Leavenworth, WA is a Bavarian-styled city located in the Cascade Mountains in Central Washington. It is a small city with only a land area of 1.25 square miles. The Bavarian-styled design of the city was an initiative that was undertaken in the 1960s to revive its failing economy. The city is very popular as a Christmastown. So popular that their website will ask you to, “give a schnitzel!“.

The drive to Leavenworth

Leavenworth, WA was two hours of driving from Snoqualmie Falls. Interstate 90 is the only roadway traversing the east-west route from Seattle. It goes through a mountain pass that can be treacherous during winter. Along the way, road signs informs the driver where to park to install tire chains when conditions get worse. We were not a bit worried since it was summer when we went driving through the pass. What worried us was the tendency of other drivers to drive faster than the posted speed limit through the pass. We were in a turbo-charged hybrid 4×4 vehicle which gave us enough speed but handling was less ideal. Our solution was to drive at speed limit so the other drivers will just pass us and not race us! The road narrowed down to two opposing lanes when Interstate 90 became Highway 970. It slowed down traffic movement but also encouraged some drivers to tailgate. It was stressful!

The Welcome Center

Our first stop was the Willkommen Center and Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce Office. It was right next to Highway 2 and it was feeling like the right place to ask for directions and tips. The lady at the office was very gracious to answer all our questions. We learned a little bit more about Leavenworth just by browsing through the office and asking questions. A copy of the city’s map with a list of places of interest was available for free.

The city was bustling

Leavenworth, WA was bustling with pedestrians. It was close to noontime and in the middle of summer. Christmastown celebration was supposed to be the busiest time. Yet, pedestrians were walking up and down the sidewalks. It was difficult to find seating inside and even at sidewalk tables in diners. Just try to imagine the crowd here on its popular Christmastown celebration!

The Scourge of a Popular Place

We again encountered the scourge of a popular place – looking for a parking space. It took several turns around the block before we chanced upon an open space. Parking meters were everywhere. There was definitely no free parking here! Paying for parking was done through an easily accessible mobile application.

Bavaria in Leavenworth

The city was true to its theme. It was all Bavarian-styled buildings and landscaping everywhere. It was looking really pretty. Even the local Starbucks and its signage looked really pretty in Bavarian style! We explored the whole length of Front Street as well as the surrounding side streets.

A taste of Bavaria

Lunch was at a terrace of a Bavarian-themed restaurant. Leavenworth Sausage Garten by Cured was worth the tall cold glass of locally-brewed beer and specialty hotdogs in between soft hotdog buns. A variety of condiments were available to suit an individual’s taste.

The Drive Home

It was a straight drive back to our hotel. On the way to Leavenworth, there was a stop at Issaquah to check out Jakob Two Trees. There was another stop to visit the scenic Snoqualmie Falls. We didn’t make any stops on the way back to the hotel. It was refreshing though to be out of highway traffic.