Leavenworth, nestled in the Cascade Mountains, is a Bavarian Village known for its shops, cozy lodging, festivals, music and theater.
Introduction & History
Just 2.5 hours outside Seattle, Leavenworth is a delightful, if unexpected city located at the base of 8,000 foot high Cascade Mountains. Visitors will experience authentic Bavarian culture every season of the year, right here in Washington State. There is something to do during all four seasons in Leavenworth. With attractions ranging from cross-country skiing and Barvarian festivals to rock climbing and local plays, bed and breakfast travelers will never fail to be amused. Along with the entertainment, Leavenworth’s bed and breakfasts make Leavenworth a key destination for bed and breakfast lovers. Bed and breakfasts range from intimate log cabins and cottages, which makes great for quiet getaway, to modern mountain homes located near local shops and restaurants. The comforting ambiance exuded by each Leavenworth bed and breakfast is sure to tantalize travelers worldwide.
In 1890 the original town of Leavenworth was built on the Icicle Flats by settlers who’d come in search of gold, furs, and farmland. At the end of the century, the Great Northern Railway Company created, along with its tracks, an abundance of employment and commerce for the city. When the rail company later re-routed its tracks, the sawmill and prosperous logging industry crumbled virtually overnight. The once bustling town became a shadow of its former self and for thirty years remained more or less dormant.
In a last-ditch effort to bring back commerce and interest to their once thriving city, Leavenworth city leaders and residents created a Bavarian village, using the beautiful backdrop of the surrounding Alpine hills to their advantage. In addition to the complete renovation of the downtown area, community members skillfully planned Bavarian festivals to draw in the crowds. The Autumn Leaf Festival, Maifest and popular Christmas Lighting Ceremony, were the first of many attractions that now draw visitors to this Pacific Northwest, Bavarian village in the heart of Washington State.
Bask in the beautiful sights of the evergreens by planning your Leavenworth bed and breakfast getaway today. With so much to do and see, bed and breakfast travelers will not be disappointed.
