Holidays to Leavenworth
From summer mountain hikes to winter sleigh rides, holidays in Leavenworth are spellbinding year-round. Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Cascade Mountains, this Bavarian-style town in the heart of Washington State captures the charm of a German alpine village. Go treasure hunting for eclectic souvenirs on Front Street, get dressed up for Oktoberfest, or kayak through a glacier-fed lake. By night say ‘Prost!’ (cheers) in a bustling beer hall.
Leavenworth holiday highlights
Leavenworth
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Fabulous festivals
It’s worth planning your Leavenworth holiday around one of its many festivals and events. Oktoberfest in autumn comes with beer, bands and Bavarian dress, while Maifest celebrates the coming of spring with yodelling and dancing around the maypole. The town goes all out for Christmas festivities, as ice sculptures, fireworks and twinkling lights add a sprinkle of festive magic.
Alpine lakes
Set in the beautiful Cascade Mountains and just a 30-minute drive from the centre of town, glacier-fed Lake Wenatchee is known for its clear blue waters. Swim, fish and kayak in summer, or hire snowshoes and walk along waterside trails in winter. For a total immersion in nature, book a camping spot and spend a night under the stars, then wake up to gorgeous lake views.
Where to stay
With horse-drawn carriages and half-timbered buildings, downtown Leavenworth transports you to the heart of Bavaria. Front Street is the main thoroughfare, where unique gift shops sit alongside cute cafes and German-style beer halls. Stays range from rustic alpine inns to historic hotels such as the Bavarian Lodge, which offers awesome mountain views, cosy fireplaces and a heated pool.
Leavenworth: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-8 (PST) and UTC-7 (PDT)
High season
June – August
Low season
January – February
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Caption
Photographer name
Things to do in Leavenworth
Leavenworth
Places to eat
Leavenworth’s restaurants serve up hearty Bavarian eats, from crispy chicken schnitzel to soft pretzels and ‘bratwurst’ (German sausages) with lashings of mustard. Those with a sweet tooth are well catered for. Follow your nose to European-style bakeries selling pastries like apple strudel, croissants and danishes, or sample freshly baked biscuits at The Gingerbread Factory. Wrap up your foodie escapade with a wine or cider from one of the many tasting rooms.
Shopping
You’ll find plenty of unique treasures while shopping in Leavenworth. Wander down Front Street and search for nutcracker dolls, handmade cuckoo clocks and traditional beer steins. Or tour the town’s artisan food shops, filling up on tasters as you go. From local wine and cheese to homemade fudge and taffy, you’ll find plenty of treats to take home (if they make it that far).
Nightlife
Nightlife in Leavenworth centres around its lively German-style beer halls filled with laughter and the clinking of steins. Tuck into Bavarian sausages at an outdoor beer garden, seek out pubs playing live music, or sip Pacific Northwest beers at a craft brewery. If beer’s not your thing, there are plenty of wine cellars and cider houses where you can try a local tipple.
FAQs about Leavenworth holidays
Many conversations will be in English. Picking up a few local phrases and greetings can be an easy way to spark conversations and connect with others during your city break in Leavenworth.
Plan your Leavenworth trip for December and you'll be there at the coolest time of the year. -10ºC (14ºF) is as cold as it gets.
Flights and hotels to Leavenworth are reasonably priced compared to larger cities and other popular destinations. But it may be more expensive to visit during Christmas and Oktoberfest. For cheaper prices, visit during shoulder months like February and April.
While this city is generally considered safe, the best way to enjoy a carefree holiday to Leavenworth is to take a few basic precautions. Before heading out, plan your journey so you can feel more confident about where you're headed. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
The United States dollar (USD) is the official currency. From shopping at local markets to tipping, keeping a little cash handy during your trip to Leavenworth will be useful.
July is the warmest month in Leavenworth, with temperatures peaking at 31ºC (88ºF).
You’ll need at least two to three days to fully explore downtown. If you want to add outdoor activities like hiking or sledging to your holiday in Leavenworth, consider staying for five days to a full week.
Whether your thing is art, history, or anything in between, there are countless things to do in Leavenworth. Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce and Leavenworth Festhalle are only a glimpse of what this city has in store.
With around 12 cm of rainfall, January is the rainiest month. If you're taking your Leavenworth holiday then, you'll want to plan a few indoor activities. Eat at one of the city's top restaurants, visit a museum, or hit the shops for some retail therapy.
Leavenworth is a great year-round destination. In winter the village transforms into a wonderland with lights decorating the buildings and streets. Plan a holiday in Leavenworth in early November or January to get all the Christmas feels without the crowds. Autumn is perfect for cider tasting and celebrating Oktoberfest.
