Gothenburg. Sweden’s understated but effortlessly cool second city is an enchanting mix of cosy old-world Mys (think soft sweaters, hot cocoa, and a fireplace vibe) and sleek modernity.

This off the beaten track Scandinavian gem isn’t short on variety. From canals, buzzing neighbourhoods and amusement parks to satiate even the biggest of adrenaline junkies, Gothenburg has a lot going for it.

The stunning Gothenburg Archipelago is also just a short ferry ride away, making it a dream for backpackers who want to mix city exploration with coastal hikes and sea swims (you’re braver than me because that shit is bloody FREEZING).

But of course the elephant in the room is that Sweden is notoriously not friendly to the ‘ol backpacker budget. If you wanna save your pretty pennies, you got to stay in a hostel.

But which one you say? That’s where I come in. My ultimate guide to the best Gothenburg hostels will have you booked up and experiencing this charming city in no time.

Are you ready? Let’s dive in.

Gothenburg, Sweden
Somewhere down these canals is the perfect hostel for you…let’s hunt it down.

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Quick Answer: Best Hostels in Gothenburg

The 5 Best Hostels in Gothenburg

Here it is – the crème de la crème of Gothenburg’s hostels, neatly split into travel niches just for you. Picking a place has never been easier, so you can get out exploring the city ASAP.

If you want to keep your spending down, throw a towel into your bag for the trip instead of renting one in Gothenburg which usually costs a few Euros. Get yourself a decent backpack too so you can fit it all in!

1. STF Goteborg Stigbergsliden Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Gothenburg

STF Goteborg Stigbergsliden Hostel Gothenburg
  • Dorm (mixed): From $30/night
  • Private Room: From $65/night
  • Address: Stigbergsliden 10, Majorna-Linné, 41463 Gothenburg

This beautifully designed hostel captures the essence of Gothenburg in every corner. The traditional mid-1800s exterior opens up into a sleek and modern space within, it’s a truly authentic experience of the city. STF also offers a quaint and homely feel. It has a delightful courtyard opening up into a space where you can relax, meet people or soak in the rays on a long summer evening.

STF has a range of different accommodation options available to suit all types of travellers, from all-female and mixed dorms, private rooms to group rooms. It also has a modern and well-kitted-out communal kitchen.

Why you’ll love this hostel: 

  • Outdoor garden
  • Eco-friendly hostel
  • Mid 1800s building

STF is a youth hostel with a conscience. As an eco-friendly place to stay, its aim is to be less harmful to the environment. In fact, if you want to keep things environmentally friendly, you’re in the right place as Gothenburg is Europe’s greenest city.

The location in the Majorna neighbourhood is superb, putting you where beautiful centuries-old architecture meets with modern metropolitan living. Here you can also enjoy the many places to eat and drink whilst exploring the local contemporary art scene. Not only is it a fun and lively area to hang out in but it’s also well connected being only a 12-minute tram ride from Gothenburg Central Station and a 10-minute walk to the trendy Haga district.

2. Backpackers Göteborg – Best Hostel in Gothenburg for Solo Travelers

Backpackers Göteborg
  • Dorm (mixed): From $32/night
  • Private Room: From $75/night
  • Address: Vegagatan 19, Majorna-Linné, 413 11 Gothenburg

Let’s be honest, how many other hostels have you been to that have a free-to-use onsite sauna? Come on, what better way to end your day wandering the cobbled streets of Gothenburg than to indulge in the ultimate Scandinavian pastime—it’s time to sauna it up, baby! It has to make this one of the coolest hostels in Sweden for sure.

But beyond the sauna (did I mention this hostel has a bloody sauna!) This place just hits all the right notes and offers a quality, bang-for-your-buck experience. Room and bed rates are budget-friendly, the place is safe, clean, modern and most importantly, passes the vibe check.

Why you’ll love this hostel: 

  • Hostel-organised events like bar crawls, walking tours, karaoke, and taco night
  • Free sauna
  • Pool table

The hostel organises daily events like bar crawls, walking tours, karaoke, and taco nights, making it perfect for solo travellers. The fully equipped kitchen too means it’s easy to save even more money by cooking your own meals. The hostel even offers breakfast for a small additional fee, which includes vegan options. Other great features of the hostel are the gender-specific dorms and private rooms.

Located in the Linnéstaden (Linné for short) area, you’ll be surrounded by independent restaurants, cafes, bars and incredible eateries to try. It’s one of the real hip areas of the city to hang out in and is a short walk from the Hygge capital of the city, Haga. It’s only a 10-minute bus ride from Central Station and is the perfect neighbourhood to rock a bit of flannel! 

Backpackers Göteborg is much more than just a place to lay your head. With an unbeatable location, daily events, super comfy rooms and not forgetting that sauna, it offers the best of both worlds. Here there are great opportunities to meet other travellers backpacking Sweden in the buzzing neighbourhood bars. Then after a day of adventures or a night out socialising, it’s a great place to relax.

