Landal Hochwald with kids: big indoor playground, small pool

Two weeks of November in a kids' bungalow at Landal Hochwald near Kell am See, with snow soon after we arrived. The indoor play hall is genuinely big (robots bring your food), the pool is genuinely small, and Trier and its Christmas market are about forty minutes away.

The landscape changed before we even arrived. Rolling hills, winding roads, dense forests and that unmistakable feeling of heading somewhere quieter. Landal Hochwald sits near Kell am See, surrounded by woodland and gentle slopes, and it immediately felt like a place where winter would naturally settle in.

Not long after arrival, snow followed.
 

First impressions: the children's bungalow, compact but well placed

We stayed in a children's bungalow, and the location turned out to be one of its biggest advantages. Everything was close by, which mattered more than we expected once the temperatures dropped.

The children's bedroom was an instant hit. A bunk bed, shelves full of toys and one very important decision to be made straight away: who would sleep on top and who would sleep below. The solution was serious and carefully negotiated, one week each. The chalkboards on the bedroom doors made it official. Names were written in large letters, surrounded by hearts. Even the grandparents' room was already claimed before they arrived.

Within hours, the living room joined in too. Toys slowly spread across the floor in that familiar way that instantly makes a place feel lived in.

The cottage itself was noticeably smaller than some of the other Landal parks we stayed at, especially compared to Salztal Paradies. With six people, moving past each other sometimes required a bit of choreography. It worked, but it was snug.

What it lacked in size, it made up for in atmosphere. Warm, practical and easy to settle into.
 

Winter arriving early

Snow arrived quickly, and more suddenly than expected. We hadn't fully prepared for proper winter conditions, so the first days included a practical shopping trip to Hermeskeil. Winter clothes and boots at the Lidl, another snow suit at the Kik and some craft supplies at the Action, and everyone was set again.

The first proper snowy morning changed everything. As soon as we woke up, the kids rushed outside. At the front of the cottage we overlooked the central part of the park, but at the back it opened up towards a large playground. Fresh snow, open space and no waiting time needed. It was the kind of setup where you instantly know you picked the right spot.

We had brought our own December traditions along with us, and they turned out to fit a cottage in the woods rather well.

Even when the snow disappeared again after a day on the park itself, it returned just a short drive away, higher up in the surrounding hills.

 

Walking through winter scenery

One of our favourite moments came from a simple walk. Two kilometres from the park, after a decent climb, it was suddenly two degrees colder and the snow was still lying there. The route ran along the Knüppeldamm, a raised wooden path through the forest, partly covered in snow.

The route was about 2.5 kilometres and felt varied. Boardwalks, forest paths and a short accidental detour through rougher terrain after a wrong turn made it feel like a small adventure.

The kids found it so beautiful that both of them insisted on taking photos of everything they saw. Trees, snow, footprints, even us. It slowed us down in the best possible way, noticing details we might otherwise have walked straight past.
 

Indoor play that actually works

Landal Hochwald really shines when it comes to indoor play. The indoor play hall is genuinely large, not a token space. There is plenty for children of different ages to do, from climbing and slides to trampolines and interactive games projected on a giant screen.

As a parent, it's also a comfortable place to spend time. There is enough seating, and food and drinks are brought by robots, which never stopped being impressive. On cold or snowy days, this space carried a lot of the stay.

Outside, there are playgrounds as well, but during winter, most of our time naturally shifted indoors.
 

The pool: manage expectations

The swimming pool is small. Very small. A compact L-shaped pool and a tiny slide for toddlers. During our stay, the pool was also closed for renovation in the second week, which we were aware of in advance.

We didn't end up swimming at all. A quick look through the window was enough to know it wouldn't be a highlight for us. This is not a park you choose for its swimming facilities.

Is a big pool exactly what you are after? Then Center Parcs Les Trois Forêts is the better fit, because there the water is the main event.
 

Getting out: Trier and the Christmas market

We didn't do many outings during this stay, partly because of weather conditions and frozen roads. That said, there is plenty to explore in the wider area.

One trip that stood out was a visit to Trier. The drive took about forty minutes, along winding roads through hills and forests, and already felt special. In Trier, the Christmas atmosphere was in full swing. Markets, lights, a carousel for the kids and the impressive cathedral, which we also went inside, made it a memorable afternoon.

What stood out was how accessible it all felt. Apart from one stall, the prices really were fair, and a ride on the carousel cost less than at a Dutch funfair. We have known that to go differently, in Maastricht and in London. The city was lively without being overwhelming, and even in the rain, it felt worth the trip.
 

Everyday comforts: shop, restaurant and takeaway

The park has a small shop where you can get fresh bread rolls in the morning, along with games, small gifts and essentials. There is also a bowling alley and restaurant on site, though we didn't use them during this stay.

We did try the takeaway once. Comfort food, familiar options and a few very recognisable Dutch snacks made it an easy win after a long day outdoors. Food inside the indoor play area was genuinely good, though noticeably more expensive than other German parks we've stayed at.
 

Frequently asked questions about Landal Hochwald

 

Does Landal Hochwald work for families?

Yes, across multiple seasons.

Landal Hochwald works well for families who enjoy forested landscapes, space and being outdoors. In winter, it shines because of its atmosphere and strong indoor play facilities. In summer, the same setting would likely work just as well, with walking trails, outdoor play and the lake on the park itself adding to the experience.
  For us, it felt like a place to settle in. Letting the season take the lead, slowing down naturally, and allowing the surroundings to shape the days rather than trying to fill them.
   

See also

Destinations Irrland with kids: a day out just across the German border Destinations Landal Salztal Paradies with kids: two weeks in the Harz in November Destinations Center Parcs Hochsauerland with kids: one big hill, rent the e-car

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