Handling of COVID-19

COVID-19 Protection concept and measures of the Swiss Youth Hostels

The health of our guests, employees and fellow human beings is of utmost importance to us. We, therefore, provide regularly updated information about the measures taken in connection with Corona.

Swiss Youth Hostels have drawn up a national protection concept (in conformity with the Swiss Hotel Association) for all youth hostels, which is continuously adapted to the cantonal regulations. All staff members are trained accordingly. The protection concept in brief:

  • We adhere strictly to the rules of the BAG (Federal Health Office).
  • For all guests over 12 years of age, the wearing of a mask is mandatory in public rooms.
  • Dispensers with disinfectant for the hands are placed in all public rooms.
  • Common touch points are cleaned and disinfected several times a day.
  • In the restaurant/dining room, the minimum distance between the tables is observed.
  • Employees are trained in protective behavior, in the use of protective material and in proper cleaning.
  • Cash payment should be avoided, whenever possible.
  • In the event of a positive test result or an official quarantine, you will be able to cancel your stay free of charge. We generally recommend booking a flexible rate. You can find all other information in the key questions.

  • Protection measurements

    More information about our protection measurements
    Download PDF

  • Sports-, Wellness- and Fitness facilities

    Our protection measurements for sport-, wellness- and fitness facilities.
    Download PDF

  • We are open

    Which youth hostels are currently open?
    Go to Overview

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone or e-mail.

Entering Switzerland

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic there are special rules for people entering Switzerland. Depending on the type of travel, you might have to fill out an entry form, show proof of a negative test and/or go into quarantine. Read more

The most important questions

  • If you provide written confirmation or a medical certificate, your stay can be postponed to a later date or cancelled free of charge.

  • Unless you have a positive Covid-19 test, the general cancellation policy applies.

    • Upon presentation of a written confirmation or a doctor’s medical certificate, the stay may be changed to another date, free of charge. In exceptional cases, a voucher may be issued.
    • A perspex screen is used at reception. Employees comply with the requirement to wear a certified face mask.
    • We offer a web check-in service which reduces the on-site registration procedure to an absolute minimum while also reducing contact with our reception staff. Contactless payment is preferred.
    • We adhere to the guidelines of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) and recommendations of GastroSuisse.
    • We continue to offer a breakfast buffet in accordance with the protection concept.
    • All Swiss Youth Hostels continue to offer evening meals; please note: by reservation only.
    • Lunch or packed lunches are available on request at some locations.
    • A maximum of four people are allowed to sit at each table, with the exception of families with more children.
    • We kindly ask for your understanding, that there may be a fixed meal time.
    • Everyone has a personal responsibility to follow the FOPH guidelines. Face coverings must be worn in all public spaces.
    • Please keep your distance from other guests and respect the defined maximum number of people allowed per establishment.
    • Should illness symptoms arise, please immediately refrain from travelling.
    • General cancellation regulations apply.
    • Should entry not be possible due to official Swiss regulations or regulations issued by the country of origin, the stay may be postponed to another date, free of charge. In exceptional cases, a voucher may be issued.
    • The standard cancellation policy applies, unless the mandatory quarantine requirement in your home country was introduced after you made your booking. In that case, your stay can be postponed to a later date or cancelled free of charge.
    • If the mandatory quarantine requirement is introduced during your stay, you may cancel the remaining nights after your departure free of charge.
    • Please find all information for schools here.
    • If one person has tested positive for coronavirus, then that one person’s stay will be cancelled free of charge upon submission of a medical certificate.
    • If the entire group has been in contact with the person who has tested positive, then the whole stay can be postponed once proof is provided.

Clean & Safe

The Swiss Youth Hostels take special measures to protect our guests and ensure that they have a pleasant stay in Switzerland. The «Clean & Safe» campaign is supported by Switzerland Tourism.

  • Protection during the stay in all service areas.
  • Security in all catering areas.
  • Security around seminars.
  • Protection in the wellness and spa area, to allow guests to use the swimming pools, saunas or steam baths.

WYSE COVID-19 Safe Accommodation Declaration

The Swiss Youth Hostels are proud to adhere to the WYSE Travel Confederation COVID-19 safety standards. The WYSE (World Youth Student and Educational) Travel Confederation is a global network for providers of international youth travel with over 600 members from 70 countries.

Read more

We are testing

Swiss Youth Hostels is part of the workplace testing programme in Grisons. It is important to us that we do our bit so the rise in the number of infections can be stopped. Over the next few weeks, our employees will be voluntarily and regularly getting tested for COVID-19.

Corona solidarity campaign

In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, tourism is among the hardest hit industries. Swiss Youth Hostels are also suffering from huge losses of revenue. We count on the solidarity of all our members and guests to ensure that we can continue to offer around 50 environmentally friendly and social youth hostels throughout Switzerland at affordable prices and to keep around 500 staff members employed. We use your contribution exclusively to cover losses. Many thanks!

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