You don’t need a passport to experience Germany – in fact, you don’t even need to leave Washington at all. We have our own slice of Bavaria right here in the Pacific Northwest.
Hidden among the Cascades, Leavenworth is a charming little village with German roots celebrated everywhere from the architecture to the authentic food and events. It’s a popular destination all year, but the area gets especially busy in the fall and winter, thanks to Oktoberfest and the Christmas Lighting Festival.
It’s a hot spot for outdoor recreation, and luckily there are tons of cabins, bed & breakfasts, and lodges that serve as a perfect home base while you explore the small shops, restaurants, and hiking trails across the area. These are just ten of the top-rated places where you’ll want to stay, relax and take in this cozy Bavarian town.
1. Abendblume Inn
Photo by TripAdvisor
Let’s just get this out of the way: no list of B&Bs in Leavenworth would be complete without Abendblume. With its European-style architecture and luxurious accommodations, this inn is just a short walk from the heart of downtown but will still give you a quiet, peaceful mountain getaway. They have top floor suites, marble bathrooms, two person whirlpool tubs and balconies, plus fireplaces in every room and comfy beds that are like falling asleep on clouds. Every morning they serve homemade breakfasts (like their famous Aebleskivers with homemade apple syrup), along with French press coffee & teas. For rates & reservations, check out their website.
2. Enchanted River Inn
As the name might suggest, Enchanted River Inn overlooks the beautiful Wenatchee River just a mile from downtown Leavenworth. They offer three fully furnished suites you can stay in, all of which have matchless views of the river and elegant amenities like fireplaces, and deep-jetted Jacuzzis for two with heated tile bathroom floors. (To see everything they offer, take a look at Enchanted River Inn’s website.)
3. Beaver Valley Lodge
Beaver Valley Lodge is only about twenty minutes north of Leavenworth in Plain, tucked away in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. It’s the closest lodging if you’re hitting the slopes at Stevens Pass, with a gorgeous European-style property in a huge 50-acre farm setting. Guests can pick between spacious rooms for 2-3, a Farmhouse, Riverhouse and Firehouse, and close-by there are things to do all year, from kayaking and hiking in the summer to sleigh rides & skiing in the winter. (Take a look at Beaver Valley Lodge’s website for more info.)
4. Otter Chalet Cabins
via Otter Chalet
About thirty minutes from Leavenworth, Otter Chalet sits on the banks of Fish Lake with mesmerizing views of the water and the surrounding mountains. The cabin also has its very own private fishing dock, so you can walk down and catch dinner before walking back to cook it all up. Pet-friendly, the cabin sleeps 8-10 and has a fire pit for cooking s’mores, and downstairs recreation room, with a large flat screen TV & ping pong table. You can book your next private stay on their website here.
5. Fox Den Bed & Breakfast
via TripAdvisor
If location’s important to you, look into staying at Fox Den Bed & Breakfast. The romantic B&B sits on top of a hill with gorgeous views of the mountain and valley, and is only about a mile and a half from downtown Leavenworth. They start your day off well, with freshly made gourmet coffee and a breakfast menu that changes with the seasons – including items like Creme Brulee French Toast and Baked Mediterranean Omelets. Each of their four suites varies in amenities, but all have a plush bed, flat screen TV and warm fireplace. Read more about each one here.
6. Scandinavian Escape
via TripAdvisor
Scandinavian Escape is just as tranquil as it sounds: with three unique suites hidden away on a forested hillside. The family-owned log cabin is adorned with charming Scandinavian decor and has served as their home for over 20 years. Since they have added in these three beautiful guest rooms, each with their very own private entrance that lead to their pool & hot tub. Get more details on Scandinavian Escape’s website here.
7. Mountain Springs Lodge
Photo by TripAdvisor
Mountain Springs has something special to offer every season. In the winter, you can go for sleigh rides and snowmobile tours, and by summer they have ziplining, horseback riding, fly fishing, kayaking, river rafting, hiking and mini golf. They offer a wide range of accommodations, including: lodges, cabins, suites, and select packages whether it’s your romantic anniversary weekend or you’re just going skiing for a few days over at Stevens Pass. Get rates, reservations and more info on their website.
8. Icicle Village Resort
Icicle Village is another great option if you want restaurants and shopping right at your fingertips. Set along Highway 2, they’re only a half-mile from downtown Leavenworth with a range of accommodations, from hotel rooms at the Icicle Inn to 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms at the Aspen Suites Condominiums. Their cozy, decorated rooms come with flat-screen TVs, WiFi, mini fridges and microwaves. Some also have fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs and private balconies.
In the morning, guests are welcome to the free, hot breakfast buffet down at JJ Hills Fresh Grill – which also has an outdoor balcony where you can soak in views of Tumwater Canyon. Afterward, head over to their Alpine Spa and experience total relaxation with a massage, body scrub or facial. (You can check out everything they offer here.)
9. Natapoc Lodging
via TripAdvisor
Natapoc rents out seven cabins in the middle of the woods, most of which sit along the Wenatchee River. They’re all complete with first class accommodations and front-row views of the Cascade Mountains.
They’re also close to tons of outdoor recreation, like hiking, mountain biking, river-rafting and canoeing. You can see everything they offer on their website here. (We recommend getting a group together for the Mahsahwe Cabin – which has three stories and your own Hot Springs hot tub overlooking the river.)
