Ready for the Olympics: Our youth hostels in the Rhineland

The Summer Olympics will begin in Paris in just a few days. For almost three weeks, around 10,500 athletes from 204 nations will be competing in 32 sports. Many German athletes and teams are also represented and have high hopes of winning a medal or two. For example, the German basketball players as reigning world champions, the German show jumpers, rower Oliver Zeidler, swimmer Oliver Wellbrock and long jumper Malaika Mihambo are among the favourites for the title.

For young stars and just-for-fun: sport in youth hostels

You're probably thinking about table tennis right now, aren't you? And rightly so! In most of our hostels, you'll find at least one table tennis table either outside or in special rooms. But did you know that there are many other Olympic sports that you can practise in the 32 youth hostels in the Rhineland? We'll tell you which ones!

Climbing
The newcomer among the Olympic disciplines: for only the second time ever, climbers can compete against each other in Paris, more precisely in the disciplines of bouldering, speed climbing and lead. And because climbing is not only healthy, but is also suitable for team building and promotes numerous social skills, many of our youth hostels offer climbing as part of various programmes. These programmes take you to the red sandstone cliffs of the Eifel, out into the forest for tree climbing or to a nearby climbing garden. Some youth hostels even have their own climbing facilities: Hellenthal Youth Hostel has its own covered high ropes course and in the A climbing wall was installed in the stairwell of Gemünd Vogelsang Youth Hostel at the beginning of the year. installed. You can find all information on our Website.

Basketball
The fast-paced game, which originated in Canada, is all the rage and stars such as LeBron James and Steph Curry are among the best-paid athletes in the USA in particular. But basketball and the newer 3×3 basketball are also becoming increasingly popular here - including in our youth hostels. Some youth hostels have basketball courts where you can shoot hoops together. The Duisburg-Sportpark Youth Hostel is even equipped with its own sports hall, where you can of course also play basketball.

Beach volleyball
The same applies to the fast-paced beach volleyball. A total of three German doubles teams will be competing for a medal in Paris, led by the duo of Laura Ludwig, who won gold at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio with her partner at the time. In the youth hostels Duisburg Sports Park, Hellenthal, Xanten and Nettetal you can emulate the German teams and hit the balls in the sand.

Archery
Did you know that archery is also an Olympic sport? Of course it is! Archery is one of the most complex sports of all. Perfecting it requires a lot of training, discipline and patience. On the other hand, it is relatively easy to learn and anyone can make rapid progress. That's why archery is a favourite part of many of our School trips and Holiday camps. It also promotes coordination, self-confidence and many other social aspects.

Football
King football reigns supreme in our youth hostels too, of course. A round of football on the lawn or the football pitch is possible in almost every hostel. Some youth hostels also have small pitches with artificial turf. If you're planning a football training camp for your club, you've also come to the right place. The Ratingen, Duisburg-Sportpark and Wipperfürth youth hostels are located close to larger sports facilities, which can be booked subject to availability. Further information

Handball
Football's little brother? Not at all! Handball is a lightning-fast and exciting sport in which even a few minutes are enough to turn a game around. In the in-house sports hall of the Duisburg-Sportpark Youth Hostel you can of course also play handball.

Other sports activities in the vicinity of youth hostels

You can train for fun or to prepare for competitions not only in our centres, but also in the surrounding area.

Mountain bike
The Eifel is an excellent place for mountain biking, for example. How good that the Gemünd Vogelsang, Hellenthal and Monschau-Hargard youth hostels have been recognised by the German Cyclists' Association (ADFC) as Bed + Bike Sport Youth Hostels have been certified.

Athletics
Running, jumping, throwing: Athletics is so versatile and you don't need much equipment. A sensible training location is therefore all the more important. Some youth hostels in the Rhineland are located near sports centres and arenas that can be rented for training purposes, e.g. the sports youth hostels Duisburg-Sportpark and Wipperfürth.

Canoeing and rowing
Also in the vicinity of the Duisburg-Sportpark Youth Hostel is the Duisburg regatta course, which hosted the canoe racing world championships last summer. Training couldn't be more professional!

Sailing and surfing
Water sports in the Rhineland? Of course! The Xanten Youth Hostel is located directly on Xantener Südsee, which is a true Eldorado for water sports fans. Here you can try out and practise almost all kinds of water sports. In the summer, the youth hostel also offers, in co-operation with the Xanten Leisure Centre Family holidays where you can learn to sail or surf. At the end of the week, you will take the exam for your basic sailing licence or VDWS surfing licence.

Do you have any questions or need help planning your stay? Our Rhineland service team knows all the youth hostels and their facilities inside out and will be happy to help you choose the right hostel for you. Simply call 0211 - 3026 3026 or send an e-mail to service@djh-rheinland.de.