Not far from the bustle of Seattle or Spokane, Leavenworth - Washington's Bavarian Village - transports visitors to another part of the world.  This Bavarian village features authentic alpine architecture, old country foods and gifts, dazzling flowers, and dramatic mountain views reminiscent of its European counterpart. 

Shoppers needn't travel abroad to find fine European as well as Northwest crafts in the shops and galleries throughout town.  You'll find specialty gifts such as glassworks, cuckoo clocks, quilts, wood-crafts, photography, linens, clothing and jewelry.  Since shopping can work up quite an appetite, visitors can choose from an abundance of dining options including schnitzel, strudels and sausages, as well as Mexican, Italian, vegetarian, Chinese and American dishes.  

Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, evergreen-carpeted hillsides and rushing rivers, Leavenworth is a place of natural scenic beauty.  Complementing nature's work, Leavenworth attracts a variety of artisans and perfomers year around.  The Icicle Creek Music Center offers concerts ranging from Jazz and Classical to Blue-Grass and Folk, building up to their month-long Chamber Music Festival featuring a national line-up of musicians each July.  Popular musical productions such as “The Sound of Music” are offered under the stars during the Leavenworth Summer Theatre presentations.  Additional concerts and plays are hosted throughout the year at The Sleeping Lady, a meticulously renovated and environmentally reflective resort and conference center.

Leavenworth hosts a series of annual festivals that blend Bavarian culture with American fun.  In the spring, Maifest is a traditional event featuring German music, food and crafts.  A 95-foot maibaum (maypole) was constructed, townspeople dress in traditional Bavarian costumes, and music fills the air leading up to the dance around the maibaum.

Christmas Lighting is another popular festival, occurring when Leavenworth looks its loveliest.  Snow covers the mountains and residents adorn the Bavarian Village in a brilliant array of holiday lights and decorations.  The winter air echoes with the sounds of live, festive music and the jingle from sleigh rides.  At dusk, everyone gathers in the near darkness of the town square to sing "Silent Night" during which hundreds of thousands of holidays lights are turned on simultaneously and the town is transformed into a gleaming winter wonderland.

More and more outdoor enthusiasts are discovering the recreational opportunities, which lie at the doorstep of the Bavarian Village.  Winter's powdery snowfall turns mountain bike trails into a groomed platform for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and occasionally dogsledding.  River rafting, hiking, camping, and fishing are just a few more ways to sample the natural bounty surrounding Leavenworth.

Lake Wenatchee, located about 17 miles north of Leavenworth, boasts a popular state park, as well as many Forest Service campgrounds in the surrounding forests.  An intricate system of roads and trails radiate from Lake Wenatchee - linking sightseers, bikers and snowmobilers to trails in the Entiat River Valley and as far away as the Lake Chelan southshore.  Hikers can access thousands of acres of public lands through trails leading to mountain lakes, high meadows, and backcountry campgrounds.  Although there are plenty of panoramic rewards awaiting the strenuous explorer, many of the upper Valley's treasures can also be reached by vehicle and enjoyed in a more relaxing fashion.  A favorite scenic loop drive from Leavenworth follows the Tumwater Canyon, designated a wild and scenic river, past Lake Wenatchee and through the community of Plain, before circling back to Leavenworth along the Chumstick River.

Visitors also appreciate the striking beauty of Icicle Canyon, which parallels the Icicle Creek on its journey from the mountains until it joins the Wenatchee River in Leavenworth. Allow time to stop at the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery, about two miles from town, site of the increasingly popular annual Salmon Festival as well as outdoor summer theatrical productions.
 
If you would like additional information about the Bavarian Village of  Leavenworth, please contact the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce at:
(509) 548-5807 or www.leavenworth.org