Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels
Schweizer Jugendherbergen is a Zürich-based non-profit association, founded in 1924, operating approximately 50 budget youth hostels across Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It serves young travelers, families, schools, groups, corporate clients, and travelers with disabilities as the Swiss member of Hostelling International.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1924
- HeadquartersZürich, Switzerland
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels does
Schweizer Jugendherbergen (Swiss Youth Hostels) is a Zürich-based non-profit association founded in 1924 that operates approximately 50 youth hostels across Switzerland and Liechtenstein, serving budget-conscious travelers, families, school groups, associations, corporate clients, and travelers with disabilities. The organization is governed as a Verein (association) under the Swiss Foundation for Social Tourism and functions as the Swiss national member of Hostelling International, granting members access to 2,500+ hostels in 57 countries. Over 650 employees (350+ FTE) operate the network, which has received multiple ibex fairstay sustainability certifications and is over 75% barrier-free.
The commercial offering centers on accommodation (dormitory, family, and private rooms), supplemented by the proprietary Yoummi food and beverage concept (CHF 19.50 three-course menus, vegetarian-first, free refill stations, 24-hour Selfkiosk), a unified mobile booking app for iOS/Android with digital membercard, merchandise via e-guma, corporate seminar facilities, and event venues including the castle property Schloss Burgdorf. Technology infrastructure is built on WordPress with Vercel frontend, Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM, and Piwik analytics.
The revenue model is hybrid: transaction-based accommodation (with CHF 7/night member discount), recurring membership subscriptions across eight tiers (CHF 0 for schools, CHF 15-30 annual individual tiers, CHF 100 group, CHF 1,000 lifetime, CHF 100+ patron support), transaction-based F&B, professional services for events and seminars, and merchandise. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via youthhostel.ch and the mobile app, with sales-led motion for schools, groups, and corporate accounts — including bundled travel packages with SBB (Swiss Federal Railways). Active expansion includes the new Geneva Youth Hostel (mid-2026) and Savognin Youth Hostel (December 2026).
Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels
- Legal name
- Schweizer Jugendherbergen
- Website
- https://youthhostel.ch
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1924
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Schweizer Jugendherbergen is a Zürich-based non-profit association, founded in 1924, operating approximately 50 budget youth hostels across Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It serves young travelers, families, schools, groups, corporate clients, and travelers with disabilities as the Swiss member of Hostelling International.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Youth Hostel Accommodation Services
- NAICS
- Rooming and Boarding Houses, Dormitories, and Workers' Camps (7213), Traveler Accommodation (7211), Accommodation (721)
- SIC
- Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Student & Youth Hostels (Youth Organization/HI-style) (THAGAGAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Traditional Dormitory Hostels (THAGAGAA), Backpacker Guesthouses & Budget Inns (THAMAIAI)
Keywords
Where Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Zürich
- HQ country
- Switzerland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Accommodation: Nightly stays in approximately 50 hostels across Switzerland. Revenue from room bookings across various room types (dormitory, family rooms, double rooms). Non-member and member pricing with CHF 7 discount per person per night for members.
- Membership Subscriptions: Annual membership fees ranging from CHF 0 (school groups) to CHF 1,000 (lifetime). Standard memberships at CHF 15-30 per year. Additional household members at CHF 15 per year. Group/organization memberships at CHF 100 per year.
- Merchandise: Sale of vouchers and fan articles through e-guma shop. Practical travel accessories and stylish must-haves for adventurers.
- Event Venues & Catering: Revenue from event hosting including weddings (Schloss Burgdorf), corporate events, seminars. Catering services with 3-course meals at CHF 19.50 for adults, children's pricing available.
