Visiting Leavenworth, WA in the Winter - Mike's Road Trip Urban explorers will love walking through Pike Place Market and experiencing Seattle's museums and public art, like the scenic Olympic Sculpture Park. Things To Do In Leavenworth 1. During breakfast, you might be able to enjoy an alphorn performance. Leavenworth, WA Map & Directions - MapQuest Again, were going to assume youre here in the summer. TRAVEL TO LEAVENWORTH BY CAR, BUS, TRAIN OR AIR! Grocery. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. The closest international airport to Leavenworth is the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Taste the Town. Were BIG cider fans, and this area (particularly Wenatchee) is home to the majority of the apples you eat day in and day out. Leavenworth is a truly unique destination since it looks exactly like a Bavarian mountain village. Department 56, Christopher Radko, and Mark Roberts are among the product lines they carry at Kris Kringl. Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country. The easiest and most convenient way to do it is to go with a local outfitter, who will provide you with an innertube, a lifejacket, and transportation to the put-in point. Below are a few more airports you can fly into instead. Yodelin Broth: Unfortunately, this spot was closed the two days we happened to be in town, but it came highly recommended from one of the staff at Loge, and they have a menu of broths and rice bowls to choose from featuring fresh Pacific Northwest ingredients (lots of local salmon). The putting course is open during the warmer months of the year. King Street Station is the main station for Amtrak train service and Greyhound bus service in Seattle, with connections to local public transit like the Link Light Rail and King County Metro at the International District/Chinatown station one block away. Normally, we have the logistics how to get there, where to stay at the beginning, but in this case you can find those at the bottom, below the guide to what to do in Leavenworth. Amtrak also serves Leavenworth from Spokane and Seattle daily. The highway is well maintained with frequent pull-outs and rest stops to soak in the scenery or grab a bite. Its the best cider producer in town, so Id head here to learn about how cider is made and try it straight from the source (but the selection wont be as good as the two cider-focused taprooms, which are good spots to try a wide range of cider). Trains to Leavenworth, WA - Cheap Amtrak tickets from $11 - Wanderu The Seattle to Leavenworth train ride takes about 3.5 hours, and traverses part of a route, The train leaves from Seattles King Street Station just like the bus, but arrives at Icicle Station in Leavenworth, 11645 North Road. Seattle is a must-see destination on the West Coast of the United States, offering many unique activities for any type of traveler. Bavarian Ice Fest (January) Ale Fest (April) Maifest (May) Icicle Creek Chamber Music Festival (July) Youre going to have to be at the trailhead by 6:30 am, which means leaving Seattle by 4:00 am (see below for what to do if youre not up for that super early wakeup call). We stayed at Eightmile Campground for a night before hiking to Colchuck Lake, and it exceeded our expectations. This hotel offers a view of the mountains and a special European breakfast. Colchuck Lake is a VERY popular trail, so youll need to get to the trailhead early to snag a parking spot. From November through February, the entire town transforms into a festive winter wonderland, with the added bonus of top-tier skiing nearby. If you want big water and more of an adventure, Id suggest coming early in the season. While beer is the first beverage that comes to mind when you think of a Bavarian-themed town, Leavenworth is actually a hot spot for wine lovers. A really fun, unique way to explore Leavenworth is to take an e-bike tour. There are a number of fun attractions within a short drive of Leavenworth. The Pybus Public Market, in particular, is a cant-miss. Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some of Leavenworth's popular annual events and festivals. Lets get right into it! 2. Each fall, they throw a big Oktoberfest. The tour takes you through downtown Leavenworth, past the Leavenworth Ski Hill, the canyon of Icicle Creek, and more. Coffee. You can spend an afternoon wandering the shops and attractions in and around the central part of town. The highway is well maintained with frequent pull-outs and rest stops to soak in the scenery or grab a bite. Unlike the "wet" side of the state, Leavenworth enjoys all four seasons and 300 days of sunshine. In the morning, a breakfast buffet is served in the Enzian's spacious breakfast room. The solar water pumps didnt work too well for us, and we ended up breaking into our water stash because we couldnt get enough water out of the tap. We do provide service out of the immediate city area of Leavenworth, WA. Leavenworth is fairly easily accessible from Seattle. They also have pretzels, which my non-gluten free travel companions enjoyed guiltily as I watched longingly. During your time in Leavenworth, youll enjoy hopping around to great restaurants, shopping, and taking in the unique Bavarian architecture on Main Street. The 30-mile drive takes about 40 minutes. But if soft and fluffy pretzels, apple strudel, and schnitzel are your idea of fun, add them to your list! Tip: If you want to take the train to Leavenworth for a romantic Pacific Northwest getaway from Seattle or Spokane make sure to plan ahead because they don't run daily and do tend to book up in advance, especially in winter. Subscribe to our newsletter to received exlusive specials and travel deals! Quick & Easy Booking Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout - online & on our app. On our latest trip, we had already started scheming about our next trip this time in the winter before we had even left, if that tells you anything