Ah, the Palatinate Forest... it doesn't quite roll off the tongue like Bordeaux, France, but it was a truly hidden gem just 90 minutes from Mainz. Therefore it made for the perfect weekend getaway with kids!
Day 1:
We stayed at the lovely Villa Maria in Hinterweidenthal. For about 100 euros / night, we had a huge room, giant bathroom, and breakfast. The hotel also had a big garden outside and indoor sitting area (with wine and beer that could be purchased). It was so relaxing and I couldn't help but think what it must have been like living here when it was originally built. Across the street (a bit noisy, even at night) there was a daytime market with yummy fresh fruit, and just 900 metres away is the Teufelstisch!
We spent at least 3 hours at the playground here the first day, and 2 more the next. The walk all the way to the top is not as hard as it looks, and there is an amazing, giant slide that anyone above the age of 6 can take down. Naturally, we ditched the kids with their grandparents and went sliding! There's a water play area, plenty of place for setting down picnic blankets, and a lot of sand. Our first night, we ate dinner at the lovely Brauhaus Ehrstein. The huge menu had plenty of veggie options, and the kids loved the giant fish pond outside, along with the playground. We also liked that it was 400m from our hotel!
Day 2:
In the morning we ventured to the Biosphere in Fischbach bei Dahn, a peaceful 25 minute drive away. There, we walked around the tree top path (but forgot to pick up the slide mat at the beginning for the giant slide at the end), admiring beautiful views, learning a bit about nature, and sliding down all the slides. The path was very stroller- and kid-friendly, and not overly crowded in the morning. After more slides, we went to the cafe upstairs for lunch - sitting outside for the best views. Then it was back to the hotel for quiet time before returning to the Teufelstisch playground.
Today's dinner was just outside the playground, at an imbiss serving cold beer and kid-friendly sausage plates. The restaurant just off the playground had a huge playground but also a much higher-end menu. Then it was off to bed after another sun-filled day outdoors!
Day 3:
After checking out, we drove 25 minutes to Burg Trifels, a gorgeous castle on top of a pretty steep 1km climb. Luckily there are plenty of spots to take a break, but more stairs await once you arrive. The castle is very geared towards kids, with hands-on activities, a film, and lots of information about its history.
Lunch was at the cafe down the hill and very much hit the spot. Everywhere we ate, there was plenty of room for large groups, kid-friendly menus and seating, and great food. Even though it was during summer break, nothing was too crowded. It was good to come back home but a perfect few days away from the city!
Day 1:
We stayed at the lovely Villa Maria in Hinterweidenthal. For about 100 euros / night, we had a huge room, giant bathroom, and breakfast. The hotel also had a big garden outside and indoor sitting area (with wine and beer that could be purchased). It was so relaxing and I couldn't help but think what it must have been like living here when it was originally built. Across the street (a bit noisy, even at night) there was a daytime market with yummy fresh fruit, and just 900 metres away is the Teufelstisch!
We spent at least 3 hours at the playground here the first day, and 2 more the next. The walk all the way to the top is not as hard as it looks, and there is an amazing, giant slide that anyone above the age of 6 can take down. Naturally, we ditched the kids with their grandparents and went sliding! There's a water play area, plenty of place for setting down picnic blankets, and a lot of sand. Our first night, we ate dinner at the lovely Brauhaus Ehrstein. The huge menu had plenty of veggie options, and the kids loved the giant fish pond outside, along with the playground. We also liked that it was 400m from our hotel!Day 2:
In the morning we ventured to the Biosphere in Fischbach bei Dahn, a peaceful 25 minute drive away. There, we walked around the tree top path (but forgot to pick up the slide mat at the beginning for the giant slide at the end), admiring beautiful views, learning a bit about nature, and sliding down all the slides. The path was very stroller- and kid-friendly, and not overly crowded in the morning. After more slides, we went to the cafe upstairs for lunch - sitting outside for the best views. Then it was back to the hotel for quiet time before returning to the Teufelstisch playground.
Today's dinner was just outside the playground, at an imbiss serving cold beer and kid-friendly sausage plates. The restaurant just off the playground had a huge playground but also a much higher-end menu. Then it was off to bed after another sun-filled day outdoors!Day 3:
After checking out, we drove 25 minutes to Burg Trifels, a gorgeous castle on top of a pretty steep 1km climb. Luckily there are plenty of spots to take a break, but more stairs await once you arrive. The castle is very geared towards kids, with hands-on activities, a film, and lots of information about its history.
Lunch was at the cafe down the hill and very much hit the spot. Everywhere we ate, there was plenty of room for large groups, kid-friendly menus and seating, and great food. Even though it was during summer break, nothing was too crowded. It was good to come back home but a perfect few days away from the city!
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