HI Hostels Blog

Sustainable Hostelling in Switzerland

Swiss Youth Hostels are committed to sustainability. By sustainability we understand consideration of social and ethical matters as a whole, such as the reasonable use of resources. Our sustainability strategy is characterised by its long-term and consistent implementation. In all our decisions, whether in building or operating, we pursue a simultaneous, balanced, and equitable achievement of goals for the three pillars of ecology, social affairs and economy.

Therefore, in all the following youth hostels you can take a holiday with a clear conscience without missing out on anything.

 

A first sustainability milestone was the opening of the youth hostel in Zermatt in January 2004 to the Minergie building standard.
 
Zermatt

 
The Zermatt youth hostel offers modern rooms at affordable prices, but what makes it special is the view from the window. There is a direct view of the world-famous Matterhorn from the Zermatt youth hostel.
The unique mountain scenery that Zermatt offers you is breath taking. This destination is just right for those who are sporty. Countless hiking paths, bike trails, fixed rope and climbing routes await you. The Matterhorn is of course always in your field of vision here, too.

 

2006 saw the complete renovation of the Valbella youth hostel and the construction of the Scuol youth hostel.
 
Valbella

 
You can enjoy the view of the Heidsee and the magnificent mountain landscape from your room or the grand terrace. In winter you can put your skis on at the door, because the ski slope and ski lift are right in front of the house.
In summer the Heidsee lake offers refreshing opportunities for bathing. At the water sports centre you can hire pedalos and admire the landscape from the water. The nearby river, the Upper Rhine, is famous for river rafting.

 

The Scuol youth hostel immediately scooped several awards, including first place for the “Marketing + Architecture” 2010 and special “Green Technology” prizes.
 
Scuol

 
The modern Scuol youth hostel, built in 2007, is close to the station, right next to the mountain railways and only ten minutes away from Engadin Bad Scuol – one of the most attractive thermal spas with a large sauna area and Roman-Irish bath.
The mineral water springs have made the main town of Lower Engadine into a wellness destination. Something not many people know is that some village wells carry mineral water fresh from the springs. The nearby Swiss National Park and varied skiing area of Motta Naluns, with 80 km of slopes, make the location attractive as a holiday destination at any time of year.

 

In May 2012 the new youth hostel in Interlaken became the first accommodation facility to be opened that had been built to the highest ecological standard, the Minergie P-Eco standard.
 
Interlaken

 
You will have a great time at the modern Interlaken youth hostel in the impressive mountain landscape of the Bernese Oberland. While majestic peaks loom outside, people of different nationalities get to know one another inside.
Experience a unique train journey on the Jungfraujoch. The route leads to the highest-situated station in Europe (3454m above sea level) with interim stations and unique views of the world-famous north face of the Eiger. Arriving at the top, you can admire a unique panorama of the biggest glacier in the Alps.

 

The commissioning of the new Gstaad Saanenland youth hostel took place in June 2014. It is the second accommodation facility to meet the Minergie P-Eco standard.
 
Gstaad Saanenland

 
From almost every room you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Swiss Alps as soon as you wake up. On sunny days the spacious terrace calls, while on cool evenings you can enjoy a good book on the bench around the stove.
This new youth hostel is located in a charming chalet village and in the middle of one of the most attractive hiking, mountain biking, and skiing regions of Switzerland. The holiday resort of Gstaad-Saanenland offers a wide range of cultural and sporting events plus numerous sporting options in the region. In summer there are up to 300 km of panoramic hiking routes available to you.

 

In September 2014 the Swiss Youth Hostels opened another new facility, the wellnessHostel4000. This meets the Minergie EcoStandard.
 
Saas Fee

 
The first youth hostel in the entire world with its own wellness centre is located in a central, quiet location in the car-free Saas-Fee. You will experience a breathtaking view of no less than 14 four-thousand metre-high mountains. You can admire this scenery even from the sauna.
Saas-Fee is an enchanting car-free glacier villagelocated on a high plateau and at the base of the highest mountains in Switzerland. In winter 145 kilometres of slopes await you. And if you don’t want to miss out on skiing in summer: Saas-Fee is THE summer skiing area in Switzerland. Three bike routes, hiking, and climbing areas plus guided high-alpine tours complete the offer. You can leave the rush of the daily routine behind you here.

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