Today, we would like to take you on a trip to the heart of Switzerland! Located just 50 minutes away from Zurich, lies the scenic city of Lucerne, enriched with stunning panoramic vistas and old-town charm. However, the most appealing feature of the city is Lake Lucerne – the fourth-biggest lake in the country.
Once you arrive, you absolutely need to take a cruise on the lake to bask in the astonishing atmosphere of the snow-capped mountains and breathtaking nature. Naturally, we’ll show you our top picks for the best hostels in Lucerne, as well as some tips on what to visit and try out!
For people who choose to take a tour across Switzerland, Lucerne is usually the first top. Because of the medieval appeal, spectacular vistas and culture deeply interwoven with history, travellers typically stay way longer than expected! In addition, Lucerne is compact-sized, meaning it’s easy to explore, and all the popular landmarks are close together, creating the perfect flow of architectural elegance.
Planning to travel to other parts of Switzerland? We have a detailed guide to the best hostels in Switzerland.
Our favorite hostels in Lucerne are:
- Young Backpackers Homestay - best for female solo travelers
- Backpackers Luzern - best for solo travelers
- Barabas Luzern - best for couples
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Young Backpackers Homestay
2. Backpackers Luzern
3. Barabas Luzern
Speaking of popular landmarks, Lucerne is home to the Kapellbrucke – or, The Chapel Bridge. This is the most characteristic sight of the city due to its central location and historical significance. For clarity, the covered wooden bridge was built in 1333 to connect the city from one point to another across the river Reuss.
However, it was destroyed by a devastating fire in 1993, but it has been further rebuilt and restored! Beside it, you’ll find the Wasserturm – a 34-metre-tall ancient tower that was part of Lucerne’s military defences. Furthermore, you can see over 100 pieces of artwork dating from the 17th century that tell the history of this amazing city.
All of this has contributed to Chapel Bridge being one of the most visited and photographed places in Switzerland!
In addition to the historical allure of the city, Lucerne is complimented by some amazing mountain ranges, providing the most picturesque views! For instance, you can take a gondola or a cable car to Mount Pilatus to feast your eyes on majestic scenery and if the sky is clear, you’ll get to see an additional 72 mountain peaks!
There’s an alternative way of getting to Pilatus – longer, though more impressive. You can take a boat to Alpnachstad and ride the 30-minute cog railroad, where you’ll get to see the beauty of Alpine meadows and forests! Finally, there are a lot of skiing opportunities if you’re travelling during the winter – we can’t think of anything better than sliding down the Alps!
Good To Know: We have detailed guides to the best hostels in Interlaken and the best hostels in Zurich.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
One of the best things about Lucerne, and Switzerland in general, is that people are very conscious about their environment. It’s no surprise that the country has been voted as the cleanest in the entire world – for multiple years in a row!
Additionally, you can find the Reuss Weir, the only remaining needle dam on the entire planet. Through the process of modernization, this dam was converted into a hydroelectric power plant which powers over 1500 homes in the city!
So, if you’re looking for a journey enlaced with historical significance and breathtaking scenery, the city has everything you need! For your convenience, we have created a list of the best hostels in Lucerne, where you’re bound to have a great time!
What do we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Lucerne
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Lucerne cost $51 – $64 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of around $161 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Safety in Lucerne: Lucerne is generally a safe city, with a low crime rate. The city is well-policed, and visitors should feel safe walking around the streets. As with any destination, visitors should remain aware of their surroundings and take sensible precautions when out and about, particularly at night.
Getting around in Lucerne: Lucerne is a small city, so getting around is relatively easy. It is a very walkable city with plenty of attractions, shops, and restaurants in close proximity. Lucerne is home to several bus lines, which are a great way to get around the city. There are also bike rentals and boat services that can take you to nearby towns and villages.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Lucerne are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Lucerne.