about how we feel about Leavenworth.. Looking for a place to stay while youre in town? Sea-Tac International Airport is located 130 miles from Leavenworth. Sausage Garten was one of our favorite eating experiences in Leavenworth. The Leavenworth Train Station is just 1 mile from downtown. Horizon Air, a regional partner of Alaska Airlines, offers one flight per day from Seattle to Wenatchee and back. In the winter, the roads are kept clear, though you will want to check the road reportsherebefore heading out. The rooms are tastefully and luxuriously appointed, with jetted tubs, gas fireplaces, and private decks with forest views. Icicle Brewing Company is great for beer lovers and South has Latin-inspired dishes from Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, and Mexico for some south-of-the-border flair. You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 28 days prior to the travel date. Here are some of Leavenworth's popular annual events and festivals. 735 Front StreetThis nutcracker and collectible store offers nutcrackers of all kinds, qualities, and sizes. I remember a few times over the past few years where the pass has been completely shut down due to huge snow storms, but those occasions are relatively rare.. Here are our recommendations for fun things to do in Leavenworth. Before you leave the area, stop at either Icicle Ridge Winery or Silvara Winery to taste some locally-made wine at the source. For dinner, head to Yodelin Broth or Los Soadores, then head back to your hotel for a well-earned rest. Much like the Seattle to Leavenworth bus, the train schedule doesnt make day trips possible. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation. This 18-hole putting course is in a lovely green setting, complete with water features and mountain views. Its pet-friendly, which is why they chose it, and they have a range of room types from private rooms with shared bathrooms to private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Taking a Leavenworth day trip from Seattle (which is where most people are probably coming from) is long, but doable. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. Plus, right across from the Icicle Station is the. Located near downtown Seattle in the trendy Pioneer Square neighborhood, King Street Station opened in 1906 and continues to impress travelers with its restored Italian architecture and Venetian-style clocktower. Directions. . 42 MAGICAL Things to Do in Leavenworth, WA - Two Wandering Soles Whether youre a local exploring the Enchantments over a weekend or a visitor to Seattle who also wants to check out Oktoberfest or Christmastown in Leavenworth, just know that you may never want to leave this charming alpine town! Taking the bus to Leavenworth from Seattle is a fantastic stress-free option. It's generally pretty common travel advice to arrive places early to avoid the masses. Alysha has spent her whole life here, minus four years in college, and Matts a relative newcomer with just under 10 years at the time of writing. It doesnt seem like a long way today given we all drive cars, but in 1925, it was essentially a death sentence for Leavenworth. Nearby, the Leavenworth Ski Hill provides fun, relaxed skiing and snowboarding on its two groomed ski runs, a great alternative to much busier ski resorts elsewhere in the state. Theres a nice range of places to stay in Leavenworth for a wide range of budgets and styles, from camping to the way-too-expensive Post Hotel. Once youre back at your car, head straight to downtown Leavenworth for lunch at a sausage and beer garden. For the best prices on this route, book in March when the average ticket price is only $33. This small, Bavarian-themed town is home to several excellent breweries and a world-famous Christmas festival. You can check out the fishery exhibits in the main building and then take a walking tour of the hatchery facilities. There are obviously stellar Bavarian restaurants in Leavenworth, but its other restaurants bring their A games, too. Leavenworth is an adorable mountain town in Washington state that just happens to look like a tiny village plucked from Bavaria in Germany. Cant get enough Wanderu? The population was 1,965 at the 2010 census. Avoid traffic with optimized routes. The timber industry withered, shops started closing, and the population dwindled.. The common spaces include a communal kitchen (with oven, stove, etc. For what its worth, the best part of the river is the bottom half, which is the part that you run on half day trips. 24-hour service available with reservation. Pangborn Memorial Airport in East Wenatchee (Airport code EAT) is located 30 miles from Leavenworth. You get two personal items, two carry-on bags, and two checked bags for free with your fare on the Amtrak Empire Builder, so bringing everything you need shouldnt be a problem. In this guide, were going to take you through all of our favorite things to do in Leavenworth, Washington, plus our recommendations on where to eat, drink, and stay. On Saturday, get up at the crack of dawn and head out to the Stuart Lake Trailhead to tackle the hike to Colchuck Lake. Leavenworth is a hugely popular hiking destination, especially in the summer. Here is a sample of the outdoor recreation you can enjoy during the summer in Leavenworth: Leavenworth makes a wonderful base for a variety of day hikes. The exception, and part of the reason I say its a little tricky, is in the winter between Thanksgiving and Christmas, when theres a separate train journey that leaves Seattle early, drops you in Leavenworth for the day, and returns back to Seattle late, after the famous tree lighting ceremony in Leavenworth. It was very nice. We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less. Plus, its location on the Wenatchee River in the heart of the wine-fertile Wenatchee Valley means Leavenworth has quick access to some of the best hikes in the state. Is it safe to travel by train from Seattle to Leavenworth during the COVID-19 pandemic? How to Get to Leavenworth Visiting Leavenworth by Car Leavenworth is located right off of Highway 2 in Washington State. 