The new Martigny Youth Hostel is a real gem. It’s located in a listed building in the picturesque district of Martigny-Bourg in Switzerland. The facade lives up to its promises, and the building, which dates to 1645, is also impressive on the inside.
Martigny Youth Hostel opened its doors on 8 February 2025, just in time for Carnaval du Bourg. A new opening is always a fun experience! We, the two Ninas from the Swiss Youth Hostels marketing team, headed straight to the Canton of Valais and will reveal ten reasons why you should spend your next holiday at our youth hostel.
One true highlight of the youth hostel is the stylish lounge, which is the perfect place to relax with its modern design and armchairs in earth tones. The spacious windows give you a perfect view of Rue du Bourg and allow you to observe the hustle and bustle of the street. The windows can be opened wide, allowing fresh air to flow into the room.
Almost like an unwritten law, you are inevitably drawn outside. The charming alley on the doorstep, with its various boutiques, galleries, bakeries, cafés and bars, invites you to take a stroll. An aperitif in one of the cafés gives you some insight into life in Martigny. The "Quartier du vieux Bourg" is the oldest inhabited part of the city and is full of stories from times past.
Sharing is caring – this goes for both food and insider tips. The Mezzeshop restaurant, just five minutes from our hostel, is a gourmet paradise. At lunchtime, you can help yourself from the buffet for 27 Swiss francs. The mezze are freshly prepared, and your plate will be empty in no time. While you’re there, make sure to try the "Fatayer bel sbénegh". These are triangular dumplings filled with spinach and pine nuts.
For an outing to the countryside, we recommend a visit to the hamlet of Plan-Cerisier. This protected place, which is part of the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites, exudes a special sense of calm and serenity. As you stroll through the extensive vineyards, past charming houses with stone roofs, you can also enjoy the breathtaking view of Martigny and the surrounding mountains.
The Roman amphitheatre in Martigny is a true landmark of the city. It can accommodate up to 5,000 spectators and today it’s best known for various events such as the Open Air Cinema. When there’s no event going on, be sure to stand in the middle of the amphitheatre and sing your favourite song – the reverb will make you the star of your own show!
The Fondation Pierre Gianadda is a cultural gem. The engineer and art patron Léonard Gianadda founded it to commemorate his late brother Pierre. The cultural centre has a variety of exhibitions, including a sculpture park and a collection of historic vintage cars. A perfect place to spend a relaxing day, especially when the weather isn’t cooperating.
Boulangerie Les Délices is the perfect place for a snack between meals. Here, you will not only find fresh-baked goods, but also nibbles such as soups, tarts and salads. For dessert, you can choose from a wide selection of delicacies. Very budget-friendly and incredibly tasty!
A short but worthwhile climb takes you to the Château de la Bâtiaz. The castle towers over the city and is firmly anchored in the townscape of Martigny. From here, you have a spectacular view of the city and the surrounding valley.
Pro tip: Take your dessert from the boulangerie and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the hill.
The Morand distillery is a true Mecca for lovers of fine spirits and aromatic syrups. The products made from Valais Williams pears and Luizet apricots are particularly well known. In the boutique, you can discover a variety of products, with the colourful syrups in the large glass bottles attracting quite the attention.
One highlight: At the back of the store, you can sample the different flavours for free. And in summer, the syrup fountain outside the door invites you to try something new.
Summer in Martigny is one of a kind. When the warm months begin, the city shines with Mediterranean flair. Worth mentioning are the "Jeudis Jazzy" jazz concerts, which take place every Thursday and fill the city’s streets with music and life.
With a suitcase at her side, our content and social media specialist travels all over Switzerland. She regularly visits our fifty youth hostels to document their highlights on social media. Born in Graubünden, she is always drawn back to her home canton, where she enjoys hiking and bathing in mountain lakes. She especially loves live music, colourful skies and flowers.
The author of the photographs published in the article is Leonidas Portmann.
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