Why choose a hostel in Bern?
Bern is Switzerland's federal capital, and its medieval old town carries UNESCO World Heritage status. The centuries-old Zytglogge clock tower anchors the city centre, drawing crowds on the hour. The Bundeshaus, home to the Swiss parliament, sits close to the historic arcaded streets that make Bern so easy to explore on foot. Accommodation here runs expensive, and hostels in Bern let you keep costs down without sacrificing location.
Hostels work well for solo travellers and small groups who want value and connection. Shared dorms are the most affordable option, often significantly cheaper than hotels or private rentals. Private rooms at hostels offer more privacy while still undercutting hotel rates. You also get communal kitchens, social common areas, and staff who know the city well.
How to find the best hostel deals in Bern
Want to use the same magic that powers our award-winning flight search to track down great deals on rooms online? Here are a few helpful tips to find an ideal stay and save in seconds.
Book in advance
Book early if you can. Planning ahead usually means cheaper prices and a wider selection of hostels in Bern, especially during peak seasons.
…or bag a last-minute Bern hostel deal.
Although prices tend to rise the closer it gets to the date of your stay, sometimes hostels discount their rates at the last minute to fill vacant rooms. It's more likely this will happen during low season.
Flexible on dates? Say hello to better rates
Cheap hostels can be easier to find if your dates are flexible. Play around with different months or seasons, or travel midweek instead of weekends to keep costs down.
Where to base yourself in Bern
The Old Town sits at the centre of Bern and makes a practical base for most travellers. Its covered arcades stretch for miles, keeping you dry as you move between cafes, markets, and the Zytglogge clock tower. The main train station sits at the edge of the Old Town, so day trips and onward travel are easy to manage. Prices here are higher, but the convenience is hard to match.
Länggasse, just west of the Old Town, draws a younger crowd and keeps costs down. The area has a relaxed pace, with independent cafes and small restaurants along its main street. Trams connect you to the Old Town in a few minutes. It's a solid pick if you want local character without paying a premium for a central address.
Top hostels in Bern
A solid base for exploring one of Europe's most walkable capitals, Hostel 77 Bern offers free Wi-Fi and a shared kitchen to keep your costs manageable. Bern's old town surrounds you with centuries-old sandstone arcades, cobbled lanes, and the famous bear park. It's a compact, navigable city where history and everyday Swiss life sit comfortably side by side.
Sitting above the Aare river, Bern Youth Hostel is a reliable base in one of Switzerland's most walkable capitals. The hostel offers free Wi-Fi and a breakfast service to start your day right. The surrounding area blends parkland with historic Old Town streets, and the medieval arcades and clock tower are well within easy reach on foot.
Right in Bern's medieval Old Town, Bern Backpackers Hotel Glocke offers a shared kitchen and free Wi-Fi for a comfortable stay. The surrounding area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with sandstone arcades and historic guild houses. You'll find the Zytglogge clock tower and the Aare river nearby, making this a well-placed base for exploring the Swiss capital.
