Slottsskogens Hostel, Gothenburg

Split across three buildings, great-value Slottsskogens Hostel sits in one of the swankier parts of Gothenburg, with loads of fun stuff to see and do nearby. Comfy common areas and a good communal vibe mean that Slottsskogens is also one of the city’s most sociable places to stay.

As the name suggests, this hostel is right near the big park known as Slottsskogen. But it’s also in a convenient spot for the restaurants that line Linnégatan – and not too far from the bars of Andra Långgatan, either.

The cheapest rooms at Slottsskogens are found in the building labelled ‘backpackers’. This pebbledash block is starting to show its age a bit but the big single-sex dorms are clean and comfortable for the money, with lockers to stash your valuables in (bring a padlock if you want to use them, or buy one from reception). Stay in this section and you’ll also have access to a small kitchen and a common area with PCs hooked up to the internet.

The block across the road feels a lot more up to date. Some of the small dorms and rooms share bathrooms, while others have a toilet and shower inside. Wherever you stay in this section, you’ll have access to a kitchen and a cosy TV and reading room with big armchairs to crash out on.

Private rooms are dotted throughout the hostel. Windowless ones are slightly cheaper, if you want to save your cash for the bars nearby.

There’s also a sauna (chargeable by the hour) and message boards around the hostel give tips on local events and exhibitions. Films are shown nightly for those who want to hang out with other backpackers who’ve just landed in Gothenburg.

One more thing: you may sometimes see this place advertised as Backpackers Göteborg. It’s the same joint.