Our History

Shortly after the turn of the 19th century, many young people have very little free time or money. Communal hiking, singing and dancing in the great outdoors offer an inexpensive entertainment option, regardless of the presence of adults.

After the First World War, young people became increasingly enthusiastic about hiking with their peers. Parents and teachers start to become concerned. They wonder if family ties are being torn apart, authority lost and if a willingness to work is diminishing.

The 1930s are characterised by unemployment, fear of war and spiritual national defence. Nevertheless, the youth hostels expand their network and defy the economic realities, sometimes thanks to a huge amount of luck, sometimes thanks to great courage.

With the outbreak of war in the summer of 1939, the influx of visitors to the youth hostels dramatically declines. Instead of young guests from abroad, soldiers on active duty are now sleeping in large dormitories.

After the war, the world is slowly recovering and international ties are rekindled. After significant growth up to 1938, the number of youth hostels is steadily decreasing.

The 1960s are marked by an economic boom and young people seeking more freedom. The youth hostels are facing competitive pressure for the first time.

Now even young people can afford long-distance trips; everything is cheaper and almost everyone has enough work. The world seems to be open to everyone, especially the American boys and Canadian girls travelling on a budget.

When looking for sponsorship, questions of image come to the fore. Are the youth hostels keeping up with the times and what do potential guests think of them?

The Swiss Youth Hostels have to find their way in the globalised world and are exposed to competition and newly sensitised guests from all over the world. Financially, things are getting tight.

Who is not familiar with the Swiss Youth Hostels? Hardly anyone. One in three Swiss citizens knows what is being talked about when they are asked about the hostels that are affectionately known as “jugis”. They are a national symbol.

From 2010, the youth hostels start harvesting sunshine from their roofs. As part of the Swiss Youth Hostels’ sustainability strategy, numerous renewable energy projects are implemented from the second decade of the 2000s onwards.

In 2020/2021, the COVID-19 pandemic brings international travel to an almost complete standstill. Stay-at-home orders and travel bans for school parties and groups within Switzerland push the Swiss Youth Hostels to the limits of their economic viability.