A weekend in the Swiss Youth Hostels

Accommodation in the city centre, right by the lake, in a historic castle or with a spacious wellness area that won't break the family's tight budget: Swiss Youth Hostels offer a unique base for any kind of family excursion - including the typical informal atmosphere.

Experience

Swiss Youth Hostels are the budget-friendly alternative for a weekend with the family - and they are at home in all regions. Seelisberg Youth Hostel, a converted «Gadenhaus» with a sun terrace high above Lake Lucerne, is an insider tip for romantics. Thanks to its location on the «Swiss Path», the accommodation is also an ideal starting point for hikes in Central Switzerland.

In mid-April, the youth hostel at Burgdorf Castle and the castle's own museum open their doors to knights and princesses of all ages. After visiting the town of Burgdorf, it is highly recommended to explore the Emmental by bike, either leisurely along the Emme or on a stage of the famous Herzroute cycle route. Cities such as Basel, Lausanne and Locarno offer family-friendly accommodation in their youth hostels for exciting city trips.

The youth hostel in Basel is a gem, combining the charm of a historic factory building with contemporary architecture. The old town, the Rhine and Basel's «Zolli» are just a stone's throw away, yet you never feel like you're in the centre of a city at the youth hostel on St. Alban's Pond. Accommodation near the water is particularly popular in summer. Richterswil Youth Hostel is one of the hostels that are ideal for a beach holiday.

Located directly on Lake Zurich, the former silk factory not only has direct access to the lake, but is also situated in a large park with a playground, beach volleyball court and barbecue areas. The range of excursions on offer in the region is extremely varied.

Exterior view of Richterswil Youth Hostel

There are also numerous youth hostels in the Swiss mountain regions. One special hostel is the «Bella Lui» in Crans-Montana. Built in the 1930s as a sanatorium, today it allows guests to soak up the sun behind high window fronts or outside on three terraces. Of course, like the other Swiss mountain resorts, Crans-Montana offers numerous opportunities for outdoor summer and winter activities.

Salon of the "Bella Lui" in the Crans-Montana Youth Hostel — Salon of the «Bella Lui» in the Crans-Montana Youth Hostel

Enjoy

You can also eat well and inexpensively in Swiss youth hostels. Some hostels have their own restaurant, which is not only open to guests staying overnight. Wherever possible, local and regional products are served in all youth hostels - from breakfast yoghurt to three-course dinners.

The aim is to support local businesses and avoid long delivery routes. A buffet dinner with three to four courses is available from CHF 19.50 for adults, children pay CHF 8.50 (2 years) or CHF 14.50 (6 to 12 years). The «wellnessHostel4000» in Saas-Fee was opened in 2014 as the world's first youth hostel with its own wellness area. Well-being and relaxation are the order of the day here, whether in the sauna, steam bath, indoor pool, fitness room or relaxation room with a view of the Valais 4000 metre peaks.

In December 2020, a second Swiss youth hostel will open the doors to a large spa in Laax: in the «wellnessHostel3000» there, guests can enjoy saunas, fire bath, herbal steam bath, experience showers, sound room and Kneipp pool as well as a spacious indoor pool with adventure slide on 1835 m2. Admission prices for external guests (in brackets with «Bürgerpass» Saas-Fee): Indoor pool Fr. 12.50 (Fr. 10)/children Fr. 7.50 (Fr. 6), indoor pool and wellness (from 14 years) Fr. 34.40 (Fr. 27.50).
Admission to the indoor pool is included in the youth hostel accommodation price.

Overnight stay

The Swiss Youth Hostels are divided into three categories, ranging from rustic to ultra-modern - all characterised by the typical informal and uncomplicated ambience. Guests also have a choice of rooms, be it a single bed in a shared room, a double room (also available for single use) or a family room - with or without shower/WC, depending on availability. Everyone has the opportunity to purchase a membership and thus benefit from discounted accommodation prices.

Good to know

The Swiss Youth Hostels have committed themselves to a comprehensive sustainability strategy. For example, construction projects are based on the latest environmental standards and the hostels rely on renewable energy in their operations, in many places with the help of their own photovoltaic systems, solar panels or wood pellet heating. Detailed information on all hostels and offers from Swiss Youth Hostels is available at www.youthhostel.ch or by telephone on 044 360 14 14.