Gothenburg (Göteborg), Sweden’s second-largest city, is a great place to visit for budget travelers because it has a beautiful coastal setting and a lively cultural scene. The city’s small size, good tram system and many parks, such as the huge Slottsskogen Park, make it easy to get around on foot, which is great for backpackers. Gothenburg is cheaper than Stockholm and the quality is still high. For instance, its hostels are always rated as some of the best in Europe for cleanliness, design and the social scene.
Gothenburg’s hostels are a good choice for budget-conscious backpackers who want to have a good time because they all have the same level of quality, no matter how much they cost. The cost of dormitory beds is usually between €20 and €40 per night. Prices go up during the summer peak (June to August) and for big events like the Way Out West and Gothenburg Film Festival. The five hostels below have the best combination of price, location, amenities and guest satisfaction. Each one was chosen for its strengths, like unbeatable central party vibes or peaceful nature retreats with free saunas.
Top 5 Budget-Friendly Hostels in Gothenburg
- Backpackers Göteborg
- Slottsskogens Hostel
- Linnéplatsens Hotel & Hostel
- STF Göteborg Stigbergsliden Hostel
- Gothenburg Hostel
A Closer Look at the Top 5 Budget-Friendly Hostels in Gothenburg
1. Backpackers Göteborg
Backpackers Göteborg is in the relaxed Linnéstaden neighborhood and has a space that is meant to be comfortable for travelers. Solo travelers know the hostel for its combination of social energy and useful design. There are privacy curtains, reading lights, power outlets and a lockable storage locker with a keycard for each bed. You don’t need a padlock to get in. Guests can use the sauna for free, which isn’t something that happens very often at this price point.
Key Points
- Design of the bedroom: There are six-bed female dorms available and each bunk has privacy curtains, shelves, mesh pockets and a personal light. You can choose a bottom bunk when you check in if one is available.
- Free sauna: This amenity is a unique feature of Gothenburg hostels that guests always recommend.
- The kitchen is big and modern, with all the tools you need (but no dishwasher). The living room has couches and board games.
- Location trade-off: about 3 km from the city center and not right away Trade-off in location: It’s about 3 km from the city center and not right next to a tram stop, but the Haga district, Masthuggskyrkan and Slottsskogen Park are all within walking distance.
Achievements
- Rated as one of the best hostels in Gothenburg by multiple travel publications.
- Consistently praised for cleanliness and high-quality linens—bed sheets are included in the price (not always standard in Scandinavia).
- Female solo travelers report feeling exceptionally comfortable and welcome.
Feedback
Travelers give Backpackers Göteborg high marks for “value, cleanliness and service.” One person who reviewed it said it was “one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed at.” People say you have to try the free sauna, but the location is the most common problem. Some people think the walk to attractions takes longer than they thought it would, even though it’s only 15 minutes by tram from the central station. In the off-season, prices can drop to as low as £20 per night.
Contact
Website: https://www.backpackers.se
2. Slottsskogens Hostel
The Slottsskogens Hostel is in a fantastic location next to Gothenburg’s biggest park. Compared to hostels in the city center, this one is quieter and more focused on nature. The property is beneficial for the environment and has a real social feel. It has regular events like karaoke, quiz nights, pizza nights, BBQs and guided walking tours. All of these events are free to join, but people have to pay for their food and drinks. There is a gym, a free sauna at certain times, a pool table and a garden terrace that is open in the summer at the hostel.
Key Points
- The park is close by. It’s a three-minute walk to Slottsskogen Park, which has a free zoo, hiking trails and places to eat. It’s also a ten-minute tram ride from the central station.
- Social programming: Events change with the seasons, but bar crawls and walking tours are always going on.
- Eco-certified means that a business cares about the environment and has solar panels, recycling programs and other things like that.
- You can choose from different types of rooms, like dorms with four or six beds and windows, or budget rooms with four beds and no windows. There are also rooms that aren’t shared. There are no towels (30 SEK to rent).
Achievements
- Many guidebooks have called this place the “overall best hostel” in Gothenburg.
- Different ranking groups have named it the best hostel for digital nomads and partygoers.
- Industry publications have called it one of the best hostels in Europe.
Feedback
Guests say the “peaceful garden space” is a wonderful place to get away from the city. This is a wonderful place for people who love nature but also want to be near the city. Some reviewers say that dorm rooms without windows (the cheaper option) feel cramped. You can pay a little more for a room that has a window. Breakfast is available for an extra 115 SEK.
Contact
Website: https://www.slottsskogenshostel.se
3. Linnéplatsens Hotel & Hostel
Linnéplatsens Hotel & Hostel is a hybrid property that has both hostel-style dorms and private rooms that are as nice as those in hotels. It is located in the trendy Linnéstaden neighborhood. The hostel’s design-forward interior sets it apart. It has boutique-style rooms, a rooftop terrace with views of the whole city and dorms for women only for extra safety. The location is at the crossroads of vintage shops, specialty coffee shops and some of Gothenburg’s best independent restaurants.
Key Points
- Female-only dorms: Secure, comfortable option for solo female travelers.
- Rooftop terrace: One of the best places in the city to watch the sunset, which almost every reviewer mentioned as a highlight.
- Choose between budget dorms with shared bathrooms or hotel-style private rooms with their own bathrooms and daily cleaning.
- Breakfast option: a great in-house café that serves a great breakfast (for an extra fee).
Achievements
- Recognized as the best hostel in Gothenburg for female travelers.
- Rated as the best hostel for families by multiple sources.
- Blend of “boutique hostel experience” with genuinely affordable pricing.
