"Willkommen" to Washington State's own Bavarian village

Nestled amidst the Cascade Mountains in Washington State, Leavenworth historically didn't have a strong connection to the Old World. But after the railroad re-routed and the lumber mill closed, the tiny town began a process of "Bavarianization" to lure tourists to its alpine scenery. Today the place regularly shows up on lists of top Christmas destinations in America, even drawing millions of tourists all year long. Correspondent Luke Burbank examines how a former boom town gone bust remade itself as a German mountain village.
@VisitLeavenworthwa
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[@ericlane3256]

It’s good that the community collectively decided to rebrand their town to tourism rather than a company coming in and rebranding the town which ultimately ruins the livability for locals that is very common in Colorado.

[@Maoilios12]

Don't worry, the airBnB market has caused housing prices to skyrocket there. It's better than Colorado, but not by much and not for long.

[@ericlane3256]

@@Maoilios12 tell me about it. Sometimes I look to hold out hope during a snowstorm but it’s always $450+ for two nights.

[@roxaskinghearts]

also dont forget their medical system starves their disabled fresh out of surgery if you dont have help dont come here they wont treat you like family

[@drain_001]

Washingtonian here, I love that town. One time I drove through omw east late on Christmas Eve, everyone was asleep and it was snowing perfectly. A magical place.

[@saythankyou111]

Awww sweet 👀🇺🇸🎄

[@Djamonja]

Yea, it's a great place to visit, especially in the winter.

[@benjamingeiger]

If you can't make it to Washington, Helen, Georgia is another Bavarian-themed village. Kitschy, sure, but charming.

[@hinnantp]

Was just going to mention Helen!

[@STho205]

Nearly the same story and beginning. The old town lost the timber industry and looked nearly just like this simple strip town before the hotel friendly dressup.

[@rolandconnor575]

Leavenworth is about 10 times larger that Helen and that's not exaggerating. Have lived close to both towns.

[@Abby-yc7tt]

I live on Washington and have been to Leavenworth many, many times. Yet I never knew the history. Thanks so much for a wonderful story!👍👍👍

[@tootz1950]

Isn't there a prison there?

[@VillelaHN]

@@tootz1950Maybe you are thinking Leavenworth, KS?

[@quintonmiller8266]

No. ​@@tootz1950

[@tootz1950]

@@VillelaHN I had a friend who's son was in prison there and she would drive up from San Diego to see him. At first I thought she meant the Kansas one, as anyone would assume. I think it's minimum security.

[@stephb3321]

Same! It’s one of my favorite places to visit! We used to stay at a lovely B&B just outside of town. Unfortunately, Covid closed them down, but we will have to try one of these other places mentioned in the story.

[@caspianblue4141]

I am a Bavarian-American and cannot wait to visit this place!

[@dagmarvandoren9364]

Bavarian American. Hoch lebe DEUTSCHLSND

[@laba1574]

Oh cool. Wie kommst es das du nach Amerika gezogen bist?

[@caspianblue4141]

@@laba1574 Destiny 😉

[@docvideo93]

"Strictest codes in the US" but probably one of the most walkable areas in US!!

[@catzenhouse]

My family used to camp and fish west of Leavenworth in the Tumwater Canyon in the 60's and 70's. The Bavarian theme was just taking off then - the bakery was pure heaven. Too many tourists nowadays but I am glad that the little town has survived.

[@andrewspielman1921]

I don’t understand people who say, we loved our stay, “but there’s too many tourists”. But that’s the point… tourism is good for business. And if a place is enjoyable, more people want to experience it.

[@dagda3000]

@@andrewspielman1921 Too many tourists can still destroy the experience. Even the most beautiful hike becomes mediocre if you walk in a line with hundreds of other people.

[@andrewspielman1921]

@@dagda3000 so what’s the solution then? If tourism is good for business, but at the same time, we don’t want too many tourists? If a place is desirable, people want to visit…

[@dagda3000]

@@andrewspielman1921 The most common solution is to find spots and/or time slots with as few other people as possible. For example, I went to Madeira in January and it was perfect (needed to postpone my flight for one week due to the weather forecast). If I went in Spring or Summer, the experience would have been less cool due to the way larger crowds. I understand that this flexibility might not be possible for people with school children and/or only very few vacation days.

