23 Best Hostels in Switzerland – A Complete Guide for Backpacking Switzerland (+ Map)

Photo by Joshua Earle

Are you in search of the best hostels in Switzerland? You’ve certainly landed on the right page. Here we’ve collected the coolest hostels for backpacking Switzerland just for you.

Switzerland is the perfect destination for hiking, skiing and tasting of great food.

Wait until you see some of the hostels nestled in the mountains – the location and architectural design is fantastic!

We’ve included all of the main destinations such as Zermatt, Zurich and Lausanne. Unfortunately, there are no super impressive hostels here (a few exceptions are around!).

However, the chosen top hostels in Switzerland are a good option for solo travellers, couples on a budget and backpackers Switzerland.

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This is your Swiss knife for backpacking Switzerland. (sorry, we just had to!!) For getting around Switzerland, I highly recommend renting a car. In parts, the train is absolutely gorgeous, but when travelling with more than 1 person, the car is the cheapest way to get around.

We are Hostelgeeks and we discover the world’s greatest hostels, including the coolest hostels in Switzerland. Heading next to Germany? Find the best hostels in Black Forest and the best hostels in Germany here.

If you want to skip directly to a specific location, here you have the city/town list. If you want to know all the best hostels around Switzerland, just keep scrolling.

Shortcut to the coolest Swiss Hostels:

Super helpful for your planning: check out the handy map.

And you can also check our FAQ list. We feel a map is always so useful.

Overview: Best Hostels in Switzerland by Traveler Type

🏔️ Best Hostel in Zermatt:Youth Hostel Zermatt
🏠 Best Hostel in Zurich:Hostel Depot 195 Winterthur
🦁 Best Hostel in Lausanne:Lausanne Youth Hostel Jeunotel
🦸 Best Hostel for Solo Travelers :Crans-Montana Youth Hostel
👨‍👩‍👦 Family Hostel in Interlaken:Backpackers Villa Sonnnehof
🥳 Best Party Hostel:Balmers Hostel in Interlaken
👩‍❤️‍👨Couple Hostel in St. Moritz:Petit Steffani Hostel
👩‍💻 Best for Digital Nomads: City Hostel in Geneva
📖 Best Hostel for Relaxing in Lenz: Nordic Hostel

Best Hostels in Bern

Most likely your Swiss adventure will kick start in the capital of Bern.

This beautiful city is a UNESCO world heritage site and is perfect for any traveller interested in historic features and old town city vibes. Unlike many other capital cities across the world, Bern has only a handful of hostels. Quite unusual for Europe.

We had a look at them and we think the best hostel in Bern is:

Bern Youth Hostel (Bern)

If you’d like to stay in a listed building that’s recently had an ultra-modern re-design; look no further!

There’s nothing at Bern Youth Hostel but bright, big and clean spaces.

We just love the private rooms with river views out of the door-sized windows. Who wouldn’t?!

You needn’t travel far for a decent meal – just head down to the restaurant bar and lounge.

Buffet breakfast is included.

Book Bern Youth Hostel here

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Bern Youth Hostel best hostels in Switzerland

Best Hostels in Gimmelwald

Let us head up into the beautiful mountains to the small village of Gimmelwald.

Don’t mistake this for the famous resort Grindelwald in the next valley. Oh no, this is far less touristy and one of the offbeat areas backpackers will love!

Get ready for cowbells, wooden huts and stunning mountainous valleys.

And guess what; there is only one hostel in Gimmelwald, and it happens to be awesome.

Mountain Hostel (Gimmelwald)

This is most likely going to be a love at first sight moment for you.

Not only is this hut-style hostel gorgeous, but you’ll also be surrounded by hiking trails, via ferrata and rafting opportunities. Love hiking? Then you will love this country and the alps. Here’s a guide to best hikes in Switzerland.

Certainly a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts!

In the evenings enjoy a game of pool or cards and enjoy a cold beer on the decking. Wonderbar!

Book Mountain Hostel Gimmelwald here

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Gimmelwald Mountain hostel best hostels in Switzerland

Gimmelwald Mountain hostel best hostels in Switzerland

Best Hostels in Interlaken

Interlaken won’t disappoint with its insane natural beauty and outdoor opportunities.

