Anyone who still associates youth hostels with bunk beds and shared showers is in for a surprise. In Germany, more and more hostels are opening in historic buildings, in the heart of nature reserves or on former industrial sites – turning the accommodation itself into a destination.

These three hostels are prime examples of a new generation of travel. Anyone wishing to discover Germany beyond traditional hotel rooms will find a surprisingly diverse selection of youth hostels, ranging from castle complexes to industrial heritage sites.

Waldbröl Panarbora Youth Hostel, North Rhine-Westphalia

Two yurts at Panarbora Youth Hostel surrounded by forest Panarbora Youth Hostel and Nature Adventure Park ©Tourismus NRW e.V. (Dominik Ketz)

On the edge of the Bergisches Land Nature Park, around 50 kilometres east of Cologne, lies the Waldbröl Youth Hostel, nestled within the Panarbora Nature Discovery Park – a combination, unique in Europe, of nature experiences and extraordinary accommodation options spread over an area the size of eleven football pitches. What makes it special: you can stay here in tree houses up to seven metres above the ground, Asian yurts, African mud huts or South American stilt houses – or quite conventionally in the guest house. Those setting off to explore during the day can follow the 1,635-metre-long treetop walk with its 40-metre-high observation tower, which offers sweeping views across the Bergisches Land. The experience is complemented by a barefoot forest trail, a hedge maze and an adventure playground.

Bacharach Youth Hostel, Rhineland-Palatinate

Photo of Stahleck Castle through a vine tendril. The Rhine can be seen in the background. Stahleck Castle Youth Hostel in Bacharach ©DieJugendherbergen.de

Nestled within the Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, the picturesque town of Bacharach is one of the most charming in the region. Beautiful half-timbered houses, romantic courtyards and cosy wine bars lend the town its unmistakable charm. If you set off from Bacharach through the vineyards, after a 25-minute walk you’ll reach one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the Middle Rhine: Stahleck Castle. Perched high above the town, this imposing complex now houses the Bacharach Youth Hostel. From the viewing terrace, there’s a fantastic view across the valley and into the Hunsrück. Those who stay here are literally sleeping amidst history. The hostel is also a certified hiking host and a partner establishment on the Rheinburgenweg – an ideal starting point for multi-day tours along the Rhine.

Duisburg Landschaftspark Youth Hostel, North Rhine-Westphalia

Aerial view of the park with disused ironworks and forest Duisburg Landschaftspark-Nord ©Tourismus NRW e.V.

Where chimneys once belched smoke, there is now a place for relaxation, adventure and industrial heritage. In the heart of the newly designed Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park, the Duisburg Landscape Park Youth Hostel moved into the former administrative building of Thyssen Hüttenwerke in 2001. The site itself is the main attraction: diving in the gasometer, climbing in the bunker complex, strolling amongst industrial relics. Even at night, when the disused industrial giants are bathed in a fantastical light, the park takes on a unique atmosphere. Anyone wishing to explore the Ruhr region will find a central and historically rich base here.

Discover more