Switzerland is one of the most beautiful places to visit on earth. But it is also a notoriously expensive country to spend on vacation. I stayed for 100 days in Switzerland and tested out many of the hostels around the country throughout my adventures! I created this article about the best hostels in Switzerland to help you plan a budget trip throughout this beautiful country.
My personal favorites are Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof for its beauty and affordability and The Matterhorn Hostel Zermatt for its location and value for money.
QUICK PICKS: 3 BEST HOSTELS IN SWITZERLAND
Don’t have time to read my detailed breakdown of all the best hostels in Switzerland? No worries! These are my three top picks for budget places to stay in Switzerland. If you book one of these three, you are guaranteed to have a great stay in a great location!
BEST HOSTELS IN SWITZERLAND
This blog post about the best hostels in Switzerland is broken up into eight different regions around the country to make it easy to follow.
Don’t expect rooms for under $10 like in Asia but what you can expect is that often breakfast is included and the hostels are always clean and organized.
COMPARISON TABLE OF THE BEST HOSTELS IN SWITZERLAND
Here’s a comparison table of the best hostels in Switzerland so you can view your options all in one spot. I go into detail about each property further down in this blog post.
Accommodation | Region | Rates |
Oldtown Hostel Otter | Zurich | $53 |
Zurich Youth Hostel | Zurich | $42 |
Bern Youth Hostel | Bern | $45 |
Bern Backpackers Hotel Glocke | Bern | $34 |
Hostel 77 Bern | Bern | $34 |
Geneva Hostel | Geneva | $37 |
City Hostel Geneva | Geneva | $45 |
Zermatt Youth Hostel | Zermatt | $44 |
The Matterhorn Hostel Zermatt | Zermatt | $30 |
Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof | Interlaken | $38 |
Interlaken Youth Hostel | Interlaken | $48 |
Grindelwald Youth Hostel | Grindelwald | $46 |
Downtown Lodge Hostel | Grindelwald | $50 |
Valley Hostel | Lauterbrunnen | $34 |
Camping Jungfrau-Holiday Park | Lauterbrunnen | $140 |
VIVA Hostel | Chur | $37 |
GET A SWISS TRAVEL PASS!
Enjoy UNLIMITED train, boat, and bus rides in Switzerland for up to 15 days. Click to book a flex Swiss Travel Pass or choose the Consecutive Swiss Travel Pass.
The Swiss Travel Pass starts at $260 for 3 days. Click here to check if it’s available on your travel dates.
THE BEST HOSTELS IN SWITZERLAND – REGION BY REGION
In this blog post, I’ll detail the best hostels in each region of Switzerland starting off with Zurich and ending with Lauterbrunnen and Chur.
BEST HOSTELS IN ZURICH
Zurich is one of the most high-priced cities in the world. So I’ve recommended the two best hostels in Zurich. I guarantee it will leave you some money to spend on more activities and train tickets. Zurich is a great place to kick off your adventures because it is where you will probably fly in and out of the Zurich Airport.
OLDTOWN HOSTEL OTTER
Oldtown Hostel Otter (Location): This hostel enjoys a prime location in the city center of Zurich. It is within easy access to the train station, restaurants, and boutique shops. The price is a little bit higher than other hostels but it’s worth it.
The hostel has a laid-back cafe bar where guests can meet locals and other travelers. It is perfect for travelers hoping to socialize while having a drink or a bite. Also, the staff is excellent at catering to guests’ needs.
The hostel features a wide range of rooms from double rooms and dorm rooms to the apartment. Breakfast is included in the price and there’s also a communal kitchen where you can cook your own meal to save some money. This is one of the best-rated hostels in Zurich.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Oldtown Hostel Otter
Oldtown Hostel Otter
- Location
- Easy access to the train station, restaurants, and boutique shops
- Perfect
ZURICH YOUTH HOSTEL
Zurich Youth Hostel (Budget): If you are traveling on a budget, check out Zurich Youth Hostel. With a delicious breakfast included in the price, you can’t beat Zurich Youth Hostel. Though the location of the hostel is a tad remote, it is clean and has ample amenities for guests to have a comfortable stay. It is also a family-friendly hostel as they offer not just only dorm-style rooms but also quadruple rooms with private bathrooms.
The hostel staff does a great job as they are very welcoming and helpful to every guest. It has an old-school and contemporary vibe plus the reception is available for 24 hours. There is storage where your bicycle can be kept and if you need some washing done, they also have a washing machine and dryer on-site which is a bonus. I highly recommend this hostel !
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Zurich Youth Hostel
BEST HOSTELS IN BERN
Bern is the capital city of Switzerland and is also considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many visitors come to Bern each year due to its popularity. If you are in the capital and you’re looking for a budget place to base for your Swiss adventure, check out these three best hostels in town. If you are here in the summer make sure you float in the river!