It is known as the Sports capital in Europe.

I have to tell you: Interlaken is the place with most amount of incredible high adrenaline activities.

Read: things to do in Interlaken

The adrenaline Sports + the mind-blowing scenery. STUNNING!!

Interlaken has also traditional resorts offering great skiing and hiking trails in the surrounding mountains.

You know that typical postcard picture of mountains, lakes and old timber postcards? We’re pretty sure it was taken in Interlaken.

There’s a few options for Interlaken hostels. We bring to you our only 5 Star Hostel in Switzerland, and two quite different options for Interlaken:

  1. Backpackers Villa Sonnnehof (5 Star Hostel)
  2. Balmers Hostel (Party Hostel)

Keen for more? Check out the best hostels in Interlaken guide.

1. Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof (Interlaken)

Does breath-taking natural beauty tickle your fancy?

Backpackers Villa is surely the place for you!

Choose between dorms and double rooms both with shared and en-suite facilities.

There’s a large garden to chill out in around the back and a large park at the front – plenty of space to mingle.

The price of your stay will also give you access to local swimming pools, mini golf and a delicious continental breakfast to kick-start your day.

Backpackers Villa is the best hostel in Interlaken Switzerland.It is a family-friendly hostel with fun activities and every sports activity can be booked with them.

Good to know: Every single team member of the hostel did ALL sport activities. Ask for their recommendation, they can help you first-hand experience!

Special Discount: we got the whole Hostelgeeks community a 5% discount for Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof. You

How to apply the voucher?

  1. Find the actual promo code on our review
  2. choose your room/ bed and date
  3. the discount will be applied with the simple promo code

Additionally, you get the benefits mentioned above. Pretty sweet deal!

(Again, the promo code is applied automatically, and you should see rates with 5% off. Any problems with the voucher? Please get in touch!)

Get your 5% Discount here

WOW-factor! The stair case at Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof Many reasons to smile at Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof Old and new: the 2 buildings at Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof

2. Balmers Hostel (top party hostel!)

Our second recommendation for the best hostels in Interlaken Switzerland is Balmers Hostel.

It is quite different from Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof. It caters to the younger travelers and the party traveler.

Balmers Hostel is one of the most famous party hostels in Switzerland.

The in-house bar is inviting, and it is a real fun place to have a cold drink after a long day of extreme sports.

The location? It is just a 5 minute walk from the Backpackers Villa, so as well super central. Interlaken itself is small anyways. You can walk basically everywhere.

Good to know: the bar is open for everyone. So even if you are staying at another hotel or hostel in Interlaken, come over for a fun night out.

Book Balmers Hostel here

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Best Party Hostels in Switzerland, The Balmers Lodge in Interlaken The hostel dorm at Balmers Lodge in Interlaken

Best Hostels in Crans-Montana

If you’re unfamiliar with Crans-Montana never fear. It was only in 2017 that the municipalities of Mollens, Montana, Randogne and Chermignon merged to form what is now known as Crans-Montana.

Sleep at altitudes of 1500 m and enjoy views across stunning peaks including Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. Why not!

As for Crans-Montana hostels? There is only one:

Crans-Montana Youth Hostel (Crans-Montana)

This 1930’s historic monument has been transformed into a hotel-like hostel perched on top of a mountain.

Solo travellers that appreciate privacy are in luck: Crans Montana offers both female-only and male-only dorms available here.

Enjoy spacious terraces, panoramic views and a spacious lounge filled with 1920’s furniture.

Book Crans-Montana Youth Hostel here

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Best Hostels in St. Moritz

Welcome to the home of the winter Olympics, twice fold!

There is a frozen lake here that hosts polo, cricket and even horse racing on ice. Yes, you did read that correctly.

Fun fact about St. Moritz: James Bond dashed down the ski slopes here in ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’.

Let us have a look at the handpicked Hostels in St moritz.

  1. Petit Steffani Hostel
  2. Hostel by Randolins

1. Petit Steffani Hostel (St. Moritz)

Number one on the list is our Hostel St Moritz Petit Steffani. This is a wonderful option for couples looking for an affordable yet comfortable stay, just metres from the mountain lifts!

