Backpacking Norway can be glorious. The natural sights are nothing short of stunning, and since it’s a bit off the beaten path, you’ll find that (along with the locals) you’ll often feel like you have the country to yourself.
Norway’s fjords, mountains, and glaciers offer jaw-dropping scenery that draws backpackers year-round. If you count yourself to be a real adventurer you’ll just be ITCHING to see these insane landscapes. Whether it’s hiking, kayaking, skiing, or even venturing into the Arctic, Norway’s got something for every thrill-seeker.
But the hostel scene in Norway is a bit strange (more on this in a bit), it’s not exactly… poppin’ like its European neighbours. Finding a hostel can often feel like a daunting task – that’s why I’ve done my research to bring you my ultimate guide to the best hostels in Norway.
Whether you’re here to get your hike on, unwind in style, save some kroner (well, as much as you can in a country this spenny) or find the perfect pad for digital nomad-ing, this list has got you covered.
Are you ready? Let’s get this hostel hunt started.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Norway
- Best Overall Hostel in Norway- Voss Vandrarheim AS – Voss
- Best Hostels in Norway for Solo Travelers – Oslo Youth Hostel Haraldsheim
- Best Cheap Hostel in Norway – HI Bergen Hostel Montana
- Best Party Hostel in Norway – Bunks at Rode
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Norway – Anker Hostel
The 5 Best Hostels in Norway
Here it is – the crème de la crème of Norway’s hostels, neatly split into travel niches just for you. Picking a place has never been easier, so you can get out exploring this beautiful country ASAP.
1. Voss Vandrarheim AS – Voss – Best Overall Hostel in Norway
- Dorm (mixed): From $41
- Private Room: From $86
- Address: Evangervegen 68, Voss, Norway
Voss Vandrarheim AS is next-level hostel living – it’s so good, you’ll question if it’s even a hostel. With jaw-dropping views of the fjords, leaving might be the hardest thing you do while staying here. Perfect for adrenaline junkies and outdoor enthusiasts backpacking Norway, this spot is a goldmine of adventure.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Stunning Fjord Views
- Hotel-like Amenities
- Canoe and Bike Rental
Set right by Lake Vangsvatnet and within walking distance to the train and bus station in Voss, it’s got a super convenient location. You’ve got mountains for some epic hiking, rivers, and lakes for fishing, and terrain that’s perfect for cycling and golf. Feeling more daring? Paragliding, rafting, skydiving, and even riverboarding are all on the menu.
You can rent canoes and bikes at the hostel if you’re keen on exploring on your own. And if you time your visit during Ekstremsportveko, the extreme sports week, you’ll catch competitions in everything from BASE jumping to kayaking.
Winter? No worries, the ski season is long, and with 11 lifts and 14 runs, there’s more than enough to keep you busy. Voss even hosts cool cultural events like Vossa Jazz and the Osa Festival. And let’s not forget that the trails in the Fjords are some of the best hikes in the WORLD.
The common area is perfect for kicking back after an intense day of exploring, and the place is spotless. There’s even a shoe dryer – who knew that was a thing? The rooms are super cosy, and with high-quality linens, you’ll feel more like you’re in a boutique hotel than a hostel. And the breakfast? Unreal. Sure, it’s Norway, so it’s not the cheapest, but you get what you pay for with all that’s included!
2. Oslo Youth Hostel Haraldsheim – Oslo – Best Hostels in Norway for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (Male/Female): From $52
- Private Room: From $293
- Address: P.O.Box 41, Grefsen, Haraldsheimveien 4, Oslo, Norway
Oslo Youth Hostel Haraldsheim is a solid spot for solo travellers looking to meet new mates. Most of the rooms are four-bed dorms, some with their own bathrooms, so you’ll have just enough space to get comfortable without feeling too isolated. There’s even free private parking which is perfect for that big ‘ol Norwegian road trip.
Whether you’re bonding over a game of pool or foosball, catching something in the TV room, or whipping up a meal in the spacious kitchen, there are plenty of ways to connect with fellow travellers.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Serene Location
- Games Available
- Free Parking
The vibe in this Oslo hostel is chilled, thanks to its serene location. The rooms are squeaky clean, and the traditional Norwegian breakfast is a definite winner. The facilities are spotless with a particularly well-kept kitchen that’s a big bonus. The mattresses aren’t too soft, which was nice and not always a given. There’s also a sweet outdoor space where you can kick back and relax.
Even though it’s a bit of a distance from Oslo city centre (about 4km), Oslo’s regular trams and buses make it a breeze to get around. Plus, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views of rivers, mountains, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some sheep strolling by. Perfect for those wanting a peaceful vibe, but still close enough to dive into Oslo’s action.
