Europe’s quietest hostels
If you’re the kind of traveller that likes to unwind rather than party after a day of sightseeing, these hostels offer an oasis of tranquility
1. Mountain Hostel Tarter, Andorra
This hostel, which is more a mountain lodge, is nestled in the heart of the Pyrenean mountains of Andorra and has a rustic, outdoor appeal to it. It is a dream location for mountaineers and hikers, but people simply seeking rest and relaxation whilst contemplating the beauty of nature would find themselves at home here too.
Rustic dorm at Mountain Hostel Tarter (Kash Bhattacharya)
There are things to do both in the winter and summer; you can ski or hike to your heart’s content. The lodge itself is 200 years old, but has many modern comforts. Outside you can entertain yourself by skiing, snowboarding, telemarking, randonée skiing, freestyling, freeriding, mountain biking, downhill biking and trekking. After a gruelling day of outdoor activity this hostel is the perfect place to relax.
2. Plas Curig Hostel, Snowdonia, Wales
Plas Curig is in a dreamy location in the picturesque village of Capel Curig, at the foot of Snowdonia. With its beautiful interiors, superb facilities, and the stunning green landscapes outside…once you come here, your opinion of hostels will change forever.
Lounge room in the Plas Curig (Kash Bhattacharya)
While you could spend most of your time snug in the lounge, admiring the mist-shrouded views of Moel Siabod, it’s also a great location for exploring the great Welsh outdoors. The staff are extremely knowledgeable, with lots of great tips for nearby hiking trails and places to eat. Otherwise, the hostel offers an excellent self-catering kitchen, a well-stocked library and a wood-burning stove in the lounge. Beautiful interiors, top-notch facilities, and a great location makes this arguably the best hostel in Britain.
3. Seven Fells Hostel, Ylläs, Finland
This new eco-friendly hostel is located in beautiful Ylläs, Lapland. It is the ideal location to take a break from the rest of the world and immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings. The location is great for hiking and also trying to glimpse the Northern Lights.
Seven Fells bedroom (Kash Bhattacharya)
The hostel is owned and run by a retired backpacker. Facilities offered at the hostel include free Wi-Fi in the lounge area, free organic tea and coffee, books and magazines, a sauna, linens and towels, laundry and several other things to meet your comforts.
4. Casa Gracia, Barcelona, Spain
As you can tell from name, the concept of this hostel is all about feeling at home –and that’s exactly what is on offer here. The hostel is centrally located on the grand boulevard of Paseo de Gracia in the neighbourhood of Gracia, close to Gaudi’s la Pedrera and Casa Batlló, but far enough away from the touristy drag of Las Ramblas, Barrio Gothic, and the menace of pickpockets.
Spacious room at Casa Gracia (Kash Bhattacharya)
Choose from a variety of rooms – from six-bed dorm rooms to private ensuite rooms, all of which are spacious, cosy and quiet. They have a regular programme of events in the hostel and the staff are really friendly and helpful. An oasis of peace in the city, this is a great hostel to call home for a few days.
5. Bus Hostel, Reykjavik, Iceland
Formerly used as the office of a bus company (hence the name), Bus Hostel opened its doors in May 2013 and it has welcomed a wide range of guests since then, from a globetrotting pensioner backpacker to a couple of newly-weds who asked staff members to be witnesses as their wedding.
Common room at the Bus (Kash Bhattacharya)
Bus Hostel has communal dorms, rooms with just four or six bunk beds, ideal for those preferring a little more privacy and three “Ritz” rooms cater for couples who want a double bed and some privacy. All the bedrooms are wonderfully minimalist in a way that only Nordic countries can achieve, though do expect the odd quirky detail. Bus Hostel is located less than ten minutes walk from the city’s BSI central bus station and you can find yourself in the centre of Reykjavik at the foot of the impressive Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral within fifteen minutes walk.
Kash Bhattacharya has been travelling in style on a budget for six years, and through his blog, Budget Traveller, offers advice and tips on how how you can too.
