7 best hostels in Oslo

Oslo, one of the world’s most walkable capitals, has so much to offer in terms of food, culture, history, and music, so it’s no surprise that it attracts a growing number of international tourists each year. It's compact and easy to navigate, making it an excellent destination for a relaxing weekend break.

However, visiting Oslo isn’t cheap. The good news is that you can explore Norway’s capital without breaking the bank. Skip the posh hotel and opt for cheap hostels in Oslo to save on your accommodation and meet fellow travelers. They’re especially beneficial for long-term travelers, digital nomads, and those who enjoy a more social travel experience. Some might prefer Airbnb rentals, but they’re typically best for groups or families who need more space.

This guide will cover some of the best hostels in Oslo, their features, and what makes them special. Also, look out for Bounce partner hostels that offer reliable Oslo luggage storage facilities. No worries, though, if the one you found isn’t a partner because Bounce has storage lockers in multiple locations throughout the city.

Oslo Youth Hostel Haraldsheim

Located only a few kilometers away from Oslo city centre, the Oslo Youth Hostel Haraldsheim is one of the most peaceful hostels in Oslo. It’s a great destination not only for a relaxing stay but also to enjoy the views of Oslo Fjord.

This Oslo Youth Hostel is one of the largest Norway hostels, with 88 rooms ranging from single to four beds. Each has its own toilet and shower facilities and cold tap water for the guest’s consumption. Besides the private rooms, the hostel has shared spaces, including the kitchen, lounge, bathroom, laundry room, and garden. Business travelers can also choose from different conference rooms that suit every need. This Oslo hostel also offers free Wi-Fi, parking, and even facilities for those with mobility issues.

What makes Oslo Youth Hostel Haraldsheim unique

Not many hostels near the city center can offer the same peaceful environment as this youth hostel in Oslo. This isn’t only because of the surrounding area but also the hostel itself. The simple décor and wooden floors of the private rooms’ interior add to this atmosphere. A few minutes from the hostel, you’ll find numerous entertainment destinations, such as the Norwegian Museum of Science, Technology, and Medicine, Ullevål Stadium, and Oslo Ski Centre.

Oslo Youth Hostel Haraldsheim pricing

The price for a private or shared room varies throughout the year, so check early to find the best hostel prices for your budget. If you plan to visit during the peak summer months, the pricing for a six-bed dormitory room starts at 810.00 NOK, while a single room costs around 1,720.00 NOK a night.

Anker Hostel

Located in Oslo’s beating heart, Anker Hostel is a sleek, minimalist space just fifteen minutes from the busy Karl Johans Gate. It's surrounded by parks and vibrant streets and is close to everything the city has to offer. It has 296 rooms with desks, armchairs, and flat-screen TVs. It’s a cheap Oslo hostel, perfect for backpackers and tourists looking for affordable and social accommodation in the capital of Norway.

The private and shared rooms can accommodate up to eight people, each with their own bathroom and kitchen facilities. Female-only dormitories are also available for solo female travelers who want to feel safe during their stay. The hostel includes free Wi-Fi, bed linen and towels, parking, and cleaning.

What makes Anker Hostel unique

If you want to have fun during your stay in Oslo, Norway, Ankler Hostel can give you the perfect social experience, which sets it aside from other hostels in the city. It has a shared lobby and bar where you can make friends, sing karaoke together, and even have a movie night. Social events such as bingo, foosball, board games, and other fun group activities are also occasionally held in the hostel.

Anker Hostel pricing

This budget hostel has eight-bed private-style rooms you can share with your group for about 3,000.00 NOK per night. For solo travelers who don’t mind sharing a room with others, you can rent a bed at an eight-bed dorm for around 486.00 NOK a night. If you want a space for yourself, a studio apartment for one guest costs about 1,188.00 NOK.

Oslo Hostel Rønningen

Located in the beautiful district of Kjelsås is the Oslo Hostel Rønningen, known for its quiet atmosphere and fantastic views. It’s a little far from the city center, which is excellent news for those who prefer to be far from the hustle and bustle and instead want to be closer to nature.

Rønningen Hostel is quickly becoming one of the best Oslo hostels, with spacious rooms and more than 200 beds. You can opt for a single, double, or family room, each with a private walk-in shower and toilet. There are also shared laundry rooms and kitchens in the hallway, which you can use for free. Oslo Hostel Rønningen has free Wi-Fi, parking, and even an on-site coffee bar.

What makes Oslo Hostel Rønningen unique

If your idea of having fun is more about having quiet time and being active, Oslo Hostel Ronningen is perfect. If you prefer to stay inside, you can enjoy over 20 board games or relax in the TV lounge and library. For those into sports, you can play badminton, billiards, table tennis, and volleyball. It also boasts conference facilities for business travelers who want to organize meetings, events, or gatherings.

Oslo Hostel Rønningen pricing

The rate for a single room starts at 1,365.00 NOK per night and about 1,800.00 NOK for a twin room. For families, a family room with a private bathroom, two single beds, and two sofa beds cost around 2,800.00 NOK per night.

