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Leavenworth decorated with Christmas lights, Washington, USA

Things to do in  Leavenworth

Where Oktoberfest never ends

East of Seattle in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is a small city that was redesigned in the 1960s to resemble a Bavarian village. It's a major Christmas destination in the Northwest, featuring a number of holiday events and a massive museum devoted to nutcrackers. While Yuletide festivities are among the city's biggest draws, there are all sorts of things to do in Leavenworth throughout the year, from mingling with critters at the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm to indulging in pretzels, sausages, and Bavarian ale.

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When to visit

The best time to visit Leavenworth is in the weeks before Christmas, when the city goes into full force with holiday light displays and celebrations, including a Christmas market featuring craft vendors and mulled wine. Summers are pleasantly warm, making it an ideal time to travel if you want to take advantage of the abundance of hiking, camping, and rafting opportunities in the surrounding woods.

Getting around

Leavenworth is compact, and if you're staying near the town square, it's best to leave your car at your hotel and explore on foot. Getting there is another story, however; you can take Amtrak's Empire Builder train line to Leavenworth's Icicle Station, but it's generally easier to get to the city by car, especially if you're coming from Seattle. You'll also need a car to get to nearby natural attractions in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Traveler tips

For a taste of Leavenworth's famous German fare with a decidedly American twist, head to München Haus, a German-style beer garden with a massive tap list of domestic and imported brews and a mix of covered and open-to-the-sky outdoor seating. They offer a wide variety of bratwursts and sausages, including a couple of vegan options, plus an assortment of toppings like Germany’s beloved curry ketchup and all-American cheese sauce.

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People Also Ask
Q:What are the top outdoor activities to enjoy in Leavenworth?
A:

The top outdoor activities in Leavenworth include camping, hiking, river rafting, snowshoeing, inner tubing, and skiing. Popular spots for outdoor adventure in and around town include Lake Wenatchee State Park, Leavenworth Ski Hill, and the massive Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Q:What are the must-visit attractions in downtown Leavenworth?
A:

Some of the most popular things to see in downtown Leavenworth include the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, known for its gargantuan collection of nutcrackers, and Leavenworth Square. Downtown Leavenworth is an attraction in and of itself, with loads of shops, wine bars, and German restaurants to check out.

Q:What's the best time of year to visit Leavenworth for festivals and events?
A:

The best time of year to visit Leavenworth for festivals and events is in December when the annual Christmas-themed celebrations, including Village of Lights: Christmastown, take place. The first couple of weekends in October are also great for a visit, as this is when the city comes to life with Oktoberfest festivities.

Q:How far is Leavenworth from Seattle, and what's the best way to get there?
A:

Leavenworth is about a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle, depending on snow conditions. The best way to get there is by renting a car or joining a tour. Just be aware that the most direct route between the two cities, via Highway 2, can get snowed in; chains may be necessary.

Q:How long should I spend in Leavenworth?
A:

How long you spend in Leavenworth depends entirely on what you’re interested in doing. You can visit all the major attractions and have time to try out the city’s food and beer scene in just one day, though you may want to add a day or two to your trip to enjoy outdoor activities or wine-tasting.

Q:What are the options for accommodations in and around Leavenworth?
A:

From Germanic-inspired hotels to more generic chain hotels, Leavenworth has a wide variety of accommodation options, all within a short walk or drive of Leavenworth Square. There are plenty of lodges a bit further outside of town, too, many of which come with beautiful forest views. You'll also find vacation rentals in and around the city.

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