828 Commercial StreetWhen you're ready for a break from shopping, The Gingerbread Factory is a charming place to stop for an espresso and a freshly baked gingerbread cookie. Using our. 913 Front StreetSouth offers tasty and fresh Latin- and Caribbean-influenced dishes. Leavenworth's closest airport is the Pangborn Memorial Airport, about 45 minutes away by car. (EAT) Pangborn/East Wenatchee 30 minutes. Events and Festivals ablokhin/Getty Images Leavenworth is certainly a festival town. Unfortunately, neither is particularly good for gluten free folks like me, so we ultimately skipped them. They DO grow grapes on the property, which they started to do two decades ago in 2000. Find your Adventure! They have hundreds of the colorful wooden-character type of nutcracker, as well as a wide variety of other devices used to crack nuts. Amtrak is a little tricky for reasons well get to, but the Empire Builder route travels from Seattle to Leavenworth in just under four hours. He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip. Leavenworth Washington - The Bavarian Village of Leavenworth . Empire Builder from Seattle to Chicago with station stop in Leavenworth, WA. In the winter, your days should probably be filled with some skiing at Leavenworth Ski Hill or nearby Stevens Pass (or cross-country skiing), a visit to the Reindeer Farm, and witnessing the lighting of the Christmas tree that takes place as the sun dips behind the Cascade Mountains. The buses depart from Seattle once a day in the morning just before 9:00am, arriving in Leavenworth at about 12:20pm, then turn right around and head back to Seattle at 1:00pm. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. You'll also find restaurants serving other cuisines, including Southwest, Thai, Chinese, and Italian. How Do I Get To Leavenworth? This post may contain affiliate links. I know, because I lived in the Seattle area for almost 20 years from elementary school to after college, and spent a large part of that time exploring all corners of the city. In the early 1960s, two businessmen from Seattle decided to buy a cafe in town, for some reason, and shortly thereafter one of the men became the chair of a committee on revitalizing Leavenworth. ). You'll also find a variety of gourmet foods, wine, and beer. From there, youll cut over on US-97, which takes you up and over Blewett Pass, and then connect with Highway 2 to cover the final few miles into Leavenworth. Nestled in the heart of the Cascades between Seattle and Spokane. 10 Tips to Have the Most Magical Christmas in Leavenworth, Washington Each season has a distinct set of pros and cons, which well go through below. Visitors can explore a reindeer farm, hike in Icicle Gorge, wander through Eagle Creek, and enjoy the Leavenworth Ski Hill in winter. Dont let the length of the trip intimidate you; the Empire Builder is one of Amtraks most popular services, and often rated as the most scenic train route in the country. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance. The guest rooms feature all the modern amenities you expect in a Best Western, such as Internet access and cable TV. On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from Seattle to Leavenworth every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $91. The Best Fall Foliage Train Routes in North America, Frozen & Fantastic: The Top 10 Destinations for a Very Snowy Vacation, The Best Vacation Destinations in Washington State. What you'll find. As the largest international airport in the Pacific Northwest, Sea-Tac is easily accessed from anywhere in the world. They have great coffee I had a shot of espresso, which is how I judge coffee shops these days, and it was well-pulled and their seasonal drinks are fun too. Its a Class III+ river, which basically means there are going to be some intense moments, but not so much that you cant bring kids who are 10 and older.. At night Leavenworth comes alive with the glow of Christmas lights hanging from every tree, building, and light pole in Downtown Leavenworth, which is incredibly romantic. Here are some of our favorite places to eat and drink in Leavenworth, from coffee, to beer, to bratwurst. In this Leavenworth winter travel guide, we are sharing everything you need to know to plan the coziest getaway in Washington State. That means you will have to spend at least one night in Leavenworth if you want to take the train it doesnt work as a day trip (as of the time of writing, the train arrives in Leavenworth at 12:10 pm, and the train going the other way leaves at 1:00 pm). 39 Fun Things to Do In Leavenworth (Complete Guide!) Directions to Leavenworth, WA - MapQuest Home Leavenworth Transportation Options Leavenworth Transportation Options Whether you are arriving in Leavenworth by plane, train, bus, or car, there are many transportation options in the area. You can bring larger luggage and sports equipment like skis and snowboards onto the bus, but there may be an additional charge if its extra oversized (this is not common). Wenatchee is the apple capital of the United States, and its a 20-30 minute drive out of town before youre surrounded by apples as far as the eye can see.. Not many places on earth can claim that (New Zealand might be the only one I can think of). Leavenworth may be a small town, but it packs an impressive punch when it comes to activities! Leavenworth: A Guide to Washington's Bavarian Village - TripSavvy The Farm is owned & operated by a family who know and understand how to raise these wonderful animals that have become. The city is a year-round tourist destination not just for its German-themed events such as Oktoberfest, but also for its gorgeous outdoor scene. Leavenworth is certainly a festival town.