[@bikingal4283]

this is why CBS Sunday mornings is so popular... they show out of the ordinary wonderful things about our country.... having lived in Germany 18 months and visiting Bavaria it is forever in my mind as one of the most beautiful places in the world...the back story makes this one place in the US I will def visit (in the summer, had enough snow in Germany).. what beautiful minds it took to create such a beautiful place...

[@innagottadavida8538]

Looks like a lovely place to visit for Christmas or Oktoberfest.

[@FalconsEye58094]

I wish America had more towns like this

[@nishiljaiswal2216]

You mean more walkable urbanism?

[@linkly9272]

@@nishiljaiswal2216 Well that, as well as the varied and interesting architecture and a vibrant cultural scene, among other things.

[@STho205]

It has 3 I know of. Georgia highlands, Indiana and Washington.

[@CTJM_Middleton]

Me too.

[@DMTHOTH]

the fake town or the walkable town?

[@daimonmarioperez9501]

Three words to describe this place . Winter wonder land .

[@sisenor4091]

I was there for one day. I loved 🥰 it. Shame they didn’t mention the drive to get there from Seattle. Just magical.

[@42976675]

I understand you can take a train too!

[@cathrynandherbeaglebusterc490]

I live in Spokane Valley Washington and I been to Leavenworth WA many times with my family

[@dianeshelley1282]

My grandparents lived in Leavenworth during my childhood. We went there 2-4xs per year to visit and have family reunions. My siblings and I could walk to "downtown" Leavenworth from my grandparent's home. Many wonderful memories!!!

[@jpunx3133]

Some of the best rock climbing in the state is right down the Icicle River there too. It was my favorite place to climb when I lived in Seattle from the late '80s to mid-90's. Getting food in town and taking a nice stroll was always a treat for us climbing bum campers.

[@dabberdan3200]

DNR Washingtonian here -fought the Icicle creek fire-Love the little town! We are just a half hour drive from there.

[@mr.wallace1074]

Don't forget (and I doubt you would) the Index Town Wall.

[@ethylmertz54]

I worked in the bakery at Dan’s Food Market at the end of town in Leavenworth. Our boss would rent out part of our parking lot to tourists. He made bank on that move! Finding a parking spot during festivals is a nightmare! It is beautiful, though, during the holidays 🎄❄️

[@sageparra4956]

I used to live in Spokane and I loved going there.

[@wolflarson71]

Loved making day trips here when I lived in Seattle. Some great white water rafting nearby too.

[@JP-lu9ed]

Skiing and mountain climbing too.

[@SteffenderNomade]

That can be a good concept for many other towns in the USA. Alpine towns and villages are very cozy and exciting.

[@JayYoung-ro3vu]

Beauriful story of municipal regeneration.

[@user-sv3vz6gp1k]

We lived at 411 Front Street in the 50’s. My father, Thomas Mitchell, was a doctor at the Cascade Sanitarium along with Drs. Speer and Hopkins. I remember the steam trains coming by and the aroma of the apple warehouse; Enoch Larsen at Cascade Drug; my mother jumping the curb and driving into the bakery. Great place to recollect both before and after the great transformation.

[@dorothybobo5157]

I love it! Frohe Weihnachten! 🎄

[@taurahelms3068]

I live four hours from Leavenworth. I haven't been in years. I need to get back up that way. Its very beautiful there.

[@laurelsmith2322]

Leavenworth is one of my absolute favorite places. I love it so much, I got married there in 2009 and try to get up there at least once a year. October Oktoberfest and the Christmas lighting are amazing.

[@user-uj5ly1eq5n]

No way I thought it’s known for their Christmas town. I guess I have to check out the Oktoberfest too.

[@jenniferaashiem6165]

Floating down Icicle Creek and the Wenatchee River on inner tubes during the summer is nothing short of breath taking. I’ve done it several times and it’s pure heaven!

