Hostels – a smart deal
There are more than 300 youth and family hostels, bed and breakfasts, inns, motels and guest houses in Norway that offer cheap accommodation to every type of traveller. And don’t worry – if you don’t like the idea of sleeping in a dormitory full of strangers, many hostels offer single, double, and family rooms.
Most cities and towns in Norway have at least one hostel, and some major attractions have hostels nearby. This means that you can spend the night for a fraction of what you would pay for a room in a swank hotel. And the prices are even better in the off-season.
What is a hostel or a guest house?
A hostel, often called a youth hostel or family hostel, is in Norwegian called a “vandrerhjem”. This is a type of budget accommodation where guests can book a bed in a dormitory or a private room. Guests usually share bathrooms and a lounge, but some rooms might also have a private bathroom. Many hostels also offer their guests cooking facilities.
Many Norwegian hostels are members of Hostelling International, and members get a 10 per cent discount on the booking price.
In addition, there are many guest houses scattered around Norway, often called "pensjonat", "gjestehus", "gjestegård" or "vertshus". Many of these establishments are family run, and the standard ranges from basic and inexpensive to very high end. If you like places with a personal touch and a homey atmosphere, this is what you should look for!
In the mountains, you can also find cosy and authentic accommodation at a traditional fjellstue (mountain lodge).
Who stays in hostels?
All kinds of travellers. Not only for the cheap prices, but also because spending a night at a hostel can be a very sociable experience. Since you’re sharing common areas, and in many cases a dormitory, you get to meet people of all ages from all over the world.