Park Inn By Radisson Oslo

A short walk from Karl Johans Gate, the city’s main shopping street, is Park Inn by Radisson Oslo, offering bright rooms, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. It's located near Oslo Central Station and a short stroll from the river, Aker Brygge, and Akershus Medieval Castle. There’s also a terminal bus station close to the inn so that guests can get around the city center and beyond with ease.

Although it’s more of a hotel than an Oslo hostel, this stylish accommodation has communal areas where you can meet new people and mingle. It features a restaurant and a bar, providing guests with a cozy spot to drink, eat, relax, and socialize. You’ll also be greeted by a friendly, professional staff who will ensure you always have a good time.

What makes Park Inn By Radisson unique

There are many reasons to stay at Park Inn by Radisson, especially if you’re looking for private lodging. It boasts a vibrant environment and friendly, personalized service with feel-good extras. The rooms are modern and comfortable, ensuring you have a good night’s rest, as well as casual work areas with communal tables, booth-style seating, and outlets for casual meetings.

Park Inn By Radisson pricing

Though not a cheap hostel, Park Inn by Radisson Oslo has cost-effective options for travelers on a budget. The rate of a standard room with two single beds or one double bed starts from 2,011.00 NOK per night, while a family room costs about 2,408.00 NOK. If you want a room with a view, the price starts from 2,261.00 NOK per night.

Cochs Pensjonat

Situated on the corner of the scenic Royal Palace Park, Cochs Pensjonat offers an outstanding combination of solid accommodation, reasonable hostel prices, and a central location, perfect for foreign tourists. It's housed in a historic building in the capital, featuring ninety rooms and 200 beds.

Although most guests at Cochs Pensjonat are mostly Norwegian and international visitors, it’s also used by educational institutions and businesses. It has premium, standard, and value rooms for budget-conscious travelers. Most rooms have a private bathroom, a TV, and cooking facilities, but the budget rooms have shared bathrooms. Every room is allergy-friendly, and all guests have access to free Wi-Fi.

What makes Cochs Pensjonat unique

Digital nomads and working travelers can take advantage of the bright and spacious conference room that can accommodate up to forty people. It’s suitable for small and large events. There’s also a TV lounge with a workbench, piano, and a sofa.

Cochs Pensjonat pricing

Cochs Pensjonat has rooms for every budget, style, and preference. The pricing for a budget twin starts at 930.00 NOK per night. For a family or a small group, you can opt for a quadruple room for about 1,680.00 NOK per night.

K7 Hotel

Formerly the Saga Poshtel Oslo Central, K7 Hotel is worth mentioning in the list of the best hostels in Oslo. It’s the first poshtel in the city, offering a charming mix of posh style and hostel accommodation. It's conveniently located in an old corner building, a short walking distance from train and bus stops and famous city attractions, including the Mini Bottle Gallery, Oslo Cathedral (near Oslo Central Station), and Oslo City Hall. It’s also only steps away from cultural, nightlife, and shopping opportunities.

This poshtel offers an array of accommodations for all types of travelers. There are private spaces, a family room, and dorms that can sleep up to 12 people. Its stylish rooms feature nice, comfy beds, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. There’s also a cozy TV lounge where patrons can watch their favorite shows with friends.

What makes K7 Hotel unique

Its central location is one of the factors that make K7 Hotel stand out. It's situated in the middle of Kvadraturen, right behind Akershus Fortress. It’s a short walk from all city sights, making it a perfect hostel for those who want to sightsee and shop.

K7 Hotel pricing

Those who don’t mind sharing a room with a large group can spend a night in a 12-bed dorm or an eight-bed dorm for around 590.00 NOK per bed nightly. If you want a private room, an economy queen room for two people costs about 1,162.00 NOK per night.

Anker Apartment

Grünerløkka is one of the trendiest districts in Oslo, with many shopping, dining, and entertainment options available. If you prefer to be in a place that gives you easy access to all these fun spots, check out Anker Apartment. Since it’s more of an apartment rental than an Oslo hostel, it offers short- and long-term stays, featuring fully furnished apartments to meet your budget and needs.

The rooms at Anker have private and shared bathroom facilities. They are spacious and boast bright décor, so you can enjoy a refreshing and inviting atmosphere. If you don’t know where to begin your adventure, the friendly and helpful staff can recommend various sightseeing opportunities and trendy shops, restaurants, and cafes.

What makes Anker Apartment unique

You don’t need to travel far to buy necessities because a grocery store is connected to the lobby and is open all day. If you need a major shopping spree, the Marveien and Thorvald Meyers Gate shopping streets are within a five-minute walk from the building.

Anker Apartment pricing

Female solo travelers can spend a night in a female dormitory room for about 485.00 NOK per night or in a mixed dorm for the same price. There are also one-person studio apartments for 1,300.00 NOK a night.

Top Oslo hostels for budget-conscious travelers

Don’t let the capital of Norway’s pricey reputation deter you from enjoying a one-and-a-lifetime adventure in one of the world’s best cities to visit. Whether you’re an experienced backpacker or traveling for the first time with friends or family, you’ll find the best hostels in Oslo for your needs and budget.

If you plan to stay in the city for several days and don’t have plans for what to see, read our Oslo museums guide. If you're a fan of browsing the stores, we'll point you in the right direction with our Oslo shopping guide.