Jugendherbergswerk Bayern celebrates 100 years of youth hostels

The Jugendherbergswerk Bayern (DJH Bayern) celebrated its 100th anniversary with a commemorative event in Nuremberg. The celebration focused on the evolving role of youth hostels as spaces for community, education, and democratic engagement rather than just traditional accommodation.

Bavarian Youth Minister Ulrike Scharf attended the event, describing youth hostels as “learning sites of democracy” that provide reliable spaces for young people to practice democratic competencies and social values. She highlighted their importance as extracurricular learning environments that promote inclusion, accessibility, and intercultural understanding.

DJH Bayern operates a network of 46 hostels across Bavaria, facilitating over one million overnight stays annually. Beyond tourism, the organization serves as a pillar of social infrastructure, offering environmental and democratic education programs for school classes, families, and international groups. Klaus Umbach, President of DJH Bayern, emphasized that the organization's future priority is creating spaces where young people can experience community and take on responsibility.