Famous Hostels is proud to announce three new members joining its growing network of top-rated hostels across Europe.
Bringing fresh energy and unique experiences, these new additions come from three exciting destinations: Athens (Greece), Chur (Switzerland), and Dessau (Germany). Each hostel has been carefully selected for its commitment to quality, community, and the true spirit of hostelling — combining safety, sustainability, and memorable guest experiences.
New Members Join Europe’s Famous Hostels Network
Europe’s Famous Hostels continues to expand its network of high-quality, independently-run hostels across the continent. Three new hostels have recently joined the association, bringing the total number of member properties to 50 across Europe and Israel.
The new additions are located in Athens (Greece), Chur (Switzerland), and Dessau (Germany). Each hostel has been selected for its unique character, commitment to sustainability, and alignment with the core values of safe, social, and memorable travel experiences.
Bogentrakt – Chur, Switzerland Famous Hostel
Chur, considered the oldest town in Switzerland, is now home to a new member of Europe’s Famous Hostels. Bogentrakt is located in a former prison that has been completely reimagined into a creative and community-focused accommodation space. The building has been transformed into cluster apartments, studios, art venues, and small businesses, including a restaurant open to guests and locals alike.
Since opening in 2023, Bogentrakt has quickly gained recognition for its distinctive concept, blending cultural history with a modern hostel experience in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Interested to find out more and book your stay? Clich here!
Retroverse – Athens, Greece Famous Hostel
In the vibrant center of Athens, Retroverse offers guests an immersive stay inspired by classic video game culture. The hostel features a retro design aesthetic, including free-to-play arcade cabinets, communal lounges, and an on-site bar that brings together international guests in a playful atmosphere.
With all major sights of Athens within walking distance, Retroverse is both a practical and entertaining base for exploring the city.
If you want to experience the Retroverse in Athens, take a look here!
Wandery Hostel – Dessau, Germany Famous Hostel
Located in Dessau, between Leipzig and Berlin, Wandery Hostel introduces a fully digital concept to the Famous Hostels network. The hostel is designed to offer maximum flexibility and independence through online self-check-in and digital services — while still maintaining a strong sense of community through shared spaces and guest activities.
Dessau itself is a notable destination for architecture and design enthusiasts, home to the Bauhaus Museum and other cultural landmarks.
Want to experience this unique hostel? Only click here!
Strengthening the Network
The inclusion of these three hostels strengthens the geographic coverage of Europe’s Famous Hostels, making overland travel between member locations even more accessible. This expansion supports the network’s ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism, including initiatives like the Eco-Wanderer Campaign, which encourages train and bus travel across Europe.
By adding new members in strategically positioned cities, the association continues to enhance connectivity, promote responsible travel, and provide authentic hostel experiences to a wider audience.
What’s for 2025?
The year 2025 marks a major milestone — the 30th anniversary of Europe’s Famous Hostels. Founded in 1995 with the mission to connect independent hostels and promote high standards in safety, fun, and sustainability, the network has since grown into the world’s largest and most respected association of independent hostels.
To mark this special occasion, 2025 has been set as a year of transformation and renewed commitment to the hostel industry. In addition to our core mission, this year’s focus includes expanding support for hostel professionals and celebrating the culture of backpacking.
The year kicked off with the Hostel Professionals Conference in Rimini in early May, gathering over 120 industry leaders and partners — including Hostelworld, Cloudbeds, Bounce, Mara Solutions, Pricepoint, FreeGuides, and FlixBus.
Looking ahead, the celebrations continue in Ibiza on September 25–26, where we will host the first-ever Famous Hostels Awards, a tribute to the network’s founders, and the premiere of our original documentary: “Like It’s 1995 – A Closer Look at the History of Backpacking in Europe.” 2025 also sees the launch of the Apprentice Training Program (ATP) — a hybrid course designed to train and certify the next generation of hostel professionals. For the first time, our events will also welcome selected non-members, reflecting our commitment to broader industry collaboration and innovation.
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