Youth hostels focus on growth - new offers in demand

Saxony's youth hostels are expanding their offers and want to increase the number of overnight stays again this year. The goal is a double-digit increase of at least 10 percent, said the chairwoman of the state association, Susan Graf, to the German Press Agency. The most important target group is still school classes. However, the hostels are also in demand from clubs and families.

They also offer accommodation in historical locations such as the old fire station in Plauen, a fortified tower in Bautzen or castle complexes such as Augustusburg and Colditz Castle. "Such historical locations are definitely a highlight," said Graf. There are also locations in the major cities of Dresden, Leipzig and Chemnitz - in Chemnitz in a former Bauhaus-style substation.

While overnight stays in the cities are in demand, it is also important to have a presence in the countryside, explained Graf. Especially for school trips for younger children, cities are often out of the question and a short journey is important. However, the 27 listed facilities are also growing: a new youth hostel is currently being built on Lake Markkleeberg, which is due to open in 2026.

Target: 400,000 overnight stays

Last year, just under 361,300 overnight stays were recorded in Saxony's youth hostels, said Graf. In line with the national trend, this is a decrease compared to the previous year (364,400), but more than before the coronavirus pandemic. The association's goal is to reach 400,000 overnight stays per year.

The decline in 2024 was due to construction work in some hostels. As a result, capacities were lower at times. This affected the youth hostel in Dresden. The Hormersdorf youth hostel in the Ore Mountains was also closed for three months due to renovation work. In addition, prices had to be increased by 7 percent last year. Graf emphasized that this was moderate compared to the increase in costs. There will be no price increase this year.

Refurbishment needs in the millions

In view of the necessary investments, the federal association recently called for greater government support for the refurbishment of homes. Otherwise, locations in rural regions in particular would be threatened with closure. In the next eight to ten years, youth hostels across Germany would have to invest around 30 million euros a year, it said. For example, in energy-efficient refurbishment and conversion for the disabled.

In Saxony, there are no plans for closures, Graf affirmed. However, extensive investment is also needed here - for example in heating systems. She sees a great need for investment at the youth hostel in Radebeul, for example. "We would be very interested in completely renovating the site." However, support is needed. Talks are being held with the city. There is talk of a two-digit million sum to be raised.

English camps for Harry Potter fans

Saxony's youth hostels can also score points with new offers. These include English-language school trips and summer courses, for example on the magical world of Harry Potter, as Graf explained. "These are in great demand." This also applies to offers that strengthen the social interaction of school classes.