- Young Backpackers Homestay – best for female solo travelers
- Backpackers Luzern – best for solo travelers
- Barabas Luzern – best for couples
These are our favorite hostels in Lucerne. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Young Backpackers Homestay
2. Backpackers Luzern
3. Barabas Luzern
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Backpackers Luzern |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Young Backpackers Homestay |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Young Backpackers Homestay |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Barabas Luzern |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Backpackers Luzern |
| 👫 For Socializing: | Backpackers Luzern |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Barabas Luzern |
1. Young Backpackers Homestay
If you like a bit of luxury in your hostels, then this is the ideal choice for you! Young Backpackers Homestay is a gorgeous house situated just 10 minutes away from the main railway station.
The residence was recently renovated, and it overlooks the majestic Alps – you’ll be graced with picture-perfect sceneries as soon as you wake up!
The Young Backpackers features rooms and common areas styled in a contemporary way. The dormitories are either mixed or all-female, which makes it perfect for women who plan on travelling alone! The house is suited for up to 25 people, so social butterflies will adore the place!
It’s typically pretty noisy up until 10 PM, so if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, you might want to check out our other options.
As we’ve previously said, the Young Backpackers has amenities that can entertain you for hours. For instance, you can play darts or play foosball with people that you’ve just met there. Or, you could take a plunge in the hot tub and sweat it out in the sauna – for an additional (small) fee.
Did we mention that this place even has a vintage arcade machine? What you might also find practical is that the owners live in the same house, so they can quickly help out with anything you may need!
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Good To Know: Only people from 16-40 years old are allowed in this hostel. No families, no group bookings, and no pets.
Location: Young Backpackers Homestay is located 3.7 km away from Chapel Bridge and 35 km from Titlis Rotair Cable Car. Zurich Airport is 66 km away from the hostel and 3.2 km away from KKL Culture and Convention Centre Lucerne and 3.7 km from Lion Monument.
The best choice in Lucerne for
- female solo travelers
- social butterflies
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Backpackers Luzern
Backpackers Luzern is quite a chic accommodation with a great location – right in front of Lake Lucerne! Upon entering, you’ll be refreshed by all the vibrant colours, and you’ll definitely like all the stylish furnishings. It’s a hub for solo travellers, so you’re sure to make some friends there!
The Backpackers Lucerne features clean and spacious rooms, following the same style of furnishing as the common areas. Each bed has a power outlet, as well as space for all of your luggage. However, the most appealing part of the rooms is the balconies! You’ll enjoy your morning coffee as you delight in the lake’s sweet views!
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Lastly, don’t forget to ask the reception for a complimentary public transport card – they’ll email it directly to you!
Location: Backpackers Luzern is located a few minutes walk to the KKL Culture and Convention Centre Lucerne and 1.3 km from Chapel Bridge. Zurich Airport is 49 km from the hostel.
A great choice for
- solo travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Barabas Luzern
It’s no surprise that Barabas Luzern is one of our favourite accommodations and one of the best hostels in Lucerne! With that said, have you ever wondered what it would be like to stay in prison, sans being locked up? Well, you can just head down here and have a taste of prison life!
Additionally, the Barabas Luzern has an incredible location in the city’s heart, just steps away from all the noteworthy monuments and the old town.
So, what does the prison experience in Barabas offer? For starters, you’ll get to stay in rooms – ahem, cells – that resemble the real deal! The only difference is that the beds are actually really comfortable, and the whole place is really clean.
Furthermore, there’s a variety of rooms available, with private options as well. You can even book the library as a bedroom!
Although Barabas Luzern has plenty of entertainment options, the place is not really sociable. However, we find it to be perfectly suited for couples, as they can have a remarkable experience that they’ll gladly share with their friends!
Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the prison’s history, as plenty of informational pieces are scattered across the walls. We guarantee that staying here will be a one-of-a-kind adventure!
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Location: Barabas Luzern is situated in the city of Lucerne and is just a short 3-minute walk away from Chapel Bridge. Popular attractions in the area include KKL Culture and Convention Centre Lucerne and Lion Monument.
