"100 years of  Hostelling" are a good reason to celebrate. The German Youth Hostel Association (DJH) intends to do so with activities and events in more than 200 places in its anniversary year. The events will centre on the people celebrating: DJH members, national and international guests, and anyone who is interested can join in, celebrate the fascinating idea of hostelling and come together.

A number of activities with national appeal are at the heart of the festivities marking the anniversary. Three big events will take place under the motto "The anniversary - times 100", exemplifying the core ideas of hostelling - togetherness, education, the outdoors, and health.

"100 years - 100 champions" was the motto when 100 youth hostels ran the first German Rundlauf Championships simultaneously on 26^th April. Rundlauf is a popular game of around-the-table ping pong for several players. The participating hostels combined the championships with sports and health days for young and old.

"100 years - 100 trees" is a big environmental campaign highlighting the importance of protecting nature and the environment to the German Youth Hostel Association. On 24^th and 31^st October 2009, about 500 children will come together in two Youth Hostels and plant 12,000 new tree seedlings in a nearby forest. At the same time, about 40 youth hostels will host 'Environment Days' for the whole family.

"100 years - 100 books" is a campaign that emphasises the youth hostel's role in education. Many youth hostels have scheduled night readings in the week between 20^th and 27^th November 2009. Public radio broadcasting stations will be reporting live from five youth hostels for a children's radio night.

A big family and youth event will take place on 22^nd and 23^rd August 2009 in Altena, where the world's first youth hostel is located, to mark the centenary. The opening of the youth hostels museum and a special exhibition in Altena will be a part of the festivities.

As international understanding is one of the DJH's main objectives, the association is hosting a European Youth Encounter in Detmold, where the association is headquartered, from 18^th to 26^th July 2009.

A commemorative coin and stamp marking the youth hostel's 100^th anniversary will be handed over during an official celebration, which will also take place in Detmold, on 14^th August 2009.

But all that is not enough. Throughout the year, the 14 regional associations of the DJH will be carrying out regional events, sweepstakes and competitions.

The German Youth Hostel Association will be supported by its partners Deutsche Post AG, Bionade GmbH, Ströer Deutsche Städte Medien GmbH, Duden Verlag and AOK Bundesverband.