Somewhere in the middle of the corner state of Washington is a place you’d least likely expect. With its German-themed design and architecture, it feels like its as if you have traveled to Bavaria, absent the long and tiring overseas flight, of course. This place is called Leavenworth. Situated near the Cascade Mountains, it is one of the most unique and exciting tourist hotspots in the entire country and even the whole world.
In this article, we will talk about the village of Leavenworth, including a brief discussion of its history and our top recommendations for things to do when you visit the place. If you plan on going, there are also options when it comes to cabin vacation rentals in Leavenworth, so you will not have to worry about your accommodation.
The brief history of Leavenworth
The region, formerly well-known for its thriving logging business, experienced hard times in the middle of the twentieth century when the train changed its course and left, almost completely abandoning the entire community. This era almost marked the end for the entire community. In the 1960s, however, innovation with a dash of creativity and out-of-the-box thinking led to a complete overhaul of the entire place. Virtually everything – street signs, shop banners, and other city items – was redone to suit a Bavarian theme. Festivals and other activities were also held regularly, which attracted a lot of visitors over the years. This led to the revitalization of the community and has become the very reason why the place is world-famous today.
With that said, here are some of the top things to do when in Leavenworth:
Have a giant pretzel
Leavenworth offers tons of variety for great food. But of course, your trip would not be complete without having a taste of rustic German cuisine. One of the most unique highlights of the food scene here is the giant pretzel. There are a lot of places that offer this delicacy, but the ones we recommend most are the Rhein Haus, Danish Bakery, and Munchen Haus. You can get it plain or salted, depending on your preference. If you are looking for a unique take on the iconic giant pretzel, be sure to visit the Leavenworth Cider House. This place is home to some of the biggest giant pretzels around the community, some of which can feed up to four people. This place also prepares pretzels like non-other. We’re talking about crust infused with truffle butter, meat toppings like pulled pork, salami, and prosciutto, as well as sweet icing and drizzles. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter much where you get your pretzel so long as you try one before you go.
Go on an adventure trail.
This place is also packed with incredible nature trails that are perfect for any weather or season. What’s great about the nature trails here is that you will have options as regards the difficulty of the trail. For those who are looking for light to moderate trails, consider options such as Waterfront Park Trail, Icicle Gorge Trail, and Leavenworth Ski Hill. These places offer quick hikes that you can enjoy with friends, family, and even with your pets. Alternatively, for those who are looking for a legitimate workout, they also have medium to difficult trails. These trails feature extremely challenging terrain, which will definitely test out your outdoor skills. Some of the most noteworthy trails include Icicle Ridge Trail and Colchuck Lake, among others.
Participate in the Oktoberfest
Participating in Oktoberfest, which is the world’s largest Volksfest, is one of the most fun you’ll ever have in Leavenworth. This is perhaps your closest shot at celebrating the festival in Germany, which is the festival’s originating place. At the celebration date, the event is kicked-off by the ceremonial keg tapping to be done by the mayor. This is followed by a slew of activities, such as processions, live music, performances, and more. Oktoberfest is one of those events where the more you let loose, the more you’ll have fun. Drink lots of beer, eat tons of food, and dance along with the locals. Surely, Oktoberfest will be the highlight of your Leavenworth trip.
