Youth hostel as a base for hiking and biking holidays in Switzerland? We tested it:

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It’s been four years since we conquered our first four-thousand-metre peak and got to know the latest generation of Swiss youth hostels. At that time, the Wellness Hostel in Saas Fee formed our basis for the mountain adventure on the Allalinhorn. This summer, together with the Swiss Youth Hostels, we once again undertook a discovery tour through the fascinating mountain world. Among the current 51 youth hostels, there are a few that are ideal as a basis for active outdoor days.

Indulge in hiking happiness & improve your bike skills

From strategically located urban youth hostels to rustic chalets, youth hostels in Switzerland cover a wide range. It’s not so easy to limit yourself to one accommodation. That’s why we picked out two accommodations that can be combined with your own muscle power: the modern, chalet-style youth hostel Gstaad Saanenland in Saanen and the historic youth hostel “Bella Lui” in Crans-Montana. At both accommodations, the hiking and cycling trails start right outside the front door – perfect for a jam-packed active weekend in the mountains. After my enjoyable bike test runs at the beginning of the summer season, I am motivated to expand my skills in this area and consciously take one or the other bike day in addition to hiking trips. Fortunately, Gstaad and Crans-Montana have the necessary infrastructure in place.

Start of the bike holidays: E-bike tour on the Rellerli Bike

Shortly before Friday noon we reach our destination in the Saanenland. We have reserved two e-mountain bikes for the afternoon at the Reuteler bike shop. This is conveniently located on the route between the train station and the youth hostel. We pick up our two e-bikes and get a brief briefing. When it comes to electric drives, I’ve only been on the road with Flyers so far and I’m curious to see how I’ll get along with it. Before we start the tour, however, there is a stopover at the youth hostel. The reception is only open during check-in and check-out times. However, if you arrive in between, like us, you have the option of storing your luggage in lockers – very practical!

This is how we get on the “Rellerli Bike” without ballast. On the website of Gstaad Saanenland you will find various tips on beautiful bike and e-bike routes. The Gstaad-Lauenensee Route is recommended as a beautiful introductory route. Since we have already been to Lake Lauenen this summer, we opt for the somewhat more demanding Rellerli Bike, which starts directly in Saanen and leads from there through the Grischbachtal to the Rellerli. Conveniently, this route is signposted as the SwitzerlandMobility Route and is therefore easy to find. From Saanen, the Rellerli Bike follows a little-used tarred road towards Mittelberg for about 10 kilometres. Technically easy, but with an ascent of almost 700 meters in altitude, we are happy to be able to count on support when pedaling. However, we both limit ourselves to “eco” for fear of premature battery discharge.

From Mittelberg, a natural path follows, which soon turns into a single trail. After another adventurous 250 meters in altitude, we reach the Rellerli mountain station, which unfortunately leaves a somewhat sad impression at the moment (at the beginning of 2019 the operation was discontinued and the future of Schönried’s local mountain is still uncertain).

Now the descent follows – instead of the steep, challenging single trail, we follow the natural path downhill. But it also has some trick sections ready. I’m happy to be back in Saanen after a good three crash-free hours. The tour was great in terms of scenery, but technically not without its challenges.

Route information for the Rellerli Bike

The 25-kilometre-long round trip starts in Saanen and leads from there with an ascent of 1,000 metres to the Rellerli. 16 kilometres of the total of 25 kilometres lead over tarmac. The rest are nature trails and single tracks.

Chaletchic: Youth Hostel Gstaad Saanenland

Back in Saanen, a cosy evening awaits us at the youth hostel: put your legs up and give your tired muscles a break. The range of rooms at Gstaad Saanenland Youth Hostel offers a wide range of accommodation options, from 6-bed rooms with shared showers to single rooms with shower/WC. Since all double rooms are already fully booked, we spend the night in a 4-bed family room with private shower/WC – plenty of space to spread out. If you arrive here with your own bike, you will also find a bike garage and a bike washing area in the basement.

Hiking via Wildstrubelhütte to the Bella Lui

The next morning, the alarm clock pulls us out of our dreams early. We want to leave early, because today we are tackling the crossing of the Bernese Alps into Valais to the next youth hostel in Crans-Montana. Quasi a hut tour, except that at the end of the day the comfort of a refreshing shower awaits us. Shortly after seven o’clock we set off in the direction of Iffigenalp. Too early for the breakfast buffet – but the apples and Ovaltine bars laid out in our room are an equally welcome refreshment.

From the Iffigenalp there are three paths leading towards Crans-Montana: either via Iffigsee – Wildhorn hut – Schnidehore or via the Rawil Pass to the Lac de Tseuzier and from there along the spectacular Bisse du Ro to Crans Montana or via the Wildstrubel hut and Bella Lui to the mountain station of the Cry d’Er mountain railway. The three hikes are comparable in terms of fitness and technique.