Pay little for the room and enjoy great amenities including:

  • Modern pool + spa
  • Nightclub w/ DJ
  • Garden area
  • Free train station shuttle service
  • Buffet breakfast

Note: there are no dorm rooms here, only single and double rooms. You will LOVE this place. Have you seen the indoor swimming pool?

Book Petit Steffani Hostel here

Compare prices at: Booking.com

Petit Steffani Hostel best hostels in Switzerland

Petit Staffani Hostel best hostels in Switzerland

2. Hostel by Randolins (St. Moritz)

Randolins is perched on the Suvretta hillside; the prettiest place in St. Moritz.

Alongside the on-site restaurant, there is a recreation room and a room to store skis and bikes. This makes it all the more easier for outdoor enthusiasts!

Choose between dorm and private options all of which have running water and Wi-Fi.

Book Hostel by Randolins here

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Hostel by Randolins St. Moritz one of the best hostels in Switzerland

Hostel by Randolins St. Moritz one of the best hostels in Switzerland

Best Hostels in Basel

This pretty city lies alongside the Rhine River close to the borders of France and Germany.

It’s the place to visit for those keen to get up close and personal with some seriously cool Gothic architecture!

  1. Hyve Hostel Basel – best for solo travelers
  2. Basel Backpack – best for female solo travelers
  3. Basel Youth Hostel – best for digital nomads

If you are looking for a more detailed guide to the best hostels in Basel, we got you!

1. Hyve Hostel Basel

The Hyve Hostel offers a variety of accommodation choices, from dorms to single, double, and family rooms. If you are a couple looking for privacy, this is the perfect spot for you. There are also capsules available for up to four people, with either an underwater or forest theme.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and most come with a balcony that offers beautiful views of nearby parks.

Book Hyve Hostel Basel here

Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Hyve Hostel Basel Cafe

2. Basel Backpack 

If you’re a fan of history and looking for somewhere to stay, then Basel Backpack is the perfect place for you! We have a wide range of rooms available, including dorms, single and double beds, and private rooms for up to four people.

All of them come with amenities such as sockets and night lights, and the bedding is regularly changed. Some travellers have noted that the pillows may be a bit too thin, but there is also an all-female dorm available for solo female travellers.

The café in Basel Backpack is a great place for a tasty breakfast or an evening cocktail, and the kitchen is well-equipped if you want to prepare your own meals. The patio is a lovely spot to relax and take in the atmosphere of the Guldendinger Feld area.

Book Basel Backpack here

Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Basel Backpack Hostel Garden Area

3. Basel Youth Hostel 

Basel Youth Hostel has successfully married old charm with contemporary architecture. It’s a design hostel lover’s dream!

Mixed dorms and private rooms are available, all of which are spacious and welcoming. Bed linen is also included here.

Enjoy a central location and escape the metropolis by spending some downtime on the wooden terrace.

Book Basel Youth Hostel here

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Basel Youth Hostel best hostels in Switzerland

Best Hostels in Lenz

Fancy getting away from it all? Lenz has a population of fewer than 600 people, so we think it’s the perfect destination for some peace and quiet.

Unsurprisingly, Lenz is another mountainous area and a great place for skiing.

We found a great hostel in Lenz for you:

Nordic Hostel (Lenz)

Another Backpackers Haven in Switzerland.

When the nearest airport is 112 km away, you know you’re headed to a beautiful, secluded place.

Nordic Hostel is big, modern and perfectly designed for people returning from a big day in the hills.

There is a restaurant on-site, but no shared kitchen. Before you panic; breakfast AND dinner are included in the price!

Rent some ski equipment a bike by day, and relax on the terrace or in sauna by night.

Book Nordic Hostel here

Compare prices at: Booking.com

Nordic Hostel best hostels in Switzerland

Best Hostels in Geneva

Welcome to the second most populous city in Switzerland!

Picture this: standing by the side of Lake Geneva, surrounded by the Alps and the Jura mountains with views of dramatic Mont Blanc. We have a dedicated guide to the best hostels in Geneva if you want more information, as well as a budget guide on Geneva.

