Central Washington
Leavenworth, Washington
City
Bavarian village in the Cascades
Leavenworth is a small mountain town rebuilt as a Bavarian-themed village, drawing visitors for its restaurants, shops and access to the Enchantments and Stevens Pass.
History & Local Character
A Great Northern Railway timber town that declined after the railroad left, Leavenworth reinvented itself as a Bavarian village beginning in the 1960s.
Housing & Real Estate
Chalets, vacation rentals and a very limited supply of year-round homes.
Restaurants & Shopping
Front Street holds German restaurants, bakeries, breweries and wine tasting rooms.
Schools & Education
Cascade School District serves the town.
Parks & Recreation
Waterfront Park, the Icicle River and nearby Alpine Lakes Wilderness trails serve residents and visitors.
Transportation & Accessibility
US 2 runs through Leavenworth over Stevens Pass; the town is a stop on the Amtrak Empire Builder route.
Local Businesses
Restaurants, hotels, outdoor outfitters, tasting rooms and gift shops.
No businesses are listed in Leavenworth yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- Icicle Gorge
- Stevens Pass
- Enchantments
- Lake Wenatchee
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Strong tourism economy
- Mountain recreation access
- Distinctive village atmosphere
Considerations
- Very expensive housing
- Crowded in festival seasons
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Leavenworth Bavarian?
The town adopted a Bavarian theme in the 1960s as an economic revitalization strategy after the railroad and timber industry declined.