Since we already know the Bisse du Ro, we decide to take the route via Wildstrubelhütte. Here it goes steadily uphill for almost four hours. 1,300 metres in altitude have to be conquered to the Wisshorelücke. Then continue with a view of the Plaine Morte over stony terrain to Bella Lui. Fantastic mountain panoramas are guaranteed on this tour. And you’ll also meet one or two crazy bikers along the way – the route Pointe de la Plaine Morte – Wildstrubelhütte – Rawilpass is one of the most challenging routes in the region, as bike guide Derek Wedge tells us later.

Route information for the hike

The approximately six-hour hike starts on the Iffigenalp and leads from there with an ascent of 1,536 metres in altitude via Wisshorelücke in 13.4 kilometres to the mountain station of the Cry d’Er mountain railway in Crans-Montana. The route requires a good basic level of fitness, but is not technically difficult. Due to the altitude, the tour is recommended from the end of June (before that there is a risk of snowfields).

Bauhaus Witness: Crans-Montana Youth Hostel

Theoretically, you could hike all the way down to Crans-Montana. For the sake of our knees (and the thighs that were battered the day before), we bridge the last meters of altitude with the gondola. The youth hostel in Crans-Montana has the same name as the summit on which we admired the magnificent view high above Crans-Montana a few hours earlier. “Bella Lui” means “beautiful light” in the old Valais dialect. This is equally suitable for the summit and the youth hostel. The former sanatorium is located in an elevated position between the two districts of Crans and Montana and offers a great view of the Valais Alps.

The building is considered an important contemporary witness of the Bauhaus style and is a listed building. In 2017, the Swiss Youth Hostel reopened the hotel, which had previously been operated as a 3-star hotel, after extensive renovation work, thus creating a real gem. What particularly excites us: the spacious south-facing balcony with deck chair and mountain view! And, of course, the historic furniture. At dinner, it becomes clear that the crowd of guests is mixed. From younger backpackers to families to older couples, everyone feels at home here. Due to its architectural and historical significance, the “Bella Lui” also attracts numerous visitors with an affinity for architecture.

Continuation of the bike holidays: Out and about on the bike trails of Crans-Montana

Sunday morning starts with a view of the majestic Weisshorn. Today we want to take a closer look at the Crans-Montana bike park. Crans-Montana was one of the first bike destinations and offers a dense network of cross-country, enduro and downhill trails. But first we fortify ourselves with a hearty breakfast. Afterwards we check out and store our luggage in one of the lockers in the basement of the Crans-Montana Youth Hostel. Equipped with our Explorer Card, we make our way to the valley station of the Cry d’Er cable car. As a guest of the youth hostel, you receive this card, which includes free use of the mountain railways (including bicycles), free use of local public transport and various leisure activities, as an inclusive service. A great offer, I think! If you bring your own bike with you, you benefit enormously.

If you don’t have your own bike like we do, you can either rent a bike in the sports shop at the valley station, or rent a guide plus bike equipment from the bike school. As a beginner, I really appreciate the input of guides – and I also have more confidence when someone drives up. That’s why I’m delighted that we have the opportunity to explore the downhill trails in the Crans-Montana Bike Park for two hours together with bike guide Derek Wedge.

The route currently includes a blue, a red and a black run. Another blue slope is under construction and is scheduled to open next summer. While at the beginning of the two hours I am convinced that the red track is definitely too difficult for me, an hour later I see myself speeding down parts of the red tracks. The morning is over much too quickly. I would have liked to have worked on my riding technique even longer. But after all, you should listen when it’s most beautiful. And so, after two incredibly varied days, we head home towards Zurich.

Practical tips for youth hostels in Switzerland

• Youth hostels in Switzerland are divided into three categories: simple, classic and top. The two hostels we visited in Gstaad and Crans-Montana belong to the top category, which is characterized by a special architecture and the presence of private rooms.
• An overnight stay in a private double room in Gstaad costs from 104* CHF including breakfast. In Crans-Montana, prices start at 116* CHF.
• *Everyone has the opportunity to purchase a membership and thus benefit from discounted accommodation rates. For more information, please visit: www.youthhostel.ch/mitgliedschaft
• Both hostels are certified bike youth hostels with appropriate infrastructure (bike room, car wash, tool set for simple repairs and power connection for charging e-bike batteries)
• If you stay overnight in Gstaad, you can benefit from the offer of the Gstaad Card (costs 19 CHF, including mountain railways, post bus, hiking taxi and various leisure activities)
• In Crans Montana, you can get the Explorer Card as an inclusive service for stays of one night or more. As a tip: the Explorer Card is also valid on the day of arrival – so it’s worth arriving early, picking up the card and then exploring the region.
• The daily rent for an e-mountain bike at Bikesport Reuteler in Saanen is 70 CHF.
• The Bike School Crans-Montana offers a bike guide including complete equipment from 80 CHF per hour / person for enduro and trail rides. An additional person costs +35 CHF per hour.