Feedback
Everyone loves the rooftop terrace, saying things like, “It’s worth booking for those golden hour city views.” Travelers like that there are both social spaces (like the guest kitchen and lounge) and private, polished rooms where they can relax. People say Linnéstaden is the best neighborhood in the city for shopping and dining alone.
Contact
Website: https://www.linneplatsensvandrarhem.se/en/linneplatsen-hotel-and-hostel/
4. STF Göteborg Stigbergsliden Hostel
STF Göteborg Stigbergsliden is in a historic 19th-century building on a hillside in the lovely Majorna district. Many of the rooms and common areas have views of the harbor. This hostel is part of the Swedish Tourist Association (STF) network, which means it follows strict rules for cleanliness, safety and service. The property has high ceilings, original wood floors and a fireplace lounge that give it an old-world feel, but it also has modern hostel amenities.
Key Points
- Historic character: a building from the 1800s with original architectural details, giving it a unique feel that sets it apart from purpose-built hostels.
- Harbour views: Many of the rooms and the lounge have views of Gothenburg’s busy waterfront.
- STF quality standards are part of Sweden’s biggest hostel network, which always follows cleanliness and safety rules.
- Price positioning: Dorm beds start at €30, which makes this one of the best cheap hostels in Gothenburg.
Achievements
- Rated 8.8 out of 10 by more than 100 reviews on booking sites.
- For history buffs and travelers looking for “real local character,” this hotel is a good choice.
- This property has a lot of architectural charm for the price.
Feedback
Travelers always say that the “stunning harbor views” are the best part. The Majorna district is more residential and local and it’s only a 15-minute walk from the city center. People really like the fireplace lounge when it’s cold outside. You can buy breakfast, but it is not included in the price of the dorm.
Contact
Website: https://www.svenskaturistforeningen.se
5. Gothenburg Hostel
The Gothenburg Hostel is right across from the south entrance to Liseberg Amusement Park and a short walk from the Avenyn strip, which is the city’s main boulevard for nightlife, shopping and dining. There is a huge common area with comfy couches, board games and a self-service bar, which makes it a natural place for both solo travelers and groups to meet. The hostel also has a guest kitchen, laundry facilities (for a fee) and bike rentals.
Key Points
- Unbeatable location: just steps from Liseberg (the best amusement park in Northern Europe), Universeum and Ullevi Stadium. You can also walk to Central Station.
- Self-service bar: Drinks are cheap and available all the time, so you don’t have to leave the common area to hang out.
- Daily planned activities like pub crawls, walking tours and game nights help people who are traveling alone meet new people.
- Parking: There is parking on site for a fee, which is particularly beneficial for backpackers who are traveling by car.
Achievements
- The best hostel in Gothenburg for people who want to party and go out at night.
- Rated 8.3 to 8.5 out of 10 on several booking sites.
- This is a fantastic choice for groups and budget travelers looking for a central place to stay.
Feedback
The location receives almost universal praise—“literally across from Central Station with trams to everywhere.” The social atmosphere is energetic, though some travelers note it can be less suitable for those seeking quiet or early nights. The self-service bar and daily events make meeting fellow travelers exceptionally easy. Prices are mid-range for Gothenburg (dorms from €27).
Contact
Website: https://www.gothenburghostel.com
FAQ
What is the average price for a hostel dorm bed in Gothenburg?
Dorm beds usually cost between €20 and €40 per night (about 230–460 SEK). Prices are highest in the summer (June to August) and during big events like the Gothenburg Film Festival (January to February) and Way Out West (August). The best rates are during the week in the off-season.
Which Gothenburg hostel is best for solo travelers wanting to meet people?
For solo travelers who want to meet people, Backpackers Göteborg and Gothenburg Hostel are the best places to stay. Backpackers has daily events like pub crawls, quiz nights and walking tours, as well as a big kitchen that makes it easy for people to meet and talk. The Gothenburg Hostel has a bar where guests can serve themselves and group activities that are planned.
Do any of these hostels provide free breakfast?
No. Each of the five hostels charges extra for breakfast, which usually costs between 70 and 115 SEK. But each hostel has a fully equipped kitchen that you can use to cook your own meals, which saves you a lot of money on food. You can walk to a supermarket from any of the properties.
Are bed linens included in the dorm price, or do I need to pay extra?
At Slottsskogens Hostel, sheets are included. At Backpackers Göteborg, sheets are also included (not always standard in Scandinavia). Towels are generally not included—expect to pay approximately 30 SEK to rent one or bring your own.
Which hostel has the best location for accessing both nature and the city center?
Hostel in Slottsskogens. It is right next to Slottsskogen Park, which has 95 hectares of trails, a free zoo and open green space. It is also only 10 minutes by tram from the central station. No other Gothenburg hostel has this perfect mix of being close to the city and nature.
Is Gothenburg safe for solo female travelers staying in hostels?
Yes. Gothenburg is always rated as one of the safest cities in Europe for people traveling alone. Linnéplatsen has dorms just for women and solo female travelers say that Backpackers Göteborg makes them feel “comfortable and welcome.” As in any city, you should take normal safety precautions like using lockers and being aware of your surroundings.
Which hostel has the most unique amenity?
Backpackers Göteborg’s free sauna is the standout unique feature—extremely rare at this price point and consistently mentioned in reviews as a highlight. Slottsskogens Hostel also offers a free sauna during certain hours.
How far in advance should I book for summer (June–August)?
If you want to stay in July or August, you should book at least two to three months in advance. During the summer peak, especially on weekends, Gothenburg’s hostels fill up quickly. Prices can be twice as high during this time as they are during the off-season. Most hostels let you cancel for free up to 24 to 48 hours before you arrive, so booking early is low-risk.
