Leavenworth in 48 Hours: Washington’s Bavarian Village (<3 Hours from Seattle)

When people ask me what my favorite state is in the U.S., it’s a no brainer. Washington State has so much to offer in terms of hiking, exceptional food and drinks, and diversity of landscape.

The standout destination lies in Leavenworth, which I’d argue is the closest you’ll get to Europe without going abroad. This Bavarian-like village is charming and a perfect jumping-off point for incredible day hikes nearby.

While you could spend a weekend just exploring the downtown area, this itinerary is designed to help you make the most of two days of your stay in Leavenworth and is ideal for the active traveler. From where you should eat to where I’d suggest you hike and sleep, I’ve got you covered!

Day One

As an early riser, I can’t stress enough how much more you can get out of travel (or everyday life) by starting your morning a bit sooner.

Starting from central Seattle where you’ll likely be heading from, Leavenworth is about 2.5 hours or 120 miles each way. The drive itself is stunning as the road weaves along the Skykomish River and through the Cascade Mountains. Your motivation for a ridiculously early start time? Coffee and breakfast at Argonaut, obviously.

Coffee + Breakfast in Leavenworth

Argonaut Coffee & Biscuits

@katievanoh

Kick off your day at this cute cafe. Argonaut is a staple in downtown Leavenworth and is the perfect place to fuel up for a day of adventuring ahead. Their “hipster” avocado toast is equal parts flavorful and fresh. You can’t go wrong with the biscuit breakfast sandwich or any other pastries, too. Quality coffee and would recommend their mocha as it wasn’t overly sweet. This location is closed on Tuesdays so be sure to check Google Maps for their latest hours.

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