Need we say more to entice you? We think you’ll love to stay at:

City Hostel (Geneva)

Slap bang in the middle of the tourist area; City Hostel is just 950m from Lake Geneva.

Choose between single, double, and dorm rooms. All of them come with WiFi, heating, and computer workspace – great for digital nomads on the move!

There’s also a lovely common area to chill out in and a common kitchen for all to use.

Not convinced? Here are all 3 best hostels in Geneva compared.

Book City Hostel here

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Geneva City Hostel best hostels in Switzerland

Best Hostels in Winterthur

How lovely is the name Winterthur? It sums up what to expect before you even get there.

So yes, expect chilly temperatures in the winter. However, at an elevation of only 440m, the summer is quite pleasant in this part of Switzerland.

This is the place for modern art museums including Picasso and Klee. Make sure to visit the hilltop Rosengarten for lovely views over the old town.

Depot 195 Hostel (Winterthur)

You won’t be disappointed with this choice – it’s truly stunning!

The rooms are individually decorated and made to feel super homely. Depot 195 is a great option for families, couples and solo travellers alike.

Alongside comfy beds, enjoy:

  • Homely common room
  • Shared kitchen
  • Roof terrace
  • Breakfast + bar
  • Bicycle rental
Book Depot 195 Hostel here

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Winterthur Depot 195 Hostel best hostels in Switzerland

Winterthur Depot 195 Hostel best hostels in Switzerland

Best Hostels in Lauterbrunnen

The Lauterbrunnen valley is well known for its 72 waterfalls and majestic cliffs. It is this natural beauty that did indeed inspire J.R. Tolkien’s Rivendale from Lord of the Rings!

Outdoor enthusiasts: we deem this a wonderful starting point for you!

The best hostels in Lauterbrunnen are:

  1. Hostel Schutzenbach Backpackers
  2. Valley Hostel

1. Hostel Schutzenbach Backpackers (Lauterbrunnen)

If you are able to pronounce this hostel name, someone will invite you for a beer for sure!

Schutzenbach is a clean, safe and fun backpackers for travellers aged 18-35 years.

All private, shared and twin rooms come with possibly the best views Switzerland has to offer!

This hostel is open throughout the year so can be enjoyed for either hiking or skiing. The on-site bar is there to serve you up a refreshing drink whatever the weather.

Good to know: bathrooms are situated far from the rooms. Not a deal-breaker, but worth it to know.

Book Hostel Schutzenbach Backpackers here

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Hostel Schutzenbach Backpackers best hostels in Switzerland

2. Valley Hostel (Lauterbrunnen)

The Valley Hostel is one of the coolest Lauterbrunnen hostels. This colourful hostel offers a range of rooms from 5-bed and female-only dorms, to private and family rooms.

No matter what time of year you visit; the staff have plenty of fun ideas for the surrounding mountains. Just ask them about tour opportunities in the area.

Chill out on the long decking area after a long day. In the summer this is the perfect place for a BBQ!

Book Valley Hostel here

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Valley Hostel Lauterbrunnen the best hostels in Switzerland

Best Hostels in Zurich (or Zürich)

It’s time to come down from the mountains and explore the largest city in Switzerland.

It can always be a bit of a shock to the system returning to a crowded city, so consider a visit to Zurich either at the beginning or end of your Swiss adventure.

Even though it’s considered one of the most expensive cities in the world, you won’t break the bank when it comes to hostels.

  1. Hostel Depot 195 Winterthur
  2. Oldtown Hostel Otter
  3. Youth Hostel Zurich

Find the full guide to best hostels in Zurich here.

1. Hostel Depot 195 Winterthur (rooftop terrace + bar)

Our #1 recommendation in the nearby city of Winterthur is the new Hostel Depot 195 Winterthur.

Set close to the Old Town in Winterthur in an industrial building, this is an old-meets-modern accommodation great for backpackers.

Winterthur?

A beautiful small city just 25 minutes from Zurich. It’s an fantastic hostel in an area well worth visiting. Honestly, we think it’s better than any hostel in the centre of Zurich.

Book Depot Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Winterthur Depot 195 Hostel best hostels in Switzerland

2. Oldtown Hostel Otter (mix of hotel + hostel standard)

If you’re really keen on a second option, we’d like to introduce you to the newly renovated hotel to hostel Oldtown Hostel Otter.

