If you are backpacking through Austria, odds are you will end up in Salzburg at some point.
Salzburg makes for a fantastic stopover for backpackers traveling to the Austrian Alps or en route to Germany. Highlights of the city include a beautiful old quarter (Altstadt), stunning baroque architecture, and gorgeous views of the nearby Alps. Getting stoked? You should be!
Like most of Europe, traveling in Salzburg can be a bit pricey. Where does one look to find reasonably priced backpacker accommodation?
To answer that question, I decided to write this guide to the best hostels in Salzburg, Austria!
There isn’t a HUGE selection of cheap hostels in Salzburg, so knowing where the best ones are is important.
Whether you are in the market for the best hostel for couples or a cheap sleep, I am certain there is a hostel on my list with your name on it.
Booking a hostel doesn’t have to be complicated. You know what you like, and I am here to show you the way to all of your options.
Let’s do it…
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Salzburg
- Overall Best Hostel in Salzburg – MEININGER Salzburg City Center
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Salzburg – Yoho International Youth Hostel Salzburg
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Salzburg – A&O Salzburg Hauptbahnhof
- Best Cheap Hostel in Salzburg – Stadtalm Naturfreundehaus
- Best Hostel for Couples in Salzburg – Summer Hostel Salzburg
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The 9 Best Hostels in Salzburg
MEININGER Salzburg City Center – Overall Best Hostel in Salzburg
Another Germanic hostel that seems to be more like a hotel – though it has dorms and stuff – this branch of MEININGER hostels is decently located (if a little far from sights and things to do) and is, probably because of its hotel-like nature, extremely clean and modern in terms of facilities, rooms and hang-out areas. Clearly we appreciate cleanliness. But if you’re looking for traveller community vibes, look elsewhere – and certainly don’t expect a party. It’s quite expensive, but for that, you do feel a step above your average budget hostel in Salzburg.
Yoho International Youth Hostel Salzburg – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Salzburg
Well, if you’re a fan of The Sound of Music then you’ll love this youth hostel in Salzburg: it screens the film EVERY. DAY. So hooray if you like that. On a related note, the famous DoReMi Steps are nearby. It’s the overall best hostel for its location (not just for those musical steps obviously), the friendly staff, but most of all for the 24 Salzburg Card, which you can get at reception. What does that card do? I hear you ask. FREE ENTRY TO MANY ATTRACTIONS. Ding ding ding! We have a winner: it’s the best hostel in Salzburg 2024 because attractions are pricey.
A&O Salzburg Hauptbahnhof – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Salzburg
Whilst not exactly a very social hostel, the private rooms at this a&o branch are immaculate and modern. You can’t really ask for much more – except for a decent price, we suppose, which is what you’ll ALSO find here. In terms of a private room, that is. The dorms are actually quite pricey. But, yep, for the best hostel with a private room in Salzburg, we’d say go here. It might lack atmosphere, but it’s spacious and there’s tons of space to lay around or hang out or whatever it is that you do when you’re not sleeping or outside.
Stadtalm Naturfreundehaus – Best Cheap Hostel in Salzburg
Stad… huh? Whose house?! As much as the name is a mouthful, the price of this hostel is very very good. In fact, it’s probably the cheapest hostel in town. But also for the central location, the b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l views across the rooftops of Salzburg, the super cute rustic nature of the decor, the friendly staff (even if they don’t speak perfect English), it’s deffo our top pick for the best cheap hostel in Salzburg. And for a top tip – you should try the food in the restaurant downstairs because it’s very tasty. But yeah, even rgardless of price this is a top hostel in Salzburg.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REImyNext – Riverside Hotel Salzburg – Best Hostel for Couples in Salzburg
Soak up the sunshine at myNext – Riverside Hotel Salzburg, right next to the river’s walking and cycling promenade. The location’s spot on—easy access to everything, with the metro station conveniently next door. The staff are friendly and always helpful.
The rooms are basic but comfy, with plenty of storage, an in-room coffee pot, and apples at the front desk for a nice touch. The dorms are equipped with more amenities than most hostel rooms, including a microwave, fridge, hob, and ensuite bathroom. If you run hot, make sure to ask for a fan since there’s no AC.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Best Hostels in Salzburg
Some neighborhoods are more fun than others – discover which are the best areas to stay in Salzburg and then book the right hostel!
