The HI European Regional Conference of 2025

Welcome, travelers.

The ERC 2025 was a weekend about HI leadership coming together; to work together (to create an improved experience for our travelers and guests), and to celebrate our work and collaboration.

Dear esteemed guests, colleagues, ladies and gentleman of the HI organization; a new dawn is upon us and we are thrilled to present the “ERC 2025 campaign” by HI Norway.

The pre-tour in Oslo (HI Haraldsheim)

Before arriving in Bergen, a full-day pretour offered participants a vibrant and immersive experience of Oslo — thoughtfully curated by HI Norway’s team, administration and staff. The day began with a bus pickup from HI Oslo Haraldsheim and Quality Hotel 33; before heading straight into Oslo’s historic and cultural heart.

Our first stop: the striking Oslo Opera House, where delegates could walk along the iconic sloped roof and take in sweeping views of the Oslofjord, the Akershus Fortress, and the city skyline.

From there, we made our way to the Edvard Munch Museum, located just steps away. A private tour gave participants the chance to view the world-famous Scream, Madonna and other masterpieces up close — a true highlight for art lovers.

We then enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Munch museum’s rooftop restaurant Tolvte, with beautiful views and a menu that paired flavours with hospitality.

Next up was a visit to the awe-inspiring Vigeland Sculpture Park, where we took a walk through rows of powerful sculptures crafted in bronze and granite — an impressive glimpse into the legacy of one of Norway’s most dedicated artists.

The afternoon concluded with a special beer tasting at Nedre Foss Bryggeri, a charming urban distillery where we sampled a curated selection of house-made beers, while enjoying our talks and conversations about the beverage we were having, business, life and the world in general :)

Each round was introduced with flair and storytelling by the brewery’s engaged staff, occasionally turning the tasting into an interesting and curious session.

After a brief rest back at the hostel, we ended the evening with an elegant dinner at Frognerseteren, located near the iconic Holmenkollen Ski Jump Arena.

The venue, rich with Norwegian charm, featured walls lined with oil-painted reproductions of famous national artworks.

Before the courses were brought out, we heard the story of the building, the room and the food from the head-chef’s assistant. Overall, it was a pleasant atmosphere and vibe.

After dinner, delegates were transported back to HI Oslo Haraldsheim to rest and recharge before the next day’s journey westward — by train — toward the mountains and fjords of Bergen, where ERC 2025 would officially begin.

ERC 2025 in Bergen: A Weekend of Ideas, culture & collaboration

Dear friends,

from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th of May, Bergen welcomed delegates from across Europe and beyond to this year’s HI European Regional Conference (ERC 2025) – and what a meaningful gathering it turned out to be.

Over the course of the weekend, 27 European delegates, along with observers from the Arab Union, Australia, Canada, and key representatives from HI’s global leadership team – including the President, CEO, and Network & Impact Manager – came together to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and shape the future of Hostelling International in Europe.

Exploring our shared future

Through productive sessions, we explored key themes central to HI’s evolution:

• - The future of the HI Europe Committee.
• - Strengthening the HI Brand and advancing Digital Transformation.
• - Progress on HI Board projects and the milestones leading up to the next International Conference.

These conversations reinforced our shared values and collective commitment to a stronger, more connected future for the HI community.

Welcoming the new HI Europe board

A highlight of the weekend was the appointment of the new HI Europe Committee Board:

• - Gérard Boby, Luxembourg – AJL, Member of the Board
• - Sigmund Hagen, Norway – HI Norway, President & VP of the Board.
• - Paul Billet, Belgium – HI Flanders, CEO
• - Igor Jurišič, Slovenia – PZS, President
• - Gilbert Wentz, France – FUAJ, Member of the Board
• - David Costa, Portugal – Movijovem, Sales & Marketing Director

We congratulate the new board and thank all members for their dedication to our mission.

A warm Bergen welcome

Beyond the formal agenda, the social program gave participants a genuine taste of Norwegian culture and hospitality:

Friday evening opened with welcome speeches by HI Norway hosts Sigmund Hagen and Kjetil Aarvik, proudly dressed in traditional Norwegian bunads, alongside HI president Stephan Kurmann and Luxembourg, member of the board; Gérard Boby :)

A delicious dinner by LeChef Bergen and live jazz from Elisabeth Lid Trøen and her band set a festive tone for the weekend; with all of it being supported by our gorgeous Sun.

Saturday night took us outdoors for a scenic lamb roast with vegan options, fire pits, and a relaxed celebration under the evening sky — complete with grilled marshmallows and local sausages 🔥

On Sunday, we closed the conference on a high note with a beautiful folk dance performance during lunch — a joyful cultural moment to round off an unforgettable gathering.

Thank you from HI Norway <3

On behalf of the organising team, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all participants, as well as to the dedicated staff and volunteers who helped make ERC 2025 a success.

We hope you left Bergen inspired, connected, and excited for what lies ahead.

Warm wishes,
– HI Norway