This one is above a trendy cafe-bar!

What’s cool is that the upper floors have been kept at a hotel standard, whereas the lower floors have been converted to dormitories.

Book Oldtown Hostel here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Oldtown Hostel Otter one of the best hostels in Zurich, Switzerland

3. Zurich Youth Hostel (Zurich)

This is certainly a basic Swiss hostel, but it boasts superb cleanliness and wonderful staff.

It’s just a stone’s throw from the lake shore and a 30-minute walk from the city centre.

A great budget option for young travellers of all types, including female solo travellers that would like a lady-only room.

There’s 24-hour reception, a cosy bar and free breakfast included.

Again, Youth Hostel is the best option for cheap hostels in Zurich.

Book Zurich Youth Hostel here

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Zurich Youth Hostel best hostels in Switzerland

Best Hostels in Zermatt

This is your chance to experience altitudes of 1600m and intimate views of the infamous pyramid-shaped Matterhorn peak.

The main street of Bahnhofstrasse is home to boutique shops, après-ski venues and inviting restaurants. Public outdoor ski-rinks and curling are also at your disposal!

We consider the best hostel in Zermatt to be the Youth Hostel Zermatt.

It is, in fact, the only real hostel in Zermatt. And it happens to be pretty special.

Youth Hostel (Zermatt)

This is a very typical Swiss mountain accommodation that will have you feeling right at home in no time.

Is there such a thing as a shared dorm with views of the Matterhorn? Yes – right here!

Note: there is a large hill to climb in order to reach this hostel. To be expected when you’re in the mountains!

Book Zermatt Youth Hostel here

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Zermatt Youth Hostel best hostels in Switzerland

Best Hostels in Lausanne

Lausanne is a French-speaking city on Lake Geneva.

Away from the hustle and bustle of modern city life is a hilly old city with medieval shop-lined streets and a 12th-century Gothic cathedral which is a must see!

Once again, this city only has one hostel on offer to travellers looking for a budget option. It is:

Lausanne Youth Hostel Jeunotel (Lausanne)

Fancy sleeping less than 100m from Lake Geneva? No problem!

This is a superbly simplistic hostel offering a bar, restaurant and daily buffet breakfast. Bicycle rent is also available and a wonderful option for exploring Lausanne.

Book Lausanne Youth Hostel Jeunotel

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Lausanne Youth Hostel Jeunotelbest hostels in Switzerland

Best Hostels in Lucerne

Lucerne is a popular tourist spot purely for the natural beauty surrounding it.

There’s a unique mix of glistening shores and medieval architecture set amid snow-capped mountains.

It’s a compact city that speaks primarily German.

We deem the best hostels in Lucerne:

  1. Young Backpackers Homestay
  2. Backpackers Luzern
  3. Barabas Luzern
  4. Luzern Youth Hostell

Good To Know: We have a detailed guide to the best hostels in Lucerne.

1. Young Backpackers Homestay

Located just 10 minutes away from the train station, Young Backpackers Homestay is the perfect getaway spot and an ideal home-away-from-home for travelers.

The house has been recently refurbished, providing a comfortable and modern atmosphere. Plus, its location offers stunning views of the majestic Alps, so you can be sure to wake up to breathtaking scenery each morning!

Book Young Backpackers Homestay here

Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Young Backpackers Homestay Bedroom

2. Backpackers Luzern

The Backpackers Luzern is an excellent choice for solo travellers, with its chic and vibrant atmosphere! This accommodation is located right in front of Lake Lucerne, making it a great starting point for all of your adventures.

The rooms are clean and spacious, with stylish furnishings and a power outlet for each bed. You’re sure to make some friends here, and you’ll be refreshed by all the vibrant colours. It’s the perfect place for a fun and memorable stay!

Book Backpackers Luzern here

Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Backpackers Luzern Dorm Room Backpackers Luzern - Perfect for Solo Travelers

3. Barabas Luzern

It’s no surprise that the Barabas Luzern is one of the most popular hostels in Lucerne! The hostel is situated right in the middle of the city, giving guests easy access to the city’s main attractions and the old town.