3. HI Bergen Hostel Montana – Bergen – Best Cheap Hostel in Norway
- Dorm (mixed): From $41
- Private Room: From $94
- Address: Johan Blyttsvei 30, Bergen, Norway
HI Bergen Hostel Montana is perched on the scenic slopes of Mount Ulriken, offering you unbeatable access to Norway’s hiking trails at a price that won’t bleed your wallet dry. If you’re a budget traveller, the 18-bed mixed dorm is where the savings are, but if you’re after a little more privacy, they’ve got single-gender dorm rooms, twin rooms, and even private en-suite singles.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Close to Hiking Trails
- Social Vibes
- On-site Gym
Kitchen facilities are spot on, and the free brekky is a great start before tackling the Ulriken trailhead, which is super close and links to the epic hike to Fløyen. It’s a social spot, with regular hostel events and a solo traveller vibe that makes it easy to meet people up for group activities – you’ll probably leave with some solid new friends.
Indoors, there’s plenty to keep you entertained: a small gym, games room, TV lounge, and well-equipped kitchen. Just a heads-up, you’ll need to bring your own bedding and towels or rent them onsite. Whether you’re hiking or exploring Bergen, this hostel is the perfect base to soak it all in.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Bunks at Rode – Oslo – Best Party Hostel in Norway
- Dorm (mixed): From $65
- Private Room: From $124
- Address: Kobenhavngata 10, Oslo, Norway
Bunks at Rode is your go-to for an Oslo hostel with a social scene that doesn’t mess about. Located in a super artsy neighbourhood, it’s perfect for those backpackers in Scandinavia who love to dive into the nightlife.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Friendly Staff
- Social Vibes
- Cool Neighbourhood
Sara and Marielle, are the absolute gems of this Oslo hostel – they keep the energy high with events through “The Social Club” that make it impossible not to meet people and have a blast. Just be ready for a bit of a trek – it’s a 20-minute tram ride to Oslo Central Station, so late-night stamina is a must!
The vibe is relaxed but buzzing, with beautiful amenities and a rooftop terrace on the 11th floor offering panoramic views over Oslo – yeah, it’s as good as it sounds. Wander outside, and you’re immediately surrounded by the coolest things to see in Oslo like indie shops, cafes, street art, and green spaces.
The dorm rooms are quiet, spacious, and seriously comfy, with lockers and keycard access for that extra bit of security. You’ll struggle to find comfier beds in any hostel. With its laid-back yet lively atmosphere, Bunks at Rode is the place for good vibes, good people, and plenty of bang for your backpacker buck.
5. Anker Hostel – Oslo – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Norway
- Dorm (mixed): From $50
- Private Room: From $107
- Address: Storgata 53H, N-0182 Oslo, Oslo, Norway
If you’re a digital nomad, you know the struggle of finding an Oslo hostel that’s actually built for work and not just one big, non-stop party. Enter Anker Hostel – the spot where reliable Wi-Fi, a peaceful vibe, and convenience come together. It’s clean, simple, and perfectly located with a tram stop right at the front door meaning you’re never far from Oslo Central Station. Plus, the staff here are solid and will sort you out with anything you need.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Convenient Location
- Reliable Wi-Fi
- Quiet Rooms
While Anker doesn’t have a major social scene (only a small communal area out front), it’s perfect if you’re focused on work. There’s a sister hostel that hosts activities if you’re feeling social, but otherwise, this place stays nice and quiet.
The rooms are spacious and come with comfy beds – ideal for getting that much-needed rest. There’s also a kitchen in each of the rooms – bit weird, but if you’re here for a while it’s certainly a great way to cut down on costs!
Need to smash out some work before sightseeing? No worries – there’s a downstairs area where you can crack on with your laptop, and Oslo is waiting for you just outside the door. It’s the perfect base for a working traveller.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Norway 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 Norway below.
6. Lillehammer Hostel – Lillehammer
- Dorm (Male/Female): From $43
- Private Room: From $119
- Address: Railway station, Jernbanetorvet 2, Lillehammer, Norway
Accessing Lillehammer Hostel couldn’t be any easier; it’s right in the heart of the city, close to the bus station and inside the train station! Major attractions are all within walking distance, and it’s convenient to get back to nature on the nearby hiking trails.
Savour tasty food in the onsite café or grab a drink and chat with your fellow travellers. The common room is a great place to chill after a day’s activity and the well-equipped kitchen helps backpackers to maintain a budget in Norway. Other facilities include a tour desk, luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi.
7. K7 Hotel Oslo – Oslo
- Dorm (mixed): From $55
- Private Room: From $210
- Address: Kongens Gate 7, Oslo, Norway
Modern, clean, and relaxed, K7 Hotel Oslo is a top hostel in Oslo for travellers looking to inject a little luxury into their trip. The buffet breakfast is particularly impressive; there’s certainly no need to start the day feeling hungry!
Formally known as Saga Poshtel Oslo Central, this hostel boasts free Wi-Fi and there are plenty of tables and chairs where you can catch up with emails and plan the next part of your Norwegian trip. Close to Oslo Central Station, this is also one of the best places for digital nomads to crash. Other features include key card access, a steam room, laundry facilities, a communal kitchen, lockers, vending machines, and space to park bicycles.