The Keep Eco Rooms
These dorm-style private rooms are a gem for groups or families on the hunt for affordable and eco-conscious digs that skip the hotel vibes. The Keep Eco Rooms has sustainability at its core, with beautiful spaces decked out with everything you need—including some seriously comfy beds. The restaurant downstairs serves up some tasty grub too.
The kitchen is well-equipped, and using the washing machine is hassle-free. For what you’re paying, it’s excellent value. There’s no reception desk, but the staff are quick to respond and always helpful.
Not on the look-out for a hostel? That’s fine. Everyone’s different. So we’ve trawled through some of the best hotels in Salzburg to find one that’s easiest on the wallet…
Haus am Moos – Best Budget Hotel in Salzburg
B-B-B-B-B-B-BARGAIN! Seriously, we’ve found the best budget hotel in Salzburg and we’re pretty hyped about it. Well, technically it’s a bed-and-breakfast, but potato-patata – right? Honestly, though, this place is practically palatial, with loads of lavish fixtures and fittings that’ll have you thinking you’re staying at some fancy boutique hotel rather than a top pick for budgeteers in Salzburg. It’s located right at the foot of the Unterberg Mountain meaning that you’ll have to bus it into Salzburg centre, but for a lush location like this, who cares?
JUFA Salzburg City
Another recommended hostel in Salzburg that feels the need to play The Sound of Music daily, JUFA Salzburg City also offers a free breakfast buffet every morning, which is very good – especially considering the relative cheapness of this place. Again, it’s more like a hotel than a hostel (dorms tho) but that means it’s more universal, we guess – families, couples, young, old, all sorts of people can stay here without feeling like they’re in a gap year backpacker’s wet-dream. Which is a good thing. They also do a very good Sound of Music Tour from here, which is also the cheapest in town. You are also plenty close to the best nightlife in Salzburg, so there is that.
Muffin Hostel
What exactly is muffin about Muffin Hostel? We’ll never know. (We never asked, to be fair). Names aside, it’s about a 10-15 min walk to the centre of town, which isn’t too bad. The kitchen at this hostel is extremely well equipped and extremely clean, which is perfect if you’re gonna be actually cooking some food here. Probably the best thing about this place though is the garden: it’s large, it’s very pretty and it’s just the sort of place for a chill little picnic – weather-dependent, of course. The garden also features badminton, great if you’re a fan. Still – muffin tho. Why?
What to Pack for your Salzburg 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Salzburg
Alas, the time has come for me to leave you: we have made it to the end of my best hostels in Salzburg list.
Finding affordable backpacker accommodation in Salzburg can be rather difficult if you are unfamiliar with where to look.
After making it through this hostel guide, you now hip to all of the best hostels in Salzburg.
I am confident that you can now book the right place for yourself based on your own budget and preferences. I want you to spend more time planning your epic adventure to Salzburg, and less time figuring out where to stay. Sorted.
Booking a hostel is easy when you possess all of the best options. The choice of where to book now lies in your hands…
Still feeling conflicted? Not sure which hostel in Salzburg is the best hostel for you?
In times of uncertainty, I recommend that you just go with my top overall pick for the best hostel in Salzburg: Yoho International Youth Hostel Salzburg. Happy travels!
FAQ about Hostels in Salzburg
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Salzburg.
How much does a hostel cost in Salzburg?
On average, hostel prices are always changing ESPECIALLY in Europe, but you can generally expect to pay around $26 and $39+ per night.
What are the best hostels in Salzburg for couples?
Why, yes! Absolutely! We’d go with myNext – Riverside Hotel Salzburg as a cosy couples getaway while in Salzburg!
What are the best hostels in Salzburg near the airport?
Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart is quite far from the city center, so it is usually better to find the best place within the area. Once you’re in the city, I highly recommend myNext – Riverside Hotel Salzburg.
Travel Safety Tips for Salzburg
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.
More Epic Hostels in Austria and Europe
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Salzburg.
Planning an epic trip all across Austria or even Europe itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Europe, check out:
- Best Hostels in Vienna & Where to stay in Vienna
- Best Hostels in Munich
- Best Hostels in Bratislava
- Best Hostels in Budapest
- Best Hostels in Ljubljana
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Salzburg has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Salzburg covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in Salzburg before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
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A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
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