35 Cities That Feel Like a Different Country Without Leaving the U.S.

4. Leavenworth, Washington – A Bavarian Escape in the Cascades

Nestled in the snow-capped peaks of Washington State, Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style village that transports visitors straight to Germany’s Alpine region. This charming mountain town was reimagined in the 1960s to mirror an authentic Bavarian village, and today, it feels like a slice of Germany tucked into the Pacific Northwest. As soon as you arrive, you’ll notice the Alpine chalets adorned with wooden balconies, intricate murals, and German script signs. The town's pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with authentic beer halls, quaint bakeries, and restaurants serving bratwurst, schnitzel, and Bavarian pretzels. One of the best ways to soak in the atmosphere is by grabbing a stein of German-style beer from one of the local breweries and enjoying a plate of sauerkraut and spaetzle while listening to live accordion music. Leavenworth is famous for its festive events. Its Oktoberfest celebration rivals those in Germany, complete with traditional music, lederhosen-clad dancers, and flowing pints of authentic Bavarian brews. During the holiday season, Leavenworth transforms into a magical winter wonderland, with over half a million Christmas lights, a Christkindlmarkt (German-style Christmas market), and plenty of glühwein (warm spiced wine) to keep you cozy.