BERN YOUTH HOSTEL
Bern Youth Hostel (Location): What an astounding hostel is! I’d say this is one of the most hipster and modern hostels in Switzerland. Personally, I love how some of their rooms are designed, facing the river. With their large glass walls, it would give guests the feeling of being part of the Swiss surrounding. In my opinion this is the most modern, fancy and upmarket hostel in Switzerland.
Everything in the property is well-blended giving a relaxing atmosphere that you wouldn’t want to leave your room. It’s incredibly modern and well designed for a hostel!
Aside from the comfort, this hostel is also close to some of the interesting places in and outside Bern. This is a great option for either a family with kids, a couple, or a solo backpacker since public transportation is just a stroll away. I highly recommend this Switzerland hostel.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Bern Youth Hostel
BERN BACKPACKERS HOTEL GLOCKE
Bern Backpackers Hotel Glocke (Budget): Located in the heart of Old Town Bern, Bern Backpackers Hotel Glocke is one of the most popular budget hostels among backpackers. From this hostel, you can easily view the renowned Zytglogge Clock tower.
The property is only ten minutes away from the train station so location-wise, it’s quite handy. The hostel is clean, cozy, and safe to make sure every guest enjoys their stay. It offers rooms ranging from single rooms up to 6-bed rooms.
There is a communal kitchen where you can easily cook or prepare your meal, laundry facilities, and a TV. As for the hostel staff, they do a great job! Whether you stroll throughout the old city or join a tour of the clock tower, Bern Backpackers Hotel Glocke is a great place to stay if you are looking for hostels in Switzerland.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Bern Backpackers Hotel Glocke
HOSTEL 77 BERN
Hostel 77 Bern: Another cheap hostel in Bern that will suit your budget is Hostel 77. The hostel is a favorite among backpackers because it is known for having a social vibe. Hostel 77 Bern offers complimentary buffet breakfast, wifi, and basic rooms plus a shared kitchen.
It is also close enough to the popular Bern clock tower and the House of Parliament so it’s a nice base to explore the city. The hostel staff is super accommodating and helpful. In fact, they give every guest a free one-day transport ticket. This is a lovely hostel with such a great vibe!
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hostel 77 Bern
BEST HOSTELS IN GENEVA
Welcome to the second-most populous city in Switzerland! Imagine visiting the most famous Lake Geneva surrounded by the Alps and the Jura mountains with excellent Mont Blanc views. I bet that’s enough reason for you to visit this region. It’s also home to some of the most well-recommended hostels in Switzerland.
GENEVA HOSTEL
Geneva Hostel (Top-Pick): Perhaps you’re not feeling fancy this time and you’re looking for a popular budget accommodation while backpacking in Geneva, then you might want to check out Geneva Hostel. This is the bestseller hostel in Geneva due to its prime location and a broad range of budget rooms. It’s only a quick walk to the train station.
Also if you don’t mind sharing a room with other backpackers, you can get a single bed in a male or female dormitory room for only $37 a night. Plus a locker is included which is a treat. This hostel has been well maintained and offers guests extra perks such as a free public transport card and the essentials to have a comfortable stay. I highly recommend this Switzerland hostel because it is close to everything and very convenient.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Geneva Hostel
CITY HOSTEL GENEVA
City Hostel Geneva (Location): If what you are considering in a hostel is its cleanliness and location, then City Hostel Geneva might be the one you are looking for. City Hostel Geneva is super close to a few amazing spots like Lake Geneva and the lively area of Paquis.
Not only can you get a free public transportation card, but also a discount on Red Cross Museum. This hostel provides chairs and tables in the room which is I think great for digital nomads and just a space to do some work, research or hangs out on social media without having to lay on your bed.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for City Hostel Geneva
BEST HOSTELS IN ZERMATT
Zermatt is well known for its mountain called Matterhorn. There are still very few hostels in this region so it may be difficult to find budget accommodation. But here are my recommended hostels in Zermatt. I personally stayed at the Zermatt.
Youth Hostel and had views of the Matterhorn from my dorm room, which I shared with three other guys. It was about $70 USD per night including breakfast when I stayed
ZERMATT YOUTH HOSTEL
Zermatt Youth Hostel (Budget): This property is well-known to many budget travelers and backpackers. The property has the best view of the Matterhorn and a cozy atmosphere. Breakfast is included in the price of your stay and it’s only a 15-minute walk uphill from the train station.
The rooms are well-appointed and clean with lockers available for lockers. Considering that accommodation in Zermatt is expensive, many backpackers opt to stay at Zermatt Youth Hostel.
