Forsthaus Bell

After our visit to the animal and theme park, we made a quick stop at the snack bar. There isn’t a big selection, but it was enough to take the edge off our hunger. The quality stood out, and the prices felt fair for what we got.

The one issue for us was getting around on foot, since the only route runs right alongside the B327. I haven’t seen the rooms, but the snack bar is well worth a visit. The staff were really warm and great with the kids, and the food was much better than I expected from a snack bar.

Getting back onto the road was stressful on a motorcycle. The exit is steep, visibility of approaching traffic is poor, and the loose surface made it tricky. The entrance had the same steep, loose conditions, so the site is hard to navigate on a bike. We stopped outside with a buddy, expecting a welcoming place, and at first it looked that way. Instead, there were a few tables pushed together without much order, while what looked like a family celebration was happening inside. The large parking lot also seemed poorly maintained, and the whole place left us with an odd impression. The main building looks all right from outside, though it seems past its best. There’s also a snack bar tucked away, and we couldn’t tell whether it was part of the same setup. The menu and decor were basic but clean. Someone was grilling over charcoal beside it, and thick smoke and a strong barbecue smell spread across the area. The waiter was friendly and helpful. The self-service coffee machine was broken, so he brought us coffee instead. Still, we left feeling confused about what the place actually is: a restaurant with snacks, a truck stop, a rental venue, a hotel, or somewhere for day trips with coffee and cake. For somewhere in such a lovely spot on the Hunsrück High Road, it had the feel of a “lost place.” After looking at photos from other visitors, I was surprised to see what a great party they apparently had. My first impression didn’t give me any idea what to expect inside, and I’m still unsure what kind of place it is. That’s honestly how it came across to me.

A resident or owner, I’m not sure which, photographed me several times without asking. Even if the phone has 42 megapixels, that’s not what customer service should look like.