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Oslo’s 3 Best Budget-Friendly Hostels

Oslo is a beautiful destination but an expensive one when it comes to budget traveling. It’s something that can be said of all of Scandinavia, and you will find that it is especially true of Oslo; budget traveling is more than a little bit difficult. That being said, there are always ways to keep costs low while still having a great time. The two main hostel chains to look for in Norway are Hostelling International and VIP Backpackers.com, both of which are great for hostel ratings, information and booking.

General prices in Norway for a bed in a dormitory will cost anywhere between NOK 200 (30 USD) to NOK 300 (45 USD), and a double room will run up to  NOK 400 (60 USD) or more. You may need to bring your own bed linen or will have the option to rent it at your hostel –try to keep these costs in mind when packing and budgeting for your trip. In the meantime, however, take a look at our top choices for hostels in the beautiful country:

Photo by shoeonthegreen/Flickr

Oslo Youth Hostel Haraldsheim

A clean and cozy place to stay with friendly and helpful staff, they offer everything from single to 4-bed dorm rooms (some with private baths), so you can book your own room or share depending on your needs.  Guests consistently state that the staff does their utmost to make your stay and trip in Oslo a pleasant one; they show you the best ways to get around the city, and can help you plan your itinerary. Haraldsheim also offers Internet access and BBQ facilities in addition to an incredibly clean kitchen, and a variety of sleeping options.

It’s a little ways outside of the city centre, in Grefsen, but offers amazing views of the city as well as the fjord, and public transport will get you downtown and where you need to go in Oslo. You can easily get to the Opera house, the Norsk Folkemuseum as well as the old Viking ships from Haraldsheim. Sheets at the hostel can be rented for NOK 50 (about 8 USD) a night, and sleeping bags are not allowed. Haraldsheim is also not open for Christmas and New Years. The place is huge with around 88 rooms, so you’re sure to meet interesting folks travelling in Oslo as well. The