I stayed here for two nights and found it a pretty good base for my hikes. I can confirm that you do have a Matterhorn view from the hostel, which is a pretty impressive thing to say about a hostel. I could literally see the Matterhorn while laying on my bed.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Zermatt Youth Hostel
THE MATTERHORN HOSTEL ZERMATT
The Matterhorn Hostel Zermatt (Location): Just meters away from the mountains with ski slopes and hiking trails, you will find this affordable hostel. The Matterhorn Hostel Zermatt is a nice property that provides basic amenities for hikers and skiers.
This hostel is ideal for those low-budget travelers who will be spending most of their time doing some outdoor activities and wouldn’t mind using simple and basic facilities. What guests love here is the location which gives great access to the mountains because it is literally a 1-minute walk to the nearest cable car station. This Switzerland hostel is cozy and with its rustic timber facade surely gives guests a warm atmosphere.
… and yea you can see the Matterhorn from the hostel so there’s that. It’s gotta be one of the best locations out of all of the hostels in Switzerland.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for The Matterhorn Hostel Zermatt
BEST HOSTELS IN INTERLAKEN
Known as the adventure-sports capital in Europe, Interlaken takes pride in its natural beauty and a plethora of outdoor activities that I guarantee will blow your mind! It has also traditional ski resorts and hiking trails are everywhere. Compared to other cantons/regions, there are more hostels in Interlaken so I’ve picked the two best hostels that will suit your needs and budget.
I actually based in Interlaken for two weeks as I found it less touristy than Grindelwald and Murren but I still had access to both of those towns within 45-minutes on the train for any hikes I wanted to do. Interlaken is the most practical base in all of Switzerland.
BACKPACKERS VILLA SONNENHOF- HOSTEL INTERLAKEN
Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof- Hostel Interlaken (Family-friendly): Nestled in the heart of the Bernese Oberland with a stunning mountain backdrop is this beautiful hostel. Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof offers backpackers a comfortable stay and amazing views from the room. This is a family-friendly hostel in Interlaken with available cots for a little charge.
I stayed here on two occasions and really liked that it had a washing machine and each customer got a free machine coffee each day. There’s a quiet study room for digital nomads like me and a kitchen for those who like to save money by cooking a meal instead of eating out. On top of that, the staff are multilingual and are always eager to help you with anything.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof
INTERLAKEN YOUTH HOSTEL
Interlaken Youth Hostel (Budget): Interlaken Youth Hostel is the most popular budget accommodation in Interlaken. Due to its proximity to the train station and reasonable rate, guests will fall in love with this property. This hostel is an excellent base for budget-conscious who want to explore Interlaken and trust me there is a lot to explore!
In the summer, guests can enjoy activities including hiking and paragliding whereas skiing can be enjoyed in the wintertime. The hostel staff is extremely helpful in giving advice on what activities guests can do in each season. If you are anxious about leaving your luggage, worry no more as the hostel provides free luggage storage just like most hostels in Switzerland.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Interlaken Youth Hostel
BEST HOSTELS IN GRINDEWALD
Grindelwald is another picturesque village in Switzerland that offers insane views and venturesome activities. From downhill skiing in the winter to mountain biking in the summer, Grindelwald has many things to offer! There are only three hostels in this area so I’ve handpicked the two best ones below.
GRINDELWALD YOUTH HOSTEL
Grindelwald Youth Hostel (Best View): This hostel is part of a chain of youth hostels in Switzerland. You can expect a great breakfast here and it’s in a convenient location in town. It also features a restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and a shuttle service to the Wengen Ski area though it’s only a 15-minute walk. The hot tub outdoor is an extra treat. Guests have to climb up the hill to reach this hostel but it’s worthwhile!
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Grindelwald Youth Hostel
DOWNTOWN LODGE HOSTEL
Downtown Lodge Hostel (Budget): Downtown Lodge Hostel is properly managed and the attention to detail is fantastic. The hostel is composed of several lodges with tons of rooms to accommodate travelers and backpackers. The location is fantastic! It is just a walking distance to the train station and within easy access to popular attractions.
Skiing, as well as hiking, are the favorite activities in Grindelwald and this hostel gives great discounts to their guests for admission. The property has apartment-type accommodation which is good for groups or families traveling within the budget. I especially love the appealing views of Mt. Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau- very soothing and Insta-worthy! This is by far the best budget hostel in Grindelwald and one of my favorite hostels in Switzerland.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Downtown Lodge Hostel
BEST HOSTELS IN LAUTERBRUNNEN
Lauterbrunnen village is a charming hideaway from which you can see and explore the Swiss Alps. Here, you’ll see chalet-style houses surrounded by green fields and amazing mountain scenery. It’s also a perfect base if you want to visit the 72 waterfalls in the area. There are only three hostels in the area so below you’ll find the best two.
