Unveiling the Fascinating History of Hostels

The Birth of a Movement

In August 1909, a German teacher named Richard Schirrmann found himself caught in a violent thunderstorm during an eight-day hike with his students. They sought refuge in a farmer's barn for the night. As Schirrmann lay awake, an idea struck him: the creation of a network of safe, affordable accommodations for young travelers. He envisioned these hostels as places where students could rest during their journeys, promoting outdoor activities as a counterbalance to their sedentary school lives.

Schirrmann first shared his vision in a 1910 essay titled "Voksschuelerherbergen" ("elementary school pupil lodgings"), published in the "Koelnische Zeitung" (Cologne Newspaper). His proposal outlined the transformation of school classrooms into dormitories during holidays, with simple straw-filled mattresses and basic amenities. The concept resonated with the public, and support poured in from across Germany.

The First Youth Hostel

In 1912, the inaugural youth hostel opened its doors in Altena Castle, Germany, arranged according to Schirrmann's plans. It featured separate sleeping halls for boys and girls, a dayroom, kitchen, and washrooms. Schirrmann himself became the first hostel warden, living just above the hostel rooms. That same year, he published the first hostel directory, listing approximately 140 addresses.

The growth was rapid; by 1913, there were 301 youth hostels, and by 1914, the number had soared to 535. The "youth hostel" magazine debuted in 1920, and the first manual with hostel addresses was published, listing around 700 locations. Between 1924-1929, a lottery raised 1.5 million Reichsmarks for the cause. By 1932, Germany boasted 2,123 youth hostels with over 4.5 million overnight stays. The hostel movement had also spread internationally, with over 600 hostels in countries like Poland, the Netherlands, France, England, and Switzerland.

The International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF)

On October 20, 1932, the International Youth Hostel Federation was established in Amsterdam, with representatives from various European countries. Richard Schirrmann was elected president, and the federation's headquarters were set in Welwyn Garden City, near London. The following year, Isabel and Monroe Smith from the USA joined the conference and managed to open thirty youth hostels in the United States within a year.

However, the rise of the National Socialists in Germany led to political turmoil, and Schirrmann was forced to step down from his position. He later became the honorary president of the Reich Association for German Youth Hostels, a decision he would come to regret.

Post-War Resurgence

After World War II, the hostel movement regained momentum. In 1947, Germany had 247 youth hostels with 1,158,500 overnight stays. The GDR developed its own network of youth hostels, which were initially led by federations but later became state-run institutions. In 1960, the Federal Republic of Germany reached a peak with more than 720 hostels and over 11 million overnight stays. Following the end of the GDR in 1990, new youth hostel federations were established in the newly formed federal states, joining the German Youth Hostel Association.

Youth Hostels Today

Today, there are over 4,000 youth hostels in 65 countries, with more than 600 located in Germany alone. These hostels offer much more than just a place to sleep; they provide cultural experiences in historic buildings, scenic locations, and bustling city centers. For more information on hostels in Germany, visit Smart Travel Germany.

This captivating history, originally published by the German Youth Hostel Association and translated by Marcus Hochstadt, reveals the enduring legacy of Richard Schirrmann's vision—a vision that continues to inspire and accommodate young travelers around the world.