Sometimes, it doesn't take much to turn a weekend into an adventure that kids will remember for months. For us, that was the case at the Nutchel Forest Village in Alsace – a holiday village in the middle of the forest, completely without screens, but with a wood stove, hot tub, and plenty of space to run around. We stayed there as a family for a few days, and I can tell you: this was one of those vacations where everyone left completely happy.

In this article, I'll tell you what makes Nutchel in Alsace so special, what to expect there, and why, in my opinion, it's one of the best places for a family holiday in nature.

What is Nutchel in Alsace?

The Nutchel Forest Village is located between the Rhine and the Vosges, about 45 minutes from Strasbourg, in the middle of a seven-hectare forest. Over 30 small wooden cabins, known as Cosy Cabins, are spread out among centuries-old trees. There's no Wi-Fi, no TV, and in some cabins, intentionally only a single power outlet. The concept behind it: simply unplug, go offline, and truly reconnect as a family.

That might sound like deprivation at first, but it's not at all. Because what Nutchel takes away from children (and us parents) in screen time, it returns manifold in the form of nature experiences, creativity, and community.

Our Cosy Cabin: Fireplace, Hot Tub, and Panoramic Windows

We booked a Cosy Cabin with its own hot tub, and that was exactly the right choice for us as a family. The cabin itself is lovingly and minimally furnished: lots of wood, warm string lights, a cozy double bed with a view directly into the forest through the large panoramic windows.

The cabin is heated entirely by its own wood stove, and that was one of the absolute highlights of the stay for our children. Every afternoon, we went together to collect firewood from the depot, and in the evenings, they were allowed to help light the fire in their own fireplace. How much wood do we need for the night? Who gets to add the next log? These small rituals delighted our kids every evening and, incidentally, they also learned how to handle fire.

And then, of course, the Hot Tub. Splashing in the warm water in the evening after a day in the forest, with a view of the trees, while the wood stove inside heated the cabin, was pure holiday bliss for our children.

The Breakfast and Dinner Basket

One detail that made our stay truly uncomplicated: the breakfast and dinner basket. Instead of having to do the shopping yourself, you simply pick up the lovingly packed baskets at the Cosy Chalet, the central reception at the entrance of the village. Regional products, fresh bread, a little Alsatian treat – for us, this was the perfect solution for a holiday with children, where in the evening you just don't feel like cooking and shopping anymore. At least twice a day, our way led us to the Cosy Chalet, which also provided a nice little walk through the village.

Sleeping Loft, Playground, and Fairy Houses in the Forest

What truly makes Nutchel special for families is how thoughtfully the entire area is designed for children. There's a cozy sleeping loft where the whole family can cuddle up in the evenings, plus a playground in the middle of the village where our kids played for hours.

But what our children loved most were the little fairy houses in the forest. Tiny, lovingly built houses for fairies can be found everywhere among the trees, and the kids were immediately eager to build on them themselves with sticks, moss, and stones. Completely without instructions, completely without a phone, just with imagination and what the forest offered.

Why Nutchel is So Perfect for Families

What we particularly liked about Nutchel in Alsace: nothing is staged here, but rather genuine nature time is enabled. No program, no entertainment team, no fixed times – instead, plenty of freedom for the children to play outdoors, while we parents could actually find some peace. Car-free, natural, and yet equipped with everything you need for a comfortable holiday with children: private bathroom, hot water, a village shop for essentials.

For us, Nutchel was therefore the perfect blend of glamping comfort and true forest adventure – ideal for families who want to escape everyday life without having to sacrifice comfort.

Good to know: Practical Information for Your Visit

• Location: Alsace, France – approx. 45 minutes from Strasbourg, approx. 2 hours from Basel
• Cabin sizes: for 2 to 6 people, also ideal for larger families
• Amenities: private wood stove, some with private hot tub, private bathroom, terrace
• For children: playground, sleeping loft, creative corner in the Cosy Chalet, fairy houses in the forest, large play area at the reception
• Catering: Breakfast and dinner baskets can be booked, honesty shop on site
• Travel time: We were there in May – ideal, as the weather was mild and the forest was in its most beautiful spring green
• Pool and Sauna: This Nutchel location in Alsace even offers a pool and a sauna, but beware, the pool is not heated and can therefore only be used in summer or for ice bathing

Our tip: If possible, book a cabin with a hot tub – especially with children, it's simply priceless in the evening after a day in the forest.

We also visited the Nutchel Village in Belgium. You can see how the two locations differ and what awaits you there here.

To Nutchel