Breathtaking mountain scenery? Check.
German eateries slinging up hefty liters of beer? Check.
Charming Bavarian-inspired buildings? Check.
When it comes to enjoying authentic year-round Oktoberfest vibes in the US, Leavenworth’s charm and European-style beauty beat out the rest for me.
Set in the Cascade Mountains and only a few hours east of Seattle, the town offers a rugged landscape just begging to be explored.
I visited in the summer when hiking and careening along the town’s alpine coaster was on the agenda, though the region also offers great skiing in the winter.
Even though Leavenworth is technically smaller than Helen and Frankenmuth by square miles, it felt the largest to me because of how much it has to offer.
The heart of the downtown area was free from vehicle traffic, making it very walkable. There were also plenty of beer gardens and breweries to visit.