- Food & Beverage: On-site dining through Yoummi gastronomy concept. 3-course menus, self-service topping stations, and Selfkiosk 24-hour convenience. Also includes restaurant locations like Restaurant Schloss Burgdorf, Beizli am See, and BiBlau Laax.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Member Young - For travelers under 27 years old |
| Subscription | Annual | Member Traveller - For travelers 27 years and older |
| Subscription | Annual | Member Extra - For additional household members |
| Subscription | Annual | Member Group - For private groups of 10+ people |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Member Lifetime - Lifetime membership |
| Subscription | Annual | Member Supporter - Private patrons |
| Subscription | Annual | Member School - For school classes (10+ students) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 3-Course Meals (Yoummi) |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Schweizer Jugendherbergen operates a network of approximately 50 youth hostels across Switzerland and Liechtenstein, providing affordable accommodation in dormitories, family rooms, and private rooms. The association runs a tiered membership program (Membercard) that grants per-night discounts and access to 2,500+ hostels worldwide through the Hostelling International network, complemented by the proprietary Yoummi gastronomy brand, event hosting at landmark venues, and corporate seminar facilities.
Product overview
Schweizer Jugendherbergen operates a portfolio of approximately 50 youth hostels across Switzerland and Liechtenstein as the Swiss national association of Hostelling International. The core product is budget accommodation (shared dormitories, family rooms, private rooms) supplemented by an in-house mobile app for booking and digital membership cards, the Yoummi dining and catering concept at select hostels, and event/banqueting services at landmark venues like Schloss Burgdorf. Additional revenue streams include vouchers and merchandise, corporate seminar facilities, and school trip packages. The membership program (Membercard) spans multiple tiers from youth to lifetime, providing per-night discounts and access to partner deals and the global HI network of 2,500+ hostels worldwide. New hostel openings in Geneva (mid-2026) and Savognin (December 2026) are among recent expansions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Yoummi: Gastronomy and food & beverage concept operating restaurants and bistros within youth hostels, including the Selfkiosk 24-hour service.
- Schloss Burgdorf
Products and services
- Swiss Youth Hostels Accommodation Network
- Swiss Youth Hostel Mobile App
- Yoummi Food and Drink Concept
- Membercard Membership Program
- Events and Weddings Hosting
- Company Seminars and Team Events
- School Programs
- Vouchers and Fan Articles
- Hostelling International Global Network Access
Quantifiable outcome
- CHF 7 discount per person per night for members
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles7 records
Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature3 records
Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Hostelling InternationalcoreSwiss Youth Hostels are the Swiss member of Hostelling International, a global network operating hostels in 57 countries with approximately 2,500 properties. Members receive access to member pricing at all HI hostels worldwide.
- TransaminorPartner deal offering 10% discount on travel and outdoor equipment at all Transa shops for members. Part of member benefit program.
- ibex fairstaycoreSustainability certification partner. Multiple hostels have received Best of ibex fairstay awards (Engelberg 2025, Locarno 2024, Saas-Fee 2023, Pontresina/Zürich 2021, St. Moritz 2020).
- myclimatecoreClimate protection partner. Received myclimate Award 2016. Partners on carbon reduction initiatives.
- Schweizer WanderwegeminorSwiss Hiking Trails organization. Partner for hiking content and promotion. Joint Walk and Talk community events.
- SchweizMobilminorPartner for cycling and outdoor activity promotion. Joint content and activity packages.
- Schweizer WanderwegeminorSwiss Hiking organization. Partner for community events like Walk and Talk and hiking content.
- Outdoor Escape GamesminorGPS-based outdoor escape games combining geocaching and augmented reality at selected hostels. Experience partner for team activities.
- SBB (Swiss Federal Railways)coreSpecial travel offers for schools, groups, clubs, and companies to reach hostels and excursion destinations. Discounted public transport packages.
- MinergiecoreSwiss energy efficiency building standard. Multiple hostels hold Minergie certification for sustainable construction.
- Barrierefreie SchweizminorSwiss accessibility organization. Partner for barrier-free travel initiatives.
- Denk an michminorSwiss organization for accessibility. Partner for inclusive travel programs.
- Energie-Agentur der WirtschaftminorEnergy Agency for Swiss Business. Partner for energy efficiency initiatives.
- Gastro ChartaminorSwiss gastronomy sustainability charter. Partner for Yoummi food concept sustainability.
- KulturLegiminorSwiss culture pass for people with limited means. Partner for accessible cultural experiences.
- Max HavelaarminorFairtrade Switzerland. Partner for fair trade product sourcing in hostels.
