Organizations

 The harmony of German songs has sounded in the Puget Sound area for a long time. Already in 1884, years before the famous Seattle fire, a German Singing Society was in existence. On October 13, 1910 our Verein Arion was founded and German songs were heard at rehearsals from the Arion Hall in the Pioneer Building. In 1926 the "Arion Verein" merged with the Seattle Liedertafel, which originated in 1892. The name "Arion" was taken from the Greek mythology. Arion was a Greek poet and player of the lyre in the seventh century B.C. "The Gesangverein Arion (German Singing Society)" is a member of the North Pacific Sängerbund which was founded in July 1901 in Seattle. The first North Pacific Song Festival was held 1902 in Seattle with guest choirs from Portland, Spokane, Tacoma, Bellingham and Everett. Together, thirty six Song Festivals were held in different cities of the Pacific Northwest. Seven of these were hosted by the "Gesangverein Arion" (a mixed choir) in Seattle. We are a close-knit singing group and it is our desire to uphold the German word and song for us and those who will follow.

Come and join us, we are looking for singers in all voices, and you do not have to be German.

The Gesangverein Frohsinn is a non-profit organization that promotes appreciation of German Cultural Heritage in the United States; provides performance opportunities for persons interested in German music; sponsors and holds musical programs and other cultural events; provides opportunity for people who share a common interest in German cultural heritage in America to come together in social, cultural, and educational pursuits.

Give us a call, or check us out, we are always looking for new singers.

It is our purpose to foster a consciousness and appreciation of German culture, traditions and modern Zeitgeist. We strive to promote a cultural exchange and education, and organize public events that serve to enrich our community. We exist as a platform to foster social interaction, support and bonds of friendship among the association members. 

The Plattdeutscher Verein of Seattle celebrated their 100th anniversary in September 2007. It's the members' roots in the 'Old Country' that keeps this club together.

An ever-changing program provides fun and entertainment for all members and their guests. Our meetings are typically conducted in English, but quite often we fall into our native language and even some 'plattdeutsch' on occasion, but we all laugh in the same language. Once a month the members of the German club come together in the German House in Seattle for a meeting to discuss and plan current and future events followed by a homemade dinner, music and some dancing and singing. A good time is had by all, and many of our members belong to the club for a long time.

Though we are a German club, guests of all nationalities are always welcome! 

Austria Club of Washington is a non-profit organization, incorporated under the laws of the State of Washington, USA.

The Austria Club of Washington was founded in 1976 thanks to the dedicated efforts of ten, Austria born immigrants. They were: Inge Waltz, Alma Kramer, Maria Highton, Bill and Trude Leimer, Fritz and Grete Duchon, Otto and Heide Waniczek, Alex and Trude Schwarz. The first meeting was held at the Camlin Hotel in Seattle, on February 26, 1976. Inge Waltz became the club’s first president.

The club functions under the direction of an elected board, consisting of a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and several trustees. In addition, the club forms various committees to plan and organize various social events, manage special projects, recruit new members, publish a newsletter, handle telephone calls, maintain contact with other ethnic groups and fulfill “sunshine lady” responsibilities.

The club has about 130+ active members of many nationalities. Many of them come to the club’s events because they enjoy dancing to the catchy tunes of talented Volksmusik bands such as Happy Hans and watch the cheerful performances by dancing groups like the Enzian Schuhplattler. Others come because they simply enjoy the company of other club members, they share experiences from travels to Europe, they exchange recipes of their favorite dishes and explore the taste of imported beers, American and European wines as well foods they rarely get at home.

The club is always looking for active members who wish to be part of a committee. Volunteering to serve on a committee is the quickest way to get to know people and meet new friends, to make a difference and to enjoy the camaraderie of a group of people with similar interests.

Enzian Schuhplattler is a registered 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting Bavarian folk dancing, culture, and costumes. Enzian performs regional dances from Bavaria (Germany) and Tirol (Austria), including traditional Schuhplattler and folk dances. Let us entertain you! The club was founded in 1965 by German and Austrian immigrants in Seattle, Washington (USA). Enzian Schuhplattler is a member of the Gauverband Nordamerika, an international federation of Schuhplattler clubs dedicated to the preservation of Bavarian and Tirolean folk dancing, costumes, customs, culture, and fellowship. To learn more about how the group got started and Enzian Schuhplattler's past, go to our history page. Enzian Schuhplattler has performed at a variety of events around the Pacific Northwest, including the Northwest Folklife Festival; Leavenworth's Maifest, Autumn Leaf Festival, and Oktoberfest; the Oktoberfest Northwest at the Western Washington Fairgrounds in Puyallup; the World Expos in Spokane, Washington, and Vancouver, B.C., and a multitude of other regional events.

If you are interested in having Enzian perform at your event, please understand that we must have a large, level, unobstructed, wood dance surface. 

The Continental Club was founded in 1961 to offer people of Germanic background a social rallying point in Seattle and to promote and preserve their European cultural heritage. The Continental Club at that time offered discount travel to Europe by renting charter flights for its members. After the airlines were deregulated, inexpensive flights were available to everyone and the travel purpose of the club was no longer needed. Club members continued to gather at frequent events throughout the greater Seattle-Tacoma area and, in 1971, proceeds from the Club were used to purchase property and to build the Berghaus at Hyak, which became a place for families and friends to enjoy time together. In 1973, a dormitory building connected to the day lodge was built to offer a larger sleeping area for its members. Today the Continental Club is open to people of all nationalities and continues to offer a base for numerous winter and summer activities.