German Youth Hostels

Youth hostels are suitable for both short and longer stays for individual travellers, families, groups of walkers, sports clubs and youth groups, holiday camps and skiing breaks. They can also be used for conferences and seminars. There are more than 600 youth hostels in Germany. They are open to everyone, young and old, although you have to be a member of the youth hostelling association. Membership cards are available from the German Youth Hostelling Association (Deutscher Jugendherbergswerk) or directly from the youth hostels themselves. Advance booking is advisable during the holiday season and at city centre youth hostels.

Other hostels also offer budget accommodation. No membership is needed for the "Jugendgästehäuser" (literally: youth guesthouses) or for the "Naturfreundehäuser" (friend-of-nature houses) which cover a range of inexpensive accommodation from a basic walker's hut to family-friendly hotels.

Backpacker Hostels are particularly suitable for longer stays. Accommodation is in multi-bed rooms or dormitories. Services include self-service kitchen facilities, washing machines and internet terminals. These are a good place to meet other backpackers and to get the information you need to enable you to explore the city or region independently.