Riding the Rails to Leavenworth

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Holiday travelers from Seattle hoping to see the "Bavarian" town of Leavenworth all gussied up in lights and tinsel and snuggled down in a bed of snow needn’t worry about navigating the icy U.S. Highway 2 thoroughfare this year. A new chariot awaits.

In September, Amtrak announced short hop service to Leavenworth from Seattle that gives explorers the ability to leave just before dinner and arrive in lederhosen territory before the beer gardens shut down.

There are a couple of catches, though.

First of all, the service does not allow checked baggage, so you’ll have to pack light. And if you plan on skiing at Stevens Pass during your trip that means you’ll have to rent skis or a snowboard.

Secondly, the train mostly moves in the dark—at least during the winter. With Seattle departure clocking in just after 4 p.m. and westbound departure from Leavenworth tooting its horn just after 6 a.m., there’s no room for the scenic stares out the window that many train travelers so enjoy.

If that’s really what you’re looking for, and you don’t really want to spend the night in Leavenworth, then your best bet may instead be a ride aboard the Snow Train, operated by Alki Tours. These day-trip rides send passengers off from Seattle at 8:30 a.m., arriving in Leavenworth in time for lunch and departing back home at around 5:30 p.m.

That’s just enough time to munch on some schnitzel, shop for some knickknacks and enjoy some post-sundown Christmas lights. The tour is $149 and includes a Continental breakfast and a hot dinner aboard the train.

Check out more relevant details about the new Amtrak service in this informative piece done by the Seattle P-I. Or if the Snow Train sounds more appealing, visit Alki Tours on the web for more information.