8. City Hostel Bergen – Bergen
- Dorm (mixed): From $39
- Private Room: From $100
- Address: Kong Oscars gate 45, Bergen, Norway
This is an epic hostel in Bergen, in the heart of the city centre and near the bus station and train station. Handy facilities include luggage storage, laundry, and free Wi-Fi, and you can rent towels if you’ve forgotten to take your own.
The kitchen is modern and well-equipped, and common areas include a TV lounge and other relaxation areas. You can buy breakfast if you don’t feel like cooking in the morning and there are drinks machines too. Wi-Fi is free, though you will need to rent a towel if you don’t have one. Rooms are bright with pops of colour provided by quirky artwork.
9. Anker Apartment
A new hostel close to Oslo city centre, Anker Apartment does dorm rooms to the extremes: there are dorms for either four or 30! There are also private apartments for six, four, three, two, and one, each with a private bathroom, making this a good all-round option for solo travellers, couples, families, and groups of mates. Do note, however, that bedding is not included in the price. You will also need to pay to rent kitchen equipment if you wish to do some DIY meal prep. There’s one common room, in the lobby, where you can mingle.
10. Bergen Budget Hostel
If you are looking for decent cheap accommodation in Norway, this is one is a top spot for budget travellers. Bergen Budget Hostel is a great youth hostel in Bergen with dorm rooms for 20 people and it’s near the bus station and train station. Super safe, a key code is required for access, the hostel has CCTV, and there are lockers where guests can securely keep their things. There’s a seating area in each dorm as well as a communal lounge and kitchen, providing plenty of space to sit and relax as well as cook a low-cost meal. The location is great too; the hostel is within walking distance of the train station and many of Bergen’s major sights.
11. Alesund Hostel
The solo-gender dorm rooms for 12 and private en-suite rooms make Alesund Hostel a top hostel for solo travellers in Norway. There are also private double rooms as well as rooms for three and four. The friendly members of staff make you feel welcome, and you can chat with other travellers in the attractive common room. The kitchen is modern and well-equipped and there are computers for guests to use as well as free laundry facilities. The building dates back to the 1900s and there are many fine examples of Art Nouveau designs throughout. It’s in a terrific location, close to the heart of town.
12. Bergen YMCA Hostel
The award-winning Bergen YMCA Hostel is open all throughout the year, providing a top-budget hostel in Norway for travellers who wish to explore pretty and historic Bergen and access the nearby incredible fjords. Good public transport links are close to hand. You’ll get the best prices on a bed in a 32-bed mixed dorm, but if you prefer to share your sleeping space with fewer people, six-bed and four-bed dorms are also available, as well as private rooms for one or two. Key card access and lockers create a secure environment and common areas include a kitchen, lounge, and roof terrace.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Norway
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 Norway.
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 Hostels in Norway
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Norway.
What to Pack for your Norway 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 my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
Where is the best place to stay in Norway?
Oslo is a backpacker hub with plenty of affordable hostels like Oslo Youth Hostel Haraldsheim. It’s great for museums, parks, and city exploration, with easy access to public transport.
Bergen, on the other hand, is a city that is ideal for nature lovers. City Hostel Bergen is a favourite among backpackers, offering access to Mount Ulriken and nearby fjords. Bergen is also a gateway to Norway’s famous fjord cruises. These are my favourite areas – the rest is up to you!
How much does a hostel cost in Norway?
Hostel prices in Norway have an average price of roughly $32-$42 per night. Of course, the private rooms are on the higher end of the scale than the dorm beds. If you’re looking to find cheap hostels, there’s always a deal to be found if you book far enough in advance.
What is the best cheap hostel in Bergen, Norway?
HI Bergen Hostel Montana – Bergen is hands down my favourite hostel in Bergen, and it also happens to be the cheapest one in all of Norway. With epic views from Mount Ulriken and a killer social atmosphere, it’s the perfect budget base for exploring the city.
Final Thoughts on Norway’s Hostels
Whether you’re scaling mountains, chasing fjords, or just here for some serious R&R (well, as much as you can afford in a playground this pricey), there is something for every adventurous soul in Norway. I hope my ultimate guide to the best hostels in this stunner of a country sorts you out to give you the best out of your stay!
Norway might not have the wildest hostel scene, but it’s packed with adventure and chill vibes in spades. Still not sure where to stay? Voss Vandrarheim AS in Voss was my favourite when backpacking the country. I’d go back time and time again just for those views of the fjords man. Unreal stuff.
If you discover any hidden gems or must-try spots along the way, drop me a comment – I’m always looking for the best new spot in the country. Happy travels and catch you on the trails!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Norway for a wealth of info!
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Oslo if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Oslo before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Scandinavian backpacking guide.
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