Swiss Youth Hostels
At 52 locations throughout Switzerland we provide inexpensive accommodation and good healthyfood to a high standard. Our youth hostels are often situated in prime positions. From castles and villas through to modern urban city youth hostels you will find everything your heart desires.
In the course of their more than 80 years’ history, the Swiss Youth Hostels have acquired an incomparable wealth of historic structures. Since their foundation in 1924, youth hostels have been accommodated in a remarkable range of historic buildings. Today, they are to be found in castles, palaces, former factory buildings, historic villas and chalets, a sanatorium, a “Gaden” house, a customs house on Roman foundations and important contemporary examples of modern architecture.
The importance of historic buildings is firmly rooted in the philosophy of the Swiss Youth Hostels Association and the Swiss Foundation for Social Tourism. At the same time, the Swiss Youth Hostels have discovered that the general public and even their own members are largely unaware of the immense historic value of the youth hostels. In many youth hostels there is a lack of in-depth information for interested persons.
With this end in mind, it was decided to write up the histories of selected youth hostels since the day they were built. Thomas Pfluger, a trained architect and member of the Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects, has studied the extensive archive material, summarised it in the form of short texts and added pictures. These pictures and texts have been printed on Plexiglas panels displayed in the entrance areas of the youth hostels concerned. The stimulus
for the definitive implementation of the project was the “Historic Hotel of the Year 2008” prize awarded by ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites). Zurich Youth Hostel received a special accolade “for a thoughtful and successful conversion of a 1960s building and an outstanding business philosophy in the area of social tourism”.
Brugg
The Romans and the Habsburgs lodged at “Altenburg Castle”. History permeates the location: the Roman legionary camp Vindonissa, Habsburg Castle and the Monastery Church all lie within easy reach. More
Dachsen
The castle has loomed majestically above the Rhine waterfall for over a thousand years. Today it is a picture-book hostel with 91 beds in rustic rooms. More
Davos
To this day the former spa hotel still exudes the charm of the time when tourists came to recover and be cured. The view across the resort, Lake Davos and the mountain scenery will take your breath away. More
Fällanden
The youth hostel stands outside the village of Fällanden on the shore of Lake Greifen, a largely environmentally-protected area. For groups only! More
Grindelwald
Undoubtedly one of the most comfortable hostels in the Alpine region! This youth hostel is a popular meeting point for sports fans an guests seeking to experience Grindelwald’s impressive mountain scenery. More
Leissigen
Formerly the Summer residence of an industrial family from Berne right on the Lake of Thun, the hostel is now a holiday oasis, offering stylish, comfortable rooms, many with lake view. More
Mariastein
A picture-book castle. The atmosphere is authentic: Steps lead up the hill to the castle’s inner courtyard. The rooms lie behind meter-thick walls, a spiral staircase leads to the tower room. More
Richterswil
The converted modern building lies alongside the lake in a beautiful, spacious park. The one-time silk factory is perfect for sports holidays, conferences and events of every kind. More
Seelisberg
A secret tip for romantics. The youth hostel is set amidst fields and woods and from here visitors can enjoy an impressive view of Lake Uri. More
Sils i.D.
The castle was originally built in the 13th century. To this day, it offers unique views across the castle-strewn Domleschg countryside. More
Solothurn
The hostel is worth visiting just to look within the historic customs house. In the evening, the old town just round the corner draws you into cosy pubs. More