3. Linnéplatsens Hotel & Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Gothenburg

Linnéplatsens Hotel & Hostel gothenburg
One of the best cheap hostels in Gothenburg—it’s a gem
  • Dorm (mixed): From $25/night
  • Private Room: From $56/night
  • Address: Linnéplatsen 8, Majorna-Linné, 413 10 Gothenburg

It’s no secret that Sweden is damn expensive. But Linnéplatsens Hotel & Hostel serves up a luxurious hostel experience that doesn’t skimp on comfort or affordability. It’s one of the best-value spots in Gothenburg, giving you plenty of bang for your buck without cutting corners on quality.

The private rooms are hotel standard at hostel prices with the only compromise coming in the form of shared bathrooms. Dorms here are kept separated by gender, not ideal maybe for couples but perfect for solo female backpackers.

One of the things I really love here is the privacy curtains on each bunk, as well as the keycard access to the rooms. Both of these features are again especially welcome to the female solo backpacker wanting to feel safe in Sweden.

Why you’ll love this hostel: 

  • Near Gothenburg Natural History Museum 
  • Keycard Access
  • Privacy Curtains

Located in the chill area of Linné, Linnéplatsens is surrounded by trendy bars, restaurants, and cafes. It’s also a stone’s throw away from the Gothenburg Natural History Museum and has good transport connections to the city. Another local attraction is the leafy Slottsskogen Park, a stroll through here again reflects the refined and cosmopolitan vibe of the hostel and surrounding area.

Cosy and welcoming but offering privacy and serenity this hostel is for those wanting to pay hostel prices but pretend they’re in a hotel! Don’t expect a bustling social vibe to this hostel, so if partying into the night and meeting heaps of new folks is your thing maybe head somewhere else.

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Aether Backpack

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4. Slottsskogens Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Gothenburg

Slottsskogens Hostel Gothenburg
  • Dorm (mixed): From $30/night
  • Private Room: From $75/night
  • Address: Vegagatan 21, Majorna-Linné, 413 11 Gothenburg

If things are looking a little familiar then don’t worry, you’re not seeing double! This is the sister hostel to Backpackers Göteborg and shares many of the awesome facilities that make it such a winner. What makes this hostel stand apart is how it caters specifically to the solo traveller offering single-bed private rooms – not something that you see all that often.

Why you’ll love this hostel: 

  • Fun and welcoming atmosphere
  • Group outings and experiences
  • Kitchen, common areas and pool table.

Whether you prefer the serenity of your own private space or like to mix it with the commoners in a dorm, this hostel offers some amazing opportunities to socialise. With a pool table, community kitchen, and chill-out zones, there is no reason to feel alone if you’re flying solo.

The vibe is wonderfully welcoming and warm. The hostel organises things for guests to do like trivia night, bar hopping, pizza nights and even a friendly game of football in nearby Slottsskogen Park.

Just ask at reception what’s going on and you won’t be disappointed. Events are shared between Slottsskogens and Backpackers Göteborg Hostel next door there’s probably going to be a crowd. So, you’re bound to make a new friend or 10. Isn’t that what backpacking Scandinavia is all about – meeting new people and having an awesome time?!

5. Gothenburg Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Gothenburg

Gothenburg Hostel
  • Dorm (mixed): From $35/night
  • Private Room: From $70/night
  • Address: Mölndalsvägen 23, Centrum, 412 65 Gothenburg

Gothenburg Hostel is a solid pick for digital nomads chasing chill vibes, productive work sessions, and a bit of adventure on the side. Smack bang in the heart of the Event District, this spot puts you within walking distance of Gothenburg’s best attractions—and just steps away from the thrills of Liseberg Amusement Park.

No matter the size of your group, it’s likely that you can find a place to stay in the Gothenburg Hostel. Their private rooms can host between 2 and 8 people. If you’d rather bunk it up in a dorm, not a problem. Just know that the dorms are single-gendered. So if you’ve got a mixed group it’s better to inquire about private room options. 

Why you’ll love this hostel: 

  • Book Exchange
  • Across the street from Liseberg Amusement Park
  • Late check-in 

When you’re in town for just a few days, it’s all about the location. Situated in the Events District, you’re a short walk from so many of the main sights and events in town as well as some great restaurants and shops. So you can really make the most of your time in Gothenburg from this great base. It’s perfect for digital nomads hunting out the next best coworking space or cafe to make their temporary office.

Not only are you close to Liseberg, but you’ll find the Universeum, World Culture Museum, Ullevi Stadium, Swedish exhibition and congress centre within walking distance. Bergakungen cinema, one of Sweden’s biggest movie theatres, is close by too as is “Avenyn”, which is Gothenburg’s main street for shopping, restaurants and bars.

Inside, this youth hostel nails the balance of social and productive. Chill-out and TV rooms are perfect for relaxing or squeezing in a work session, while solid kitchen and laundry facilities keep long-term stays stress-free. Add a continental breakfast (available for a small fee), and you’ve got a base that’s as practical as it is welcoming. Whether you’re here for the sights, the vibes, or a little of both, this hostel ticks all the boxes.