VALLEY HOSTEL
Valley Hostel (Location): Let your adventures begin at this budget accommodation in Lauterbrunnen! Not only this hostel gives you budget-saving rooms but also it’s very handy when it comes to location– very near to the train station.
Just look at that pool! From the balcony, you can enjoy the best view of the waterfall and valley while having your morning coffee. The hostel also has a garden, a ski storage room, and laundry facilities. If you want to save your money for your adventures, cook your meal in their communal kitchen. This is by far the best hostel in Lauterbrunnen and easily the best swimming out of all the hostels in Switzerland.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Valley Hostel
CAMPING JUNGFRAU- HOLIDAY PARK
Camping Jungfrau- Holiday Park (Location): How would you like to stay in a place being surrounded by waterfalls? This is most likely going to be a love at first sight moment for you. Camping Jungfrau lodge is a family-friendly campsite and holiday park situated on the foot of the famous Staubbach Waterfall in the beautiful village of Lauterbrunnen.
It is the ideal starting point for popular Swiss activities in the Jungfrau region. Location wise, I’d say it’s great as it is only a short walk from the railway station.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Camping Jungfrau- Holiday Park
BEST HOSTELS IN CHUR
Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland so expect that you’ll see a lot of beautiful historic buildings in town. The beauty it offers is beyond description. Take advantage of taking the infamous Bernina Express or have some artsy time at the famous museum. In Chur, there is only one hostel which means more expensive hotels.
VIVA HOSTEL
VIVA Hostel (Budget): This hostel is ideal for budget-conscious travelers and party lovers as they have budget rooms and a dance club on site. The hostel rooms are clean and functional with private and shared bathrooms plus free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
It’s pretty basic but I think this place is perfect if you don’t want to spend more on accommodation and if you only stay for a couple of nights. The staff is very friendly and they will certainly help you with your needs. There are nearby restaurants and shops for you to have your meal after a long day of exploring the town. Budget-wise, I’d certainly recommend this as one of the coziest hostels in Switzerland.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for VIVA Hostel
I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best hostels in Switzerland. Happy travels.
SWISS TRAVEL PASS or HALF-FARE CARD
OPTION 1: Buy the Swiss Half Fare Card: Switzerland trains, buses, and cable cars are EXPENSIVE! I found the best way to get around cheaply was to buy the Swiss Half-Fare Card before I arrived. It gives you 50% off every regular train, bus, and even many cable cars. It only costs $150 USD but pays itself off in just a few days with many train tickets in Switzerland costing close to $100 alone. If you are staying for more than 5 days, I suggest buying the Swiss Half-Fare Card.
OPTION 2: Buy the Swiss Travel Pass: The second option is to get the Swiss Travel Pass, which gives you unlimited train, bus, and (many) cable car rides but it’s pretty expensive at around $100 USD per day so if you don’t travel each day it isn’t worth it.
OPTION 3: Buy the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass: The final (BEST) option is to get the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass, which allows you to buy 8 days’ worth of transit but you can choose the night before if you want to activate the next day. That way you don’t need to travel every day to get your money’s worth, you can just activate the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass on the days when you are doing sizeable transits. My advice is to book the Swiss Half-Fare Card or the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass in advance before your trip so it’s ready to go when you arrive.
GET A SWISS TRAVEL PASS!
Enjoy UNLIMITED train, boat, and bus rides in Switzerland for up to 15 days. Click to book a flex Swiss Travel Pass or choose the Consecutive Swiss Travel Pass.
The Swiss Travel Pass starts at $260 for 3 days. Click here to check if it’s available on your travel dates.
MY SWITZERLAND HIKING GUIDES
I spent 100 days hiking in Switzerland and created a guide for different regions around the country. You can click on one of my Switzerland hiking guides below to help you plan your trip.
- The Complete Guide: 50 AWESOME HIKES IN IN SWITZERLAND
- The Via Ferrata Guide: 4 EPIC SWITZERLAND VIA FERRATA COURSES
- Lauterbrunnen Guide: 10 AWESOME HIKES NEAR LAUTERBRUNNEN
- Interlaken Guide: 15 AWESOME HIKES IN INTERLAKEN
- Grindelwald Guide: 12 AWESOME HIKES NEAR GRINDELWALD:
- Mürren Guide: 7 AWESOME HIKES IN MURREN
- Appenzell Guide: 9 AWESOME HIKES NEAR APPENZELL
- Chur Guide: 7 AWESOME HIKES NEAR CHUR
MY SWITZERLAND TRAVEL TIPS
- For Backpackers: SWITZERLAND BUDGET BACKPACKING GUIDE
- Travel Tips: 20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING SWITZERLAND
- Transport Tips: RENTING AND DRIVING A CAR IN SWITZERLAND
- Accommodation Guide: 30 BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SWITZERLAND