Hostels in Stockholm

Stockholm is known for its beauty, but not necessarily for being cheap. However, if you know where to look, the city offers some of the most unique and high-quality hostels in Europe. These accommodations range from historic sailing ships and former prisons to modern, high-tech hubs in the city centre.

From vandrarhem to modern hostels

In Sweden, you will often see the word “vandrarhem”, which literally translates to “wanderers’ home”. While these accommodations were once commonly known as “youth hostels”, that term has become outdated as they now welcome guests of all ages – from solo backpackers and students to families and seniors. Today, the standard in Stockholm’s hostels is often impressively high, with many offering stylish private rooms and modern facilities that can easily compete with mid-range hotels.

The true difference between a hostel and a hotel lies in the atmosphere and the focus on community. Hostels are designed to be social hubs where meeting fellow travellers is part of the experience. Features like a shared guest kitchen, cozy lounges, and communal areas encourage guests to interact and share tips about the city. It is the perfect choice if you prefer a friendly, informal environment where making new friends over a morning coffee or a shared meal is just as important as a comfortable bed.

My recommended hostels in Stockholm

Based on long-term reliability and guest satisfaction, these are the mainstays of the Stockholm hostel scene:

City Backpackers Hostel – widely regarded as one of the best hostels in the world, located just a few minutes from the central station. See my photo above.

STF af Chapman and Skeppsholmen – stay on a beautiful historic three-masted ship or in the adjacent 19th-century building on the quiet island of Skeppsholmen. See my photo below.

Generator Stockholm – a modern and stylish “poshtel” in the city centre, perfect for those who want a social atmosphere with a bar and restaurant on-site.

Mosebacke Hostel – a reliable choice on Södermalm near the vibrant Mosebacke square.

STF Långholmen Hostel – a unique opportunity to stay in a converted 19th-century prison on a green island with its own beach.

Find your perfect stay

If you want to see all current options, you can use these search links which are pre-filtered for hostels (vandrarhem) in the best locations:

Search all hostels in Stockholm here.

Hostels in Gamla Stan (Old Town)

Hostels in Södermalm

Hostels near Stockholm Central Station (Norrmalm)

Insider tips from 30 years of Sweden travel. This guide contains affiliate links (marked with ➔) to help support my work at no extra cost to you.

Tips for your hostel stay

Unlike hotels, many Swedish hostels traditionally charge a small extra fee for bed linen and towels if you do not bring your own. However, many modern hostels now include these in the price. I also recommend checking if the hostel has a “guest kitchen” – using the shared kitchen for breakfast or dinner is one of the best ways to keep your Stockholm travel budget under control.

Book now: Hostels in Stockholm