- NikinminorSwiss tree-planting organization. Partner for sustainability initiatives.
- plantedminorSwiss plant-based food company. Partner for sustainable food options.
- öbuminorSwiss business association for sustainable development. Partner for sustainability strategy.
- Avenches TourismusminorRegional tourism organization for Avenches. Partner for community events.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Ibis Budget (Accor): Pan-European budget hotel brand under Accor with 600+ properties. Comparable as a broader incumbent in the same budget accommodation space; targets price-sensitive travelers but operates as standardized hotels rather than hostels.
Direct peers
- MEININGER Hotels: European hybrid hostel/hotel chain with 35+ properties in prime urban locations (Berlin, Munich, Amsterdam, etc.). Directly comparable as a branded budget accommodation operator targeting similar young and family travelers with multi-bed and private rooms.
- Wombats Hostels: Austrian-based hostel chain operating in Munich, Berlin, Vienna, Budapest, and London. Directly comparable as a European youth hostel competitor with similar dormitory-led model and group/individual traveler focus.
- Generator Hostels: Pan-European design hostel brand with properties in major cities (Paris, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Amsterdam). Directly comparable as a youth-oriented hostel operator competing for the same European budget-traveler segment with differentiated design and social programming.
- Youth Hostel Association England & Wales (YHA): British national youth hostel association operating 150+ hostels across England and Wales. Directly comparable as a fellow HI-affiliated national association with similar member-funded operations, school group programs, and property portfolio in a different geography.
- Hostelling International: Global federation of national youth hostel associations operating 2,500+ hostels in 57 countries. SJH is the Swiss member and uses HI's international booking platform — directly comparable as the umbrella network and standards body for youth hostel operations.
- Deutsches Jugendherbergswerk (DJH): German national youth hostel association, the largest HI member with over 400 hostels. Directly comparable as a fellow national HI association operating a member-funded, mission-driven hostel network in a neighboring market.
- a]o Hostels: Austrian-headquartered European hostel chain with properties in Vienna, Amsterdam, Prague, and other cities. Directly comparable as a budget hostel operator in the DACH region targeting similar young traveler demographics with multi-bed and private configurations.
- St Christopher's Inn: European hostel brand with locations in London, Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Berlin. Directly comparable as a youth-focused hostel competitor targeting backpacker and budget leisure segments with attached bar/social venues.
Emerging players
- Airbnb: Global alternative accommodation marketplace. Comparable as a major competitive force reshaping the budget and unique-stay accommodation market that SJH serves, particularly in mountain and unique-venue segments.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks1 record
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels social profiles
Digital presenceSchweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance22 records
Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels
What does Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels do?
Schweizer Jugendherbergen operates a network of approximately 50 youth hostels across Switzerland and Liechtenstein, providing affordable accommodation in dormitories, family rooms, and private rooms. The association runs a tiered membership program (Membercard) that grants per-night discounts and access to 2,500+ hostels worldwide through the Hostelling International network, complemented by the proprietary Yoummi gastronomy brand, event hosting at landmark venues, and corporate seminar facilities.
Is Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels a public or private company?
Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels founded?
Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels was founded in 1924. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels based?
Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels is headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, in the Europe region.
How does Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Accommodation is the primary driver. The others are membership Subscriptions, merchandise, event Venues & Catering and food & Beverage.
Who are Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels's main competitors?
Ibis Budget (Accor) is listed as a broad incumbent. Direct peers are MEININGER Hotels, Wombats Hostels, Generator Hostels, Youth Hostel Association England & Wales (YHA), Hostelling International, Deutsches Jugendherbergswerk (DJH), a]o Hostels and St Christopher's Inn. Airbnb is listed as an emerging player.
Does Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels have an API?
No public API is recorded for Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels.
What industry is Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels in?
Schweizer Jugendherbergen - Swiss Youth Hostels's product category is Youth Hostel Accommodation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAGAGAH, Student & Youth Hostels (Youth Organization/HI-style), with a secondary code of THAGAGAA, Traditional Dormitory Hostels. Its NAICS code is 7213 and its SIC code is 7000.