garten
Outdoor Sausage Garten serving delicious sausages made by Cured by Visconti. Bratwurst, Kielbasa, Currywurst, and our all-beef frank. Top off your bratwurst with your choice of condiments from our impressive mustard wall. Wash it all down with sensational on-tap local beers and Hofbrau Biers from Germany.
- Contact(509) 888-4959
Websiteviscontis.comsausage-garten
Emailinfo@viscontis.com
Getting Here
636 Front Street, Leavenworth WA 98826
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Renaissance Cafe
Breakfast (open at 7am), and lunch. Traditional German, American Vegetarian and Gluten-free meals, spirits, homemade desserts and soups. Full service for groups, weddings and catering available.
- Contact(509) 548-6725
- Contact(425) 422-7872
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Bavarian Bakery
Homemade sourdough, rye bread, Christmas stollen (available Oct - December 31). Original mouthwatering German pastries from scratch using butter, coconut macaroons, raisins, & cinnamon bread. Now accepting credit cards.
facebook.combavarianbakeryofwa
- Contact(509) 548-2244
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Fudge Hut
Offering over 20 house-made fudge flavors (including dairy-free!) Fudge Hut has been a staple of downtown Leavenworth since 1986. Leavenworth's exclusive vendor of famous Chukar Cherries, plus lots of other goodies and gifts! Plus... come get your photo with BIGFOOT!
- Contact(509) 669-7433
Websitefudgehut.com
Emailfudgehutleavenworth@gmail.com
Getting Here
933 Front Street, Suite C, Leavenworth WA 98826
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Boulder Bend Glassworks
Decorative and sculptural art-glass handmade by Craig and Jori. We specialize in murrine, sculpted fish, owls, vases, lighting and decorative glass. Our craft is inspired by nature, science, color, and patterns. Watch live glassblowing most Saturdays and Tuesdays. Make your own glass fusing, most Sundays.
- Contact(509) 881-1320
Websiteboulderbendglassworks.com
Emailcraig.sorensen@gmail.com
Getting Here
8210 US Highway 2, Peshastin WA 98847
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Mountain Country Corner
We have a great selection of Leavenworth souvenirs, T-shirts and sweatshirts, sunglasses, knives, Christmas ornaments, novelty signs, sports items, and much, much, more. Stop in, check out our store, and say hi to our friendly staff!!
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Cured by Visconti's
Leavenworth's only producer and purveyor of old-world salami and market cured meats. International award winning capicola, culatta prosciutto, dry salami, and jerky are all must tries. Fine selection of imported Italian cheeses, gourmet foods, and cured meat and crackers. You can also order from a curated selection at https://curedbyvisconti.com/
- Contact(509) 888-0424
Websitecuredbyvisconti.com
Emailinfo@viscontis.com
Getting Here
636 Front Street, Suite C, Leavenworth WA 98826
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tealpatrickart
Tealpatrickart offers unique connection to Leavenworth Valley through original landscape and inspirational art pieces to hold special memories and take experiences home, gift to others, or fill spaces with warm local art.
- Contact(509) 679-0258
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Safeway
You can count on Safeway for great prices on all the things you need for family dinners and entertaining friends.
- Contact(509) 548-5435
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Magical Hippie Crecallium
Step into a world of wonder at our fairy-tale cosmetics boutique! Find shimmering makeup inspired by glistening dewdrops and fluttering fairy wings. We create an array of products that are chemical free, cruelty free, vegan, and talc free to make you feel like the most magical you.
- Contact(239) 380-5878
Websitemagicalhippiecrecallium.com
Emailkristenevans@yahoo.com
Getting Here
643 Front Street, Leavenworth WA 98826
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