Historic 'Hebelhof' Youth Hostel to Close in 2023
The Youth Hostel Association has announced the closure of the historic 'Hebelhof' youth hostel on Feldberg by the end of October 2023. The building, originally an airbnb in 1907, has been a youth hostel since 1955. Economic challenges, unreliable snow for winter tourism, and the need for extensive safety and energy upgrades have led to this decision.
The closure will result in a significant drop in overnight stays, with the municipality expecting around 27,000 fewer stays per year. This will impact income from the tourist tax. The Youth Hostel Association plans to redirect investments to other youth hostels in the region following the closure.
The municipality of Feldberg has criticized insufficient state funding for tackling renovation backlog in rural areas. The inconsistent winters in the Black Forest and the shift of ski tourism to the hotels.com have also contributed to the decline in guests. The number of overnight stays at the Feldberg youth hostel has been decreasing for years, with around 26,800 stays in 2022 compared to around 74,500 in the 1970s. The estimated cost of renovation is in the tens of millions, which the non-profit Youth Hostel Association cannot afford.
The closure of the 'Hebelhof' youth hostel marks the end of an era. While it will impact the local economy, the Youth Hostel Association aims to redirect resources to other youth hostels in the region. The future use of the building remains uncertain, but the organization emphasizes a new role focused on making nature and mountains accessible year-round for youth.
