Bye, bye 2024 – my best experiences with the Swiss Youth Hostels

Hello everyone! For all those who don’t know me yet: My name is Tanneli, and since the naming ceremony at the big family celebration at Richterswil Youth Hostel in summer 2023, I have been on a big mission for the Swiss Youth Hostels. My goal? Spread lots of joy and put a smile on the faces of young and old alike!

In February, I was able to experience the magic of snow for the first time – together with over 70 children! To mark the anniversary, the Swiss Youth Hostels organised the first ever inclusive anniversary ski camp at Interlaken Youth Hostel for socially disadvantaged children and children with disabilities. I’m already looking forward to the 2nd one next year!

Surprise!

Twice a year, the Swiss Youth Hostels organise a conference for employees from the hostels and headquarters – with a focus on interaction. I took the opportunity to surprise my colleagues. I was really excited to meet them in person!

The next highlight was not long in coming: On 28 April the Swiss Youth Hostels celebrated their 100th anniversary with around 500 partners at the Bächlihof Jona – even Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin attended, giving a speech. In addition to a delicious brunch, concerts and exciting panel discussions, a table football tournament was also on the agenda. Because what else?! 😉

Holidays at Brienz Youth Hostel

After these strenuous assignments, the first thing I did was treat myself to a holiday at Brienz Youth Hostel. The lake was just a few steps away from my room – so I hopped straight onto my stand-up paddleboard early in the morning. I spent the rest of the time eating ice cream, playing ping-pong or lounging in the sun. It was a dream. Since I was away on holiday, I had to turn down the invitation to the first ever National Mascot Festival in Grächen – who knows, maybe it will work out next year.

Reinvigorated and motivated, I travelled to the beautiful wellnessHostel3000 in Laax in July. I was invited to the family celebration by the destination Flims Laax Falera. It was so much fun playing and romping around with the children. Of course, I didn’t miss the opportunity to relax in the Aua Grava Wellness facilities in the evening and treat myself to a nice drink at the hip bar.

Friends forever!

At the 10th anniversary celebration of Saanen-Gstaad Youth Hostel, I met someone very special: Saani! We got on well straight away. It was a lot of fun playing table football and the alphorn together. Afterwards, we chilled out on the big bench at the youth hostel and spent tons of time chatting. I hope to see them again soon!

I would have liked to spend a little more time with Saani. But duty called! I didn’t want to miss the big table football tournament with 46 participants at Zurich Youth Hostel. Besides the exciting matches, there was plenty of time to meet new people. The winners were ecstatic to receive a travel voucher worth CHF 1,000 – and a year’s supply of Rivella!

Ready for new adventures

To top it off, I had the privilege of accompanying our boss to the Christmas market in Zurich, where she read a touching youth hostel story at Münsterhof. The beaming eyes of the children really brightened up my day! And now this exciting anniversary year is almost over again. I can’t decide which event I liked the most.

But one thing is certain: no matter where I went, I had great encounters with special people. I am infinitely grateful for that. I can’t wait to see what surprises the coming year has in store for me. But now I’m signing off for the holidays. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2025.

Stories from the youth hostels

Not only has Tanneli experienced a lot with the youth hostels this year, but so have our guests over the past 100 years.