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 feel like you have the country to yourself.
But the hostel scene in Norway is a bit strange (more on this in a bit), which is exactly why I made this list of the best hostels in Oslo and Norway.
With the help of this list, I want to break down the various lodging options in Norway and show you the best hostels in Oslo and Norway based on YOUR needs.
So whether you want to chill, meet some friends, party or get some sleep, you’ll know exactly where you should stay!
And make sure to check out our epic Scandinavia Travel Guide for itinerary advice, and travel tips on traveling Scandinavia on a budget, top things to do, places to visit, and more!
Quick answer: The best hostels in Oslo and Norway
- Best Cheap Hostel in Oslo Norway – Anker Apartment
- Best Hostel with a Private Room in Oslo – Anker Hostel
- Best Hostel in Lillehammer – Lillehammer Hostel
What to look for in the best hostels in Oslo and Norway
Norway’s hostel scene is a bit strange. Typically, expensive hostels (many of which in Northern Europe) provide a ton of bang for buck… Norway is a bit on the stingier side.
In particular, keep an eye out for additional charges. A few of the hostels might seem on the cheaper side but charge for peculiar things like kitchen equipment and bed linens (and by peculiar, I mean absolutely maddening). Yep, backpacking Norway on a budget is seriously fucking challenging.
But, having complained about the extra costs, if you aren’t down to save money by camping, hostels are the only way to save money on accommodation while backpacking through Oslo and Norway. Here are a few other hostel-hacks to take into consideration…
- Free Breakfast – is provided in some of the best hostels in Oslo and Norway.
- Free Kitchen Equipment – is not always a thing. But when it is, this is the best way to save money while in Norway. Groceries are affordable, so if you cook yourself you can save a boat-load of money.
- Sights – A great way to save money in Norway is by enjoying mother nature. Nature is free, and Norway has tons of it. Spend some time outdoors and enjoy watching your budget gets cut in half!
The best hostels in Oslo and Norway
Planning a backpacking adventure to Oslo or other cool Norwegian cities? Find the best hostels in Oslo and Norway, split into different categories, to make planning your trip a breeze.
Anker Apartment – Best Cheap Hostel in Oslo Norway
A new hostel close to Oslo city centre, Anker Apartment does dorms 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.
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View on Osprey View on REIAnker Hostel – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Oslo
Well-connected by public transport, Anker Hostel is also just a short walk from Karl Johan. A relaxed hostel in Oslo, it has dorms and rooms in different sizes as well as a kitchen and a café-cum-bar in their sister property next door. It is more suited to people who just want somewhere to crash when not out and about exploring Oslo’s sights, rather than people seeking a place to mingle and party. Do note that you will need to rent bed linen here and that there are no lockers. Wi-Fi is, however, free, and the hostel has a tour desk, laundry facilities, and luggage storage.
Lillehammer Hostel – Best Hostel in Lillehammer
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 just a short walk away, 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 while exploring Lillehammer and beyond. Other facilities include a tour desk, luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi.
HI Bergen Hostel Montana – Best Cheap Youth Hostel in Bergen #2
A top hostel in Norway for fans of the great outdoors, HI Bergen Hostel Montana is located on the stunning slopes of Mount Ulriken. Prices are reasonable, with the cheapest beds being those in an 18-bed mixed dormitory. Need more privacy? There are also single-gender dorms for four as well as private en-suite twin rooms and single rooms for solo travellers. Tuck into the buffet breakfast each morning before setting off on a hiking or biking trail or to explore Bergen city. There’s plenty of fun and activity indoors too, with a gym, games room, TV lounge, and kitchen. Note: you’ll need to bring your own bedding and towels or rent them onsite.
Oslo Youth Hostel Haraldsheim – Best Hostels for Solo Travelers in Oslo
One of the overall best hostels in Oslo, Norway Oslo Youth Hostel Haraldsheim can sleep up to 270 people at any given time. It’s definitely a great place for solo travellers to meet plenty of new pals! Guests are spread mainly through four-bed dorms, some of which have their own bathrooms. Bond with new friends over a game of pool or foosball, chillax in the TV room, and cook dinner in the large kitchen. The traditional Norwegian breakfast is awesome! Although the hostel is four kilometres from the city centre, regular trams and buses make getting from A to B and sightseeing in Oslo easy.
Saga Poshtel Oslo Cental – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Oslo
Modern, clean, and relaxed, Saga Poshtel Oslo Central is, as the name suggests, 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! Wi-Fi is free and there are plenty of tables and chairs where you can catch up with emails and plan the next part of your Norwegian trip. This is also one of the best hostels in Oslo for digital nomads. Other features include key card access, a steam room, laundry facilities, a communal kitchen, lockers, vending machines, and space to park bicycles.
Alesund Hostel – Best Hostel in Alesund
The solo-gender dorms 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 welcomed, 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.
Bergen YMCA Hostel – Best Hostel in Bergen, Norway (Closer to the Fjords)
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. Public transport is 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.
Bergen Budget Hostel – Best Cheap Youth Hostel in Bergen # 1
If you are looking for decent cheap accommodation in Norway, this is one of the best hostels in Norway for budget travellers. Bergen Budget Hostel is a great youth hostel in Bergen with dorms 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 a short walk from the train station and many of Bergen’s major sights.
Marken Gjestehus – Best Cheap Youth Hostel in Bergen #3
A recommended hostel in Bergen, Marken Gjestehus a great youth hostel in the city center 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.
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Hide Yo’ Money!What to Pack for your Oslo and 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 our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Oslo and Norway
Your hostel situation will depend on where you are traveling in Norway. Oslo and Bergen have options, but the smaller the city, the fewer hostel choices you will have.
Remember, Norway is one of the most gorgeous countries on the planet. So if the idea of enjoying mother nature and paying 0$ on accommodation appeals to you, check out how to save thousands of dollars on accommodation by camping.
FAQ about Hostels in Oslo and Norway
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Oslo and Norway.
How much does a hostel cost in Oslo and Norway?
The average price of hostels in Oslo and Norway can range from $32 – $ 42 per night. Of course, the private rooms are on the higher end of the scale than the dorm beds.
What are the best hostels in Oslo and Norway for couples?
Anker Apartment is an ideal hostel for couples in Oslo and Norway. It has private apartments with a private bathroom.
What is the best hostel in Oslo and Norway near the airport?
The Oslo Airport is quite far from the city center, so it is usually better to find the best place to stay within the area. Once you’re in the city, we highly recommend Anker Hostel, a highly rated hostel in Oslo.
Travel Safety Tips for Oslo and 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!
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Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Oslo and Norway 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!
- 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.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
