As an affiliate I may earn a commission on any qualifying purchases, including those from Amazon, at no extra cost to you.
Situated on the edge of Lake Lucerne in the central region of Switzerland, Lucerne is a must visit destination on any Swiss itinerary. I passed through here during my recent Swiss interrail trip and place it firmly as my favourite stop.
The city is in the German speaking region of the country and is home to 81,000 people. I visited during Winter which is particularly popular with Skiers on their way to the alps or who may be visiting nearby Mount Titlis for its famed ski routes.
During the summer, the city makes a great base for those who enjoy the outdoors, with great hikes on it’s doorstep and funicular railways that will take you up some of Switzerland’s best-known spots.
The hostel scene is still relatively up and coming in Lucerne, with various hostels or shared accommodation springing up in recent years however there still isn’t a huge number to choose from. Nonetheless, I’ve pulled together my top 4 recommendation for hostels in Lucerne.
Quick Results:
- Best OVERALL Hostel: Backpackers Luzern
- Best for DIGITAL NOMADS: Capsule hotel
- Best LOCATION: Barabas Luzern
- Best on a BUDGET: Bellpark Hostel
Backpackers Luzern **Best OVERALL Hostel**
Prices from CHF42
This hostel is just a 15 minute walk from the central train station and has a stunning view across the lake with a small park just across the road.
This hostel win’s the top spot for a friendly atmosphere making it ideal for solo travellers. It also has good facilities with two kitchens, a spacious common area with games, a lovely book exchange and laundry service. The beds are far comfier than many other hostels and lockers are a very reasonable size.
This hostel is quite small and being the best hostel in Lucerne, it can sell out quickly. You’re best off booking as far in advance as possible.
Also on: Booking.com | Agoda
Capsule Hotel **Best for DIGITAL NOMADS**
Prices from CHF35
For those who enjoy a little more privacy from a hostel, then look no further than the Capsule hotel in Lucerne. Each of these futuristic pods has its own lights, chargers, fans and lockable storage, plus comfy beds that will keep you sleeping soundly through the night.
The check in process is fully automated so you’ll be emailed your code to enter before. Some guests have had issues with this due to not reading the emails or lack of internet but overall it seems to be a good thing, particularly as the reception closes at 5pm so you can still check in later on. There are also kitchen facilities although they are quite basic.
With super quick Wi-Fi and an adjacent co-working space by the same owners, this is the best hostel in Lucerne for digital nomads.
Also on: Agoda
Barabas Luzern **Best LOCATION**
Prices from CHF46
As far as convenient locations, it doesn’t come much better than Barabas Luzerne which is situated right in the middle of the town, providing easy access to all of the city’s best attractions.
The hotel is inside an old prison that has been renovated to a good standard although still has the charm of its origins and a few displays providing information about this.
This hotel has a range of private and dorm rooms and attracts a varying crowd from families through to solo backpackers. The dorm rooms are always very clean although I’ve heard that they can get quite stuffy during the summer. Perhaps the owner needs to invest in extra plug sockets in the dorm rooms. Aside from this, the facilities are good with a small kitchen and friendly staff.
Also on: Booking.com | Agoda
Bellpark Hostel **Best BUDGET Hostel**
Prices from CHF29
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind foregoing fancy décor in favour of a cheaper stay, then Bellpark Hostel is for you.
This functional hostel has a well-equipped kitchen with microwave, oven and fridge as well as free tea and coffee all day every day. There is also a communal area with games.
Strangely check in is from 4pm, which seems pretty late as far as hostels go. Don’t get too excited about the free breakfast as this is a basic Asian breakfast of vegetable rice, might not be to everyone’s taste.
The hostel is located a 10 minute drive from the main area of Lucerne but buses no.1 and no. 5 provide regular services even throughout the night which are free with the tourist transport card.
Also on: Booking.com | Agoda