The Glacier Garden Lucerne is a 10-minute walk away, while Grand Casino Lucerne is 900 m from the hotel. The closest airport is Zurich Airport, located 48 km away.
This is one of the best hostels in Lucerne for
- couples
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Lucerne for Solo Travelers?
We think that the best hostel in Lucerne is Backpackers Luzern .
Backpackers Luzern has all the necessary amenities, like a well-equipped kitchen, free wifi, laundry service and more. You can enjoy reading a good book or playing foosball or table tennis in your leisure time.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Party Hostels in Lucerne
The best party hostel in Lucerne is Young Backpackers Homestay
This hostel is perfect for social butterflies who want to meet new friends. You can play darts, and foosball and even enjoy each other’s company in the bathtub.
To be clear, this is not a super hardcore party hostel because the noise stops at 10 pm to let the guests have a good night’s rest.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Hostels worth a mention
We have a few more hostels worth a mention here that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.
Luzern Youth Hostel
Luzern Youth Hostel is situated in Lucerne, 2 km away from the train station and the city centre. It is a great overall experience. Rooms are spacious and beds are provided with power sockets and personal reading lights. Private rooms are also available here. Spacious storage lockers are also available inside the rooms. Reception staff is kind and helpful. A comfortable lounge is also available. A huge free storage lockers are also available for storing. The bed and sheets are comfortable and the free breakfast buffet have a lot of healthy choices! There’s a lake – Rotsee – closeby, great for a morning walk!
Youth Hostel Luzern is definitely a good value for money and very good stay.
Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Bellpark Hostel
Bellpark Hostel is just 10 minutes by bus away from Lucerne main station. Lake Lucerne and the city centre are 3 km away.
This is the budget friendly hostel recommended for family, and a perfect place for backpackers who don’t need too much. There is a lot of place in the kitchen, where you can prepare your own meals. It’s also fully equipped with microvave, oven etc.
Despite this place it’s not in the Lucern actually, approach there is very convenience because of the direct free travel connection with central station and closeness bus stop. It is a very good place for starting point to Pilatus by walk or by mountain railway. They have a nice atmosphere with people all around the world.
Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Backpacking Tips For Lucerne
Lucerne is simply a haven for history enthusiasts and those who love a touch of natural splendour in their voyage. Ultimately, it is a place offering the utmost comfort and relaxation! Here are some of our tips to keep in mind when visiting.
1. Lucerne is all about bridges! In addition to the Chapel Bridge, you can also check out the Spreuer Bridge. Unlike the former, this one was spared from the fire in 1993. Here you can see the works of Kaspar Meglinger, specifically the “Dance of Death” – a set of 67 sombre yet striking paintings!
2. You definitely need to check out the Dying Lion. This monument is symbolic of Lucerne, as it respects the Swiss mercenaries who died protecting their king, Louis XVI. You’ll be amazed by the size of this monument, as well as its detailing since the lion is carved into a natural rock.
3. Another place worth visiting is the Swiss Museum of Transportation! It is located just beside Lake Lucerne, where you can learn about all different kinds of transportation, be it plain, trains or autos! As a treat, you can head down to the Swiss Chocolate Adventure, which is inside the museum, where you can taste the best chocolate in the world!
What about the cheapest hostels in Lucerne?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Lucerne.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Lucerne
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Lucerne best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Need an eSIM Card for Lucerne?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
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Our Favorite Hostels in Lucerne put on a map + sights
We’re listing all the three best Lucerne hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.
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FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
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Flights to Lucerne?
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handmade Guides for you
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Interlaken. Of course, I highly recommend reading:
- things to do in Interlaken
- best Switzerland hostels
- best hostels in Zurich
- best hostels in Geneva + Geneva Budget Travel Guide
- best hostels in Basel
- best hostels in Interlaken
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
- best hostels in Paris, France
- best hostels in Munich, Germany
- best hostels in Milan, Italy
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Lucerne guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