At Barabas, you’ll stay in rooms that look just like prison cells, only they are much more comfortable and clean. So, if you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, this is the perfect place to stay. Plus, you get to enjoy all the amenities of a modern hostel, all while experiencing an exciting and different kind of accommodation.

Book Barabas Luzern here

Check prices at: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Barabas Luzern Dorn Barabas Luzern Common Area

4. Luzern Youth Hostel

Luzern Youth Hostel is built on an international atmosphere that offers a quiet retreat in the city.

The rooms here are pretty big, ranging from 4-20 bed dorms. This includes male and female-only options.

Relax either inside or outside at the social areas and challenge new friends to a game of pool or ping-pong.

Book Luzern Youth Hostel here

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Luzern Youth Hostel best hostels in Switzerland

Best Hostels in Gryon

The area of Gryon was only established in 2009 and takes up a whopping 15 square kilometres of space! How quaint.

This is the perfect getaway for travellers in search of peace and fantastic hiking trails all to yourself.

Get ready for a truly fantastic hostel in Gryon:

Chalet Martin Backpackers Hostel (Gryon)

Update: Chalet Martin has permanently closed its doors. Right now we do not have another recommendation in Gryon.

When it’s foggy in the valley, you’ll be sipping coffee in the sunshine at Chalet Martin!

Standing 1180 metres, this gorgeous backpacker hostel offers a true Swiss experience.

Linen is included in all private and shared rooms. But honestly, it’s the view of the mountains that will really steal your heart.

Note: this is a shoeless hostel so pack your slippers and allow your feet some downtime. Personally, we love to leave the shoes outside; makes it more like a home.

Gryon Chalet Martin Backpackers Hostel best hostels in Switzerland

Best Hostels in Saas-Fee

Calling all dare-devils! Saas-Fee is in proximity to several peaks standing over 4000m, and the gateway to over 100 ski slopes.

It’s a snow-babies heaven in the winter and hiker’s paradise in the summer.

You’ll certainly want to check out the coolest hostel in Saas-Fee. And remember when we said there are only a few exceptions of gorgeous top hostels in Switzerland? Well, here you go one more time.

Wellness Hostel 4000 (Saas-Fee)

As the name suggests, Wellness Hostel 4000 offers amenities that focus on your health and well-being.

When you’re not outside, make use of the large indoor pool, fitness centre and trendy restaurant come bistro.

The rooms are basic, comfortable and offer wonderful views from the large windows.

Book Wellness Hostel 4000 here

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Saas-Fee Wellness Hostel 4000 best hostels in Switzerland

Saas-Fee Wellness Hostel 4000 best hostels in Switzerland

Here is a video of the Wellness Hostel 4000. The video is in German, but there is English subtitle. The video shows the impressive spa area, sauna, the bed rooms, and actually everything.

Really impressive!

Best Hostels in Grindelwald

Well you guessed it; Grindelwald is yet another village in the alps which is perfect for skiing and hiking!

Switzerland just keeps on giving.

What makes this destination stand out from the crowd?

It’s the base for mountain-climbing up the iconic North face of the Eiger. Who’s felling brave?

Grindelwald Youth Hostel 

Grindelwald Youth Hostel inside felt like a 4 star hotel with the added value that many open-minded people were gathered inside. The rooms are spacious and the view is amazing. The hostel itself is a bit distant from the centre and the railway station which gave us the vibe we were looking for. The free breakfast is amazing.

Views from the balconies are unreal. They give you a bus pass with discounts to the mountain activities which is really helpful. Having the piano available for the guests to play is one of amazing amenities of this hostel.

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Grindelwald Youth Hostel Terrace

Grindelwald Youth Hostel Common Space

Best Hostels in Zofingen

This is the capital of the district and a walled city that’s home to an ancient monastic settlement. Sounds cool, right?

It’s a great destination for anyone that enjoys exploring an Old Town of a city, views of the Alps and fun open-air events.

Youth Hostel Zofingen

Update: Sorry folks, Youth Hostel Zofingen has permanently closed. Currently there is no other hostel in Zofingen we recommend, but we’ll keep our eyes peeled.