[@frankpaquet295]

We love going to Leavenworth but it is pretty commercial, but then again, you can get some very unique things there and it's even nice in the summer time. Last time we went, we actually walked around a bit more and found some nice surprises in the area. It's really pretty. (from Sandi)

[@funkallectual]

its very hard for the whole community to embrace a new outlandish idea at that time or maybe at any era. but to completely instill a new way of life and culture to save the town is magnificent and indeed a miracle.

[@marge3157]

The hat and toy store was my favorite when i was a young child. I am 48 now.😊

[@MrArod356]

Please do a segment on Fredericksburg, Texas, that’s an authentic US-German town

[@jamespyle777]

Close to where I live it's Hermann, MO. It was a German settlement with people from the Rheinland who even started the vineyards there and still retains that charm.

[@marydawkins4190]

SO, the most wholesome theme and motivation for rebranding an entire rural town was bc of a gay male couple!! Beautiful example of why being inclusive and not censoring anyone leads to more love for everyone. More love More love!!

[@dougcargill6730]

Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas had a lesbian couple at neighbors in Eastern Washington as well.

[@kevinpoole1543]

Yes, proud of those guys! And let’s face it, being a gay couple in the 50s was not easy.

[@innagottadavida8538]

Just goes to show that gay men know how to do kitsch appeal better than anyone else. I bet they would be thrilled to see how their little project has prospered.

[@mjhmn]

Also, this was back when there was nasty discrimination against gay couples. So glad everything worked out!

[@Belynda]

Figures someone would have to bring homosexuality up, who gives a crap, that’s personal. Geez.

[@sheafan1971]

Leavenworth, Washington has Live cams on you tube

[@SparklyStoner360]

I LOVE Leavenworth! It’s such a fun little town to visit. I feel so luckily to live only a few hours away.

[@monicapincombe5282]

My dad used to take my mom's German family there when they came to visit the states back in the 70's. I thought that a bit odd but we all had a good time, the town was cute and the mountains are spectacular!

[@smrk2452]

I love this. Thank you!

[@dandouglas5706]

Love this! Must go! Love Germany!

[@user-bv5uq5uy2t]

It's in America Foo

[@rubytuesdayphoenix]

As a huge cozy mystery fan who gets really into the settings (I'm still impressed by Jess Lourey's ability to construct a whole fictional world of Battle Lake MN with a sleuth librarian, when the real Battle Lake is basically just an intersection and not a library in sight!) it was so cool to realize that the setting of the Sloan Krause mysteries is in fact real! The author of the series Elle Alexander really makes you feel like you're there in the town

[@theck672]

Great place! Come visit❣️

[@GianniBarberi]

There are places like that in Brazil, Argentina, Guatemala, Chile etc. Some that i know have Tyrolean heritage, which is a region of Austria. Interestingly, they share with Bavaria the catholic main religion, while the rest of Germany, generally is protestant.

[@Timetravel1111]

How amazing this is wonderful what a great story you did to you showed a lot of different aspects. I love how your interview that boy in the beginning he was a good marketing piece. Should do something like this in Minneapolis St. Paul.❤❤

[@jeank8061]

Leavenworth is an extremely successful tourist destination - such that I avoid it because it is almost always too crowded! Good for the local merchants, though

[@johnnyboy55]

First saw Leavenworth on their KZbin live stream with the holiday lights and kids sledding etc. What a beautiful picturesque town. I’m way out here in New Jersey but I’d love to visit sometime. Definitely on the bucket list now!

[@geisalagordon9966]

Love this about my childhood state! I hope to visit soon!

[@dfindy]

Our family visited the place just a few months before Covid shutdown, for nearly two years, that was our memory of last vacation, we had very good time there.

[@thegatesofdawn...1386]

Looks wonderful!❤ 🎄 ❤ 🎄 ❤

[@maserati925]

As a German and American, I love this ❤️🤩

[@teresalegler2777]

How lovely!

[@keouine]

Helen, Georgia did the same thing when it was facing hard times.

[@sybiliana]

It’s a lovely place. I was there and fell in love with it.

