Levenworth, Washington, tucked away in the Cascade Mountains, is a lovely town with a Bavarian motif bursting with adventure and beauty! We have compiled a guide with the greatest activities in Levenworth so you may schedule the ideal trip using bucket list treks, amazing dining and entertainment options for all ages.
The little Bavarian-inspired village of Levenworth, Washington, located in the middle of the Pacific Northwest, will cause you to think you have been taken to Germany.
Leavenworth is a terrific year-round location even though snow sports and the famous Christmas lights attract guests in the winter. Leavenworth includes bucket list treks and aquatic activities in the summer months.
This guide to Leavenworth, Washington, offers the greatest activities, places to dine, and ways to explore this town outside the usual tourist areas.
Whether your Washington state road trip includes Levenworth or another weekend escape from Seattle, we have all you need to arrange the ideal trip.
History of Levenworth, Washington
Leavenworth originated on the ancestral grounds of the Wenatchi, Yakama, and Chinook tribes. Early pioneers founded the first village on the Icicle Flats in 1890 on the
The Great Northern Railway brought economic possibilities and had transforming effect in the late 19th century. But the town suffered as the local mill closed and the railway withdrew.
Using Levenworth's mountain background, community leaders transformed the town into a Bavarian hamlet in a daring early 1960s project. Introduced celebrations as the Christmas Lighting Festival and the Autumn Leaf Festival helped to generate a travel explosion.
Leavenworth is becoming a tourism destination in the Pacific Northwest attracting more than a million guests every year eager to enjoy its little Bavarian vibe.
About Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, Washington, a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle, provides a mix of exhilarating activities and chances to unwind and put on "vacation mode."
The German motif of Levenworth is delightful yet very cheesy. However, if you know where to search, you will discover that Levenworth offers far more than just pretzels and lederhosen. (Although we're on the topic, you should most certainly pick up a pretzel there!).
Leavenworth is first the outdoor paradise for those who enjoy it.
The entryway to all kinds of adventure—hiking, skiing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, floating on SUP, backcountry camping—I could go on and on—the Cascade Mountains loom in the immediate horizon!
And for all the foodies out there, Levenworth offers an astonishing range of first-rate restaurants (and bars!).
Why should you pay us attention?
We spent eight months living in Leavenworth and developed strong feelings for this alpine community. We make at least one annual trip, hence we have really visited Leavenworth, WA more times than we can count!
We change this page frequently to keep it current and loaded with the best things to do and see. It gives us great joy to introduce you one of our favorite towns!
Top Things To Do In Leavenworth
1. One Should Check Out The Lights And Celebrations Throughout Christmas
Leavenworth, Washington is among the top locations in North America for celebrating Christmas, no mystery about that From the end of November until February, Downtown Levenworth showcases more than half a million Christmas lights, which brightens the town daily.
Food sellers, carolers, and musicians drawing guests in the Yuletide mood make Front Street especially lively this time of year.
With so many seasonal events and activities, we compiled a comprehensive guide on visiting Leavenworth around Christmas. To have the most enjoyable time and prevent needless throngs, you should make sure you study insider advice.
Important Note: Leavenworth no longer organizes a lighting ceremony to help to reduce local congestion. Rather, you may visit the Bavarian town sometime between late November and February to witness the magnificent town always lighted.
2. Go Skiing Across Stevens Pass
Though we spent a winter season working at this ski resort, we might be somewhat biassed as we believe a visit to Stevens Pass is absolutely essential on any winter vacation to Levenworth.
Perfect stopping location as you will travel straight via Stevens Pass on your trip to or from Seattle. About 45 minutes west of Leavenworth on Highway 2.
The mountain boasts 52 main lines with different difficulty, hence the resort fits all levels, from beginners to specialists.
Plan your trip to Stevens Pass during a weekday if at all feasible to avoid the mountain weekend traffic.
If Friday through Sunday is the only time you can come, though, make sure you there at least 8 a.m. for good parking and less traffic. Get your ticket online instead than waiting to buy it at the ticket desk.
3. Walk to Colchuck Lake
Hiking to Colchuck Lake will be a highlight of your vacation if you enjoy hiking and want something really grand during your stay in Levenworth.
You will reach the Colchuck Lake trailhead from downtown Leavenworth by just 35-minute drive. This is a somewhat popular path, hence we advise early arrival to secure a parking place.
Looking at the mountains beyond Colchuck, you will probably notice people climbing the very steep ridge top. Renowned for difficulty, this is known as Aasgard Pass.
If that doesn't scare you off, though, you should check the following concept on our list as this path brings you to the wonderful Enchantments wilderness region.
4. Snap a selfie in the Enchantments amid mountain goats
For many enthusiastic hikers, The Enchantments is a bucket list climb; after two trips there ourselves, we can boldly claim that it should be at the top of your list.
This location is something out of a dream with glittering glacier lakes, alpine meadows, and mountain goats running about.
I will now caution you and tell that this is a challenging walk. Additionally lengthy. And calls much for careful planning.
But you will be much rewarded if the level of work does not frighten you off. We have hiked extensively all throughout the globe, and The Enchantments is among our absolute favorite. You may also read this: Australia's Amazing Places You're Not Allowed to Visit
5. Savour German Cuisine
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You will most certainly want to eat Bavarian food if you are in Leavenworth soaking up all the German energy.
And since this Bavarian-inspired town boasts so many German eateries, you will be spoiled for choice!
The following are Leavenworth's top German eateries:
Munchen Haus: laid in a biergarten environment, informal establishment selling sausages
Andreas Keller: Among the greatest options for a seated German dinner is this Bavarian bar.
Travelers love Gustav's cozy Bavarian pub with its prime location.
An outdoor restaurant offering German-style sausages cured directly next door is Leavenworth Sausage Garten.
6. Salutations At A Nearby Pub
From genuine craft breweries to German style biergartens, Leavenworth offers plenty of venues to celebrate a day of exploration.
Glacier Brewery
Unquestionably the most well-known brewery in Levenworth, this is a town classic. They usually have live music, pub food, lots of indoor and outdoor sitting (with fire tables), and
Should you enjoy black beer, you should try German cake stout, black Persuasion. It's really fantastic, and Levenworth is not the only place one might experience it!
Blewsett Brewing
This brewery has maybe our favorite beers in Levenworth because to a really large assortment, particularly in IPAs.
Their wood-fired pizzas are also well loved by us. Like their summer salad, the Hot Mama is excellent.
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