Our only hostel in Zofingen is a basic youth hostel that is great for families, groups and friends.

We say this because there is heaps of space and it has a central location. From the outside it looks like a big, fancy house!

All of the shared and private rooms come with linen and Wi-Fi.

Zofingen Youth Hostel, Best Hostels in Switzerland

Best Hostels in Lugano

This part of Switzerland is Italian-speaking and is quite similar to Italy’s Lombardy region.

The cool mix of Swiss and Italian is reflected in the delicious food and architecture.

Oh and to top it off; there’s a stunning glacial lake and mountain peaks surrounding Lugano. Yes please!

Savosa Youth Hostel (Lugano)

This small hostel has been decribed as more like a B&B than a hostel. That’s becase it’s cosy and the staff are welcoming and friendly.

Youth Hostel Lugano is just outside Lugano’s centre, and easily accessible.

There’s a pool, garden, pool table and super cosy rooms. The pictures kind of speak for themselves, don’t they?!

Book Savosa Youth Hostel Lugano here

Compare prices at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Lugano Savosa Youth Hostel, Best Hostels in Switzerland

Lugano Savosa Youth Hostel, Best Hostels in Switzerland

Our Favorite Hostels in Switzerland put on a map + sights

You’re about to discover a really useful map below of all the top hostels in Switzerland already mentioned in this article.

From Geneva to Lausanne, from lake to mountain. We hope this map will help you better plan your upcoming backpacking Switzerland adventure!

You can also share this map with all your backpacker buddies.

For getting around Switzerland, I highly recommend renting a car. Make sure you compare the prices of train, bus and car beforehand. It can make a huge difference as Switzerland is not a cheap country to travel.

Good to know: We actually traveled Switzerland by car. We bought our groceries in France since it was much cheaper.

Any questions about hostels in Switzerland? 🤔

Join our Facebook Group!

Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥

FAQ

Great destinations after Switzerland

Many travellers in Europe hop between a few countries during their trip – it’s a great and surprisingly easy thing to do!

So let’s imagine you’ve already explored Switzerland and you’re eager to keep going. How does Switzerland compare to other European countries?!

Other popular destinations include Lyon, Milan and Munich.

And guess what? We have guides ready and waiting for you to check out:

Discounts & Promo Codes

Do you fancy a discount? C’mon, who doesn’t?!

You can find all our valid discount for hostels here. And remember, above you can find already discounts and promo codes for some of the coolest Swiss hostels.

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive exclusive promo codes we only share via email. You can subscribe to our newsletter right here.

This list of the best Backpacker and Luxury Hostels, the 5 Star Hostels, will always stay up to date.

We will keep adding all the greatest budget accommodations. Whether it is a Design Hostel, Boutique Hostel, Eco or Green Hostel – we will have a close look on these backpacker accommodations.

Other 5 Star Hostels

Besides the listed accommodation, we also put together the best hostels in the world; the 5 Star Hostels.

We stayed in a former winery in Santorini, in a former jail-now 5 Star Hostel and many more. And we share all of those unique budget accommodations with you.

Some other cities you might be interested in:

Summary

By now you should have the answer to your question where to stay in Switzerland. It is an amazing country. Yes, it is expensive, but worth it every penny. Hostels will help you to stay within your budget.

This guide is your shortcut to your hostel-picks, saving you lots of time in your accommodation research.

And for sure, it gives you the security of a top-hostel choice without any bad surprises.

Update: We now cover as well curated 3-best hostels guide to cities with no 5 Star Hostels such as Paris, Seoul and Sydney.

Any questions?

Then please please leave a comment below. We would be thrilled to hear from you and to help a fellow backpacker.

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23 Best Hostels in Switzerland - A Complete Guide for Backpacking Switzerland (+ Map)

CLOSED: Downtown Lodge (Grindelwald)

Downtown Lodge is unique, simple and central and the largest lodge in Switzerland.

Alongside a beautiful location and cosy stay, staff will gladly help you plan your Swiss adventures. Don’t be shy to ask!

All guests get many cool benefits when staying here, including:

  • Free swimming pool + ice rink entance
  • Free use of local buses
  • 10-50% discounts on a range of local activities

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