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More Epic Gothenburg Hostels

Haven’t found the right hostel for you yet? Don’t worry, there are plenty more options waiting for you. To make the search a bit easier, I’ve listed more epic hostels in Gothenburg below.

SpotOn Hostel & Sportsbar

SpotOn Hostel & Sportsbar
  • Private Room: From $45/night
  • Address: Mölndalsvägen 3, Centrum, 412 63 Gothenburg

Ok, I will level with you here. Gothenburg isn’t overflowing with hostels, which is a testament to how off the beaten track it really is in Europe’s greenest city. So that means some of those on offer are, shall we say, “niche!” But hey, if you are looking for a place where you can roll straight out of a rowdy sports bar right into bed, then Spot On might be… spot on.

All jokes aside, Spot On is a no-frills youth hostel that offers great value especially if you want a reasonably priced en-suite room. The surrounding area is the buzzing Event District, which offers many more opportunities to head out into the night. Central Gothenburg is only a short tram ride away, so exploring the city centre is straightforward and easy.

The onsite bar is also a restaurant that offers a great selection of international meals. With the bar being part of the hostel property, but open to the public too, it’s an unbeatable hostel for socialising and meeting new people. If you’re not too fussed about a bed in a pretty basic dorm, but instead enjoy livelier facilities, then look no further.

Hostel Snoozemore

Hostel Snoozemore
  • Private Room: From $70/night
  • Address: Mölndalsvägen 3, Centrum, 412 63 Gothenburg

This youth hostel has all the comforts you’d want and then some. The showers are excellent, with properly hot water—a rare luxury on a budget. The kitchen is massive and well-stocked, making it ideal for anyone looking to save a bit by cooking their own meals.

Private rooms are surprisingly affordable if you’re after a bit of privacy. They’re simple but comfortable, while the spacious common areas and relaxed atmosphere make it easy to feel at home. The owner is welcoming, and the cherry on top is the free breakfast. It’s great value for the price.

Central cozy accommodation, single room or bed in dormroom

Central cozy accommodation, single room or bed in dormroom
  • Dorm (mixed): From $22/night
  • Private Room: From $32/night
  • Address: Risåsgatan, Majorna-Linné, 413 07 Gothenburg

If you’re looking to dodge the typical cookie-cutter hostel vibe, this spot is a gem. It’s a private rental offering a mix of dorms and single private rooms at some of the lowest prices in the city—no joke. Mona, the host, nails the homestay vibe, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.

The whole place is spotless, the location couldn’t be more central, and the atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between laid-back and welcoming. It even has a coffee machine free to use to keep you fuelled for a day of adventure. It’s the kind of place you’ll instantly feel at ease.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Gothenburg

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Gothenburg.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

FAQs about Gothenburg Hostels

Still got Q’s??? Here’s what I get asked the most by backpackers about hostels in Gothenburg.

What to Pack for your Gothenburg Hostel

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Make Some New Buddies…
Make Some New Buddies…

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!

How much do Gotenburg hostels in Gothenburg?

The average price of a hostel in Gothenburg is roughly €25 for dorm beds and €40-€50 for private rooms. Bear in mind many Gothenburg hostels don’t include breakfast but it can be added on for usually a good rate. Plus, almost every hostel has a good quality kitchen to allow you to save money on eating out. Do note that some hostels also charge a small fee for renting towels and bed linen.

What are the best Gothenburg hostels for couples?

Linnéplatsens Hotel & Hostel is definitely the best hostel for couples. It’s got some swanky rooms that have been furnished stylishly, along with a perfect view of Slottsskogen from the rooms. Talk about a dream.

What is the best hostel in Gothenburg near the airport?

Gothenburg Hostel, just 22km away, is well-connected to the airport via the Flygbussarna airport bus. It’s a great budget-friendly option with private rooms and dorms, plus excellent communal facilities like a kitchen and lounge.

Most airport buses (like Flygbussarna) run regularly between Gothenburg and Landvetter Airport, making it easy to stay in the city and still catch your flight with ease.

Final Thoughts on Gothenburg’s Hostels

Sweden’s second-largest city is a playground for adventurers, foodies, and culture buffs alike, all wrapped up in that famously laid-back Swedish vibe.

Whether you’re here to wander the charming canals, scream your lungs out on a rollercoaster, or brave the icy waters of the archipelago (mad respect if you do), these hostels have you covered.

Still undecided? I’d go with Backpackers Göteborg. It’s got everything you would want for a real Scandinavian experience (by that I mean the sauna) at prices that can’t be beaten. It’s a super social spot too which can’t always be said for hostels in Sweden!

So, pack your bag, prep your playlist for the journey, and may the backpacking Gods be kind to you and your budget. Get ready to explore one of Europe’s coolest cities—enjoy friends!

Gothenburg port
I do love me a pirate ship
Looking for more info on travelling to Gothenburg and Sweden?

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the broke backpacker team at the water temple in bali
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