" Each forest, plain, flower, mountain, village or town is a separate section of your homeland. It is necessary to familiarise yourself with these pages through experiences rather than reading about them.
The lands are vast. It is necessary to acquire knowledge of your homeland preferably by foot, instead of trains, boats, cars or planes.

Travelling on foot broadens your perspective filling one with the details. It is the most precious of jewels on our planet. For this reason, we are building Youth Hostels in the countryside.

But also travelling beyond the borders of your country, to seek out people who live in one's neighbourhood. After making their acquaintence one must study them fundamentally and appreciate their values, different language and background.
By doing this, neighbours and friends, build hence the Youth Hostels and open them for all the youth of the world as the home of peace, for the good of humanity."

Richard Schirrmann