Significant increase in guest numbers in Saxony's youth hostels

Youth hostels in Saxony are on the upswing again. In the previous year, 364,375 overnight stays were registered, as the state association of the German Youth Hostel Association announced on Tuesday. In 2019, there were 348,112 overnight stays, albeit with one less youth hostel than in 2023. The development is encouraging, emphasized Susan Graf, Chairwoman of the Board of the Saxony State Association. However, depending on the region, there is still more catching up to do.

A lot of construction is currently taking place in Saxony's youth hostels, Graf emphasized. "Following modernizations in Strehla and Bad Lausick, where more rooms with showers and toilets will be available this year, we have now started construction work in Dresden." The entrance and lounge area there has been redesigned for guests. From the second quarter of 2025, all rooms in the youth hostel will also be equipped with showers and toilets.

The Saxony state association has 77,000 members and operates 23 youth hostels in the state, according to the ministry. School classes account for around 38 percent of overnight stays, while families make up around 20 percent. The rest is shared by groups and clubs as well as individual travelers, such as hikers, pilgrims, cyclists and business travelers.

"What families appreciate most about youth hostels is how quickly and easily parents and children come into contact with each other," explained Graf. This makes it easier to arrive quickly on vacation. For school classes, the programs on offer are a plus point, as is the space available to be active together and spend time together.

The chairwoman named the youth hostel in Torgau as an insider tip. "Many people don't know how diverse the town is. Whether historically with Luther and the Reformation, the Jugendwerkhof memorial, architecturally with the Renaissance town hall or freshly certified as a family-friendly town." Those looking to be close to nature, on the other hand, will find a place in Neudorf at the foot of the Fichtelberg. In addition to many opportunities to get out and about, the small village offers Erzgebirge craftsmanship to touch and participate in.