New offers: Youth hostels attract more guests

Contrary to the national trend, youth hostels in Saxony grew in 2025. Around 142,500 guests (up 1.7 percent) were counted. They booked 368,200 overnight stays - an increase of almost 1.9 percent, according to the state association based in Chemnitz. Further growth is expected this year. A new hotel, which is being built on Lake Markkleeberg with 170 beds, should provide an important boost. The opening is planned for the beginning of September. The association's medium-term goal is to break the 400,000 overnight stays mark per year.

In contrast, Saxony's accommodation providers counted fewer guests overall last year, according to figures from the State Statistical Office: The number fell to 7.99 million (down 1.8 percent), while overnight stays fell to 19.7 million (down 1.5 percent).

Youth hostels also in demand for conferences

There are currently 23 youth hostels in Saxony. They are popular with schoolchildren and students, followed by participants in training courses and conferences, families and vacation camps. Managing Director Susan Graf attributes the recent growth to the increased attractiveness of the hostels as a result of investments. Guests wanted flexible, modern and comfortable accommodation with a good price-performance ratio.

In 2020, 2.45 million euros were reportedly invested in equipping and modernizing the hostels. For example, all rooms in the Dresden youth hostel were equipped with en-suite bathrooms and the entrance and buffet areas were modernized. Major investments were also made in the youth hostels in Hormersdorf in the Ore Mountains and Falkenhain at the Kriebstein dam.

This year, the focus is on equipping the new facility in Markkleeberg. It will be built by the town, while the association will have to shoulder the interior fittings such as beds and furniture as the future tenant. Another 2 million to 2.6 million euros are to be invested across the state.

Learning English in Saxony - with special vacation camps

Youth hostels are also scoring points with new offers. For example, English-language vacation camps and school trips are now offered with a program partner. Meanwhile, experiential education programs are designed to help promote team spirit and self-confidence. Graf: "The children experience exciting activities and valuable learning experiences at the same time."

The national association claims to have more than 82,600 members and employs around 350 full-time staff.