[@davek3692]

One of the best places I’ve ever been.

[@elliscrane]

I live in Seattle and finally made it out to Leavenworth in October. The 2.5 hour drive was gorgeous with all the fall colors and Leavenworth is so much fun! It's a beautiful town with really friendly people. It was a blast. Would love to get there for the holiday season sometime. FYI, if you like beer, Icicle Brewing Company, based out of Leavenworth, has some absolutely extraordinary brews (and great people working there who know and love beer).

[@user-uj5ly1eq5n]

Is that town attracts a lot tourists all year round even during spring and summer?

[@elliscrane]

@@user-uj5ly1eq5n - absolutely! It's hugely popular in summer. Lots of hiking in the area. Rafting trips. Leavenworth's farmers market. It's a year round destination.

[@fredrm6023]

been to this when I first moved to Washington. Awesome time and its worth it.

[@jenniferlittle441]

Former Washingtonian and spoiled by a few years living in Leavenworth! Loved every moment and wish more places would come up with something- anything- unique like this. I wonder if Strong Towns would be interested...?

[@gs225109]

was just there....ITS AWESOME!

[@pongop]

I love and miss Leavenworth. We used to do an annual field trip there in my German class in high school.

[@Donknowww]

Awesome! I'm from Europe and didn't know that such a Town exists in the US! It looks so cozy and cute!

[@elicpsescorter5590]

I broke my neck and back diving into the river that runs through the town while at a summer camp. The people in Leavenworth were great and the hospital was very nice. Six years later, I have made a full recovery!

[@chrissoren3521]

Thank goodness! A normal place where history and respect for the people and the community exist in America!

[@mjtc866]

My dad's sister, Laverne Tritle peterson, was one of the five original business owners to start the Bavarian village. Or the Bavarian theme. She was the first woman in the city to be granted a business loan. She remodeled the corner building into the Eldeveis hotel and restaurant. Her son, Melvin Wiles, was the owner of the Post office tavern as well as mayor.

[@carportchronicles1943]

My wife and I were married there 21-years ago on the winter solstice. It's a great place to visit anytime of the year.

[@Mikejguevarra]

Washingtonian here: Leavenworth is awesome, it’s always bustling as a tourist destination but still has pacific northwest town vibes due to all the surrounding nature. one of my favorite memories was riding the tobogan in town then swimming with friends at the local river - the most pristine water!

[@jaredh2011]

Great story!

[@stargazer5073]

Smart look at Solvang, California too.

[@dianetribble-zm7ue]

Ann Osborne Peavey was interviewed and did a great job!

[@iamcoreilly]

Yo should see it this week! Super winter wonderland.

[@h.p.brownsaucecraft7966]

Very nice place. I enjoyed my time there.

[@alyssagriffin5781]

I LOVE LEAVENWORTH!!!!! I WANT TO BE THERE AGAIN!!!

[@alpinelassalpineca7573]

They have a marvelous Oktoberfest! Also, my friend and I just visited this past October and ran the Leavenworth Half Marathon. Highly recommend this destination race if you are a runner.

[@Brian_yeah_that_brian_Strang]

Very cool. Nice story

[@pattioertl7524]

Grew up in Wenatchee 22 miles from there. Spent alot of time there growing up. Even had my tonsils removed at the hospital in Leavenworth.

[@G4M3R524]

Great stuff. Although the lack of foam in the beer glasses at 0:57 is frankly alarming, but the only real visible caveat.

[@TheresaPowers]

The Best German city in America is Frankenmuth, Michigan. They have the largest Christmas store in the world.

[@nwsportstilidie]

Apparently, Georgia has a Bavarian themed town.

[@chaselim3963]

Finally - we need more authentic European heritage, art, architecture in America.

[@tayvahturner8115]

I love this story. It reminds me of Veva too!

[@wildflower2092]

We love Leavenworth! See you again in February 2024 ♥️🎶♥️⛄️⛄️♥️🎶♥️

[@CTJM_Middleton]

The town looks great.

[@tparbs]

Shhhhhhhh! I wish it wouldn't get advertised! Too many people have discovered it! Glad we found it over 20 years ago!

[@Trebuchet48]

I live just outside another Washington State tourist town, Port Townsend. The Victorian Seaport. It's a bit less busy and successful, but also a bit more authentic. I've been too Leavenworth many times, but I'd rather live here.

[@FoodNerds]

When I lived in Washington I wish i knew about this!😊 I used to be fluent in German!

[@8gti9]

Live 30 mins from here. It's a great little town, on weekends parking is a PITA!

[@STho205]

Same situation in Helen, GA and the narrow road in bottles up on weekends except the 4 months of off season.

[@Affalterbach1967]

Nice town to walkaround.

[@lightyagamis]

Well done folks, no matter what these cultural aspects should be kept alive.

[@lhooq]

I visited this place when I was a Bluebird or Campfire Girl.

[@Nicoleoliver294]

I can't wait to have a drink

[@marciasuminski8455]

Come to Michigan we have Frankenmuth, our little Bavaria AND Holland a taste of the Netherlands. So. WA isn't the only place.

[@benjamingeiger]

Helen, Georgia is yet another.

[@markhuru]

Don’t forget new glarus wisc...

[@beedoggs]

crazy to me that walkable neighborhoods at the time would only be made for tourism reasons

[@STho205]

I lived in a walkable town for 55 years. Authentic town, always built that way. Lived near downtown, walked everywhere. My wife didn't get a license or car till 38 when our daughter was born. She biked to work downtown.

[@cocoaorange1]

Nice story. I would like to visit.

[@wendysgobbo8242]

I went on a rock climbing trip there and it was beautiful ❤

[@cathrynandherbeaglebusterc490]

Also that hotel where that man's blowing that horn that's the hotel my family stays at

[@vincebaker3384]

I would love to see also do a store about the Bavarian in California called SOLVANG

[@dennismorris7573]

Actually Danish in origin/architecture, but yes, Solvang is a charmimg town near beautiful Santa Barbara.

[@AlbertFu]

Solvang is actually the inspiration for Leavenworth iirc

[@dagmarvandoren9364]

Nein. Das ist danisch....solvang. sonnental....nix bayern

[@erik_griswold]

Solvang is Danish, and it was actually founded by Danes from Denmark. It’s real, Leavenworth is an invention, but Leavenworth is charming and a story of resurrection to be admired.

[@dagmarvandoren9364]

Solvang used to be Danish. But people working there are more, and more Mexican. Including food I was there

[@pprehn5268]

As a resident, living in a 100 year old house, I can only curse the traffic

[@auntiefan4202]

We spend a week here every December!

[@derkies2133]

People love interesting architecture and walkability? Who would have thought?

[@caitlinchoate4982]

Reminds me of Helen, GA.

[@Higgins8]

If only all of America was like this.

[@yvonneplant9434]

Philadelphia actually has a neighborhood called " Germantown". And once upon a time German immigrants were the largest immigrant group in the city. The real Bavaria is where Hitler and National Socialism started.

[@yvonneplant9434]

Real America is the place where people, mostly likely from Asia, came to thousands of years before anyone who looks like you.

[@theotherohlourdespadua1131]

​@@yvonneplant9434Bavaria hates Hitler, and Hitler hates Bavaria. Bavaria loathes the Vienna man who was out there to destroy Bavarian culture in place of a homogenized "German" culture. Hitler hates Bavaria because it's one of the most independent-spirited German states...

[@SeaTurtle515]

So true, Yvonne!

[@ianparsons9053]

It's a really fun town. Don't think of this as a 'maybe' town. Think of this as a 'must do' town in Washington state

[@rikasringo7928]

It’s similar place in CA, the city name Solvang with Danish influenced.

[@pikiwiki]

I'd like to go there and see it

[@shannonbowman5990]

❤😊

[@germany-trust2741]

What ? Das sieht ja alles aus wie hier...😳😳😳 Liebe Grüße aus Munich/Bavaria/Germany - Home of BMW and the Oktoberfest...🍻❤🙌