100 years of Swiss Youth Hostels: “Every day, we are committed to making holidays and travel possible for everyone.”

Nina: Today we have reason to celebrate: SYH is turning 100 years old! What is the organisation’s recipe for success? 

Janine: Time and again, the Swiss Youth Hostels have demonstrated exemplary adaptability in navigating social and political change. Accommodation has evolved from simple haylofts to modern and professionally run hostels. We have also been actively committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism for several decades, to name but a few examples. 

Why were the Swiss Youth Hostels founded in the first place? 

Leisure time was a rare commodity at the beginning of the 20th century. In addition, industrialisation and monotonous machine labour increasingly impacted the mental and physical well-being of young people. These youngsters were also looking to establish balance in their lives, which they discovered amidst the beauty of nature while hiking. However, they were only able to do one-day hikes because back then you only had one day off. With the introduction of the modern two-day weekend, suddenly two-day hikes were possible. This meant that there was also a need for affordable accommodation and is why representatives of various youth organisations founded the “Zürcherische Genossenschaft für Jugendherbergen” (Association for Youth Hostels Zurich) in Zurich on 28 April 1924. 

What were the most defining events of the last century? 

The first milestone was undoubtedly the founding on 28 April 1924. When the need arose to cross national borders, Switzerland became a founding member of the global umbrella organisation Hostelling International in 1932 to ensure safe and affordable accommodation around the globe. In 1956, the age limit of 25 years was finally lifted so that the Swiss Youth Hostels were able to welcome more and more families among their guests. The Zurich Youth Hostels Association established the Swiss Foundation for Social Tourism on 11 May 1973, thereby reorganising property and asset management, allowing the Zurich Association to focus entirely on running the hostels. In 1991, the majority of the regional associations merged to form the Swiss Youth Hostels Association. Today, the association is more dedicated than ever to promoting social and sustainable tourism in Switzerland and globally, as a member of Hostelling International.  

How has the offering changed? 

The original definition of a youth hostel was as follows: An overnight accommodation with beds or beds of straw, with a roof over the head and a cooking facility. Today, our guests sleep in a Nordic style, mainly in smaller room units with a maximum of 6 beds, and we cater for them in the evening with a balanced three-course menu. We have developed into a modern and professional non-profit organisation. 

What values does the association represent? 

We are particularly proud that we have always remained true to our values. Back then and now, our attractively priced offerings reflect our ongoing commitment to making holidays within Switzerland accessible, even for those on a tight budget. We also dedicate ourselves to creating experiences that extend beyond individuals’ familiar surroundings. That is our primary objective. At the same time, we ensure our offerings are as sustainable as possible – both in the construction and operation of the youth hostels.  

Where will the journey take us in the next few years? 

We are currently working on lots of exciting projects! Digitalisation and the opportunities it brings will continue to play a central and important role. We are also expanding our network with great locations in Martigny, Geneva and Biel. In Lucerne, we’re planning to move from the Rotsee Youth Hostel to the Swiss Museum of Transport, while in Pontresina we’re also planning a renovation project with a boulder hall. One thing is certain – the future promises to be exciting.  

You have been working for Swiss Youth Hostels for almost 30 years. What does the organisation mean to you? 

It is the values, the people and the partnerships that make the organisation what it is. Every day, we strive to make holidays and travel possible for everyone. And we do so in a way that creates friendships across national borders, regardless of background or culture. This motivates me anew every day and, even after almost 30 years, I still enjoy working for the Swiss Youth Hostels very much. 

What is your personal birthday wish for the Swiss Youth Hostels? 

Over the past 100 years, the Swiss Youth Hostels have always excelled in adapting to societal changes and keeping up with the times. I wish the Swiss Youth Hostels continued success in this endeavour and continued dedication to socially responsible and sustainable tourism for the next 100 years. 

Janine Bunte has worked for Swiss Youth Hostels since 1996 and has held the role of CEO since 2019. She started out as a clerk in the accounts department before assuming regional management responsibilities. From 2010 to 2019, she was CFO and a member of the Executive Board, responsible for the finance, IT and human resources departments. As CEO of the Swiss Youth Hostels, Janine Bunte focuses in particular on the further digital development of the non-profit organisation and on fulfilling the association’s obligations to social tourism and anchoring it in the organisation’s culture. Janine Bunte is President of Parahotellerie Schweiz, co-initiator and President of the discover.swiss association, President of Equality4Tourism, Vice-President of the discover.swiss cooperative and a member of the board of Go-Snow, Schnee Sportinitiative Schweiz. Through her active participation in international committees, she also plays a key role in the development of Hostelling International, the international association of youth hostels worldwide. 

Even more history

Amazing stories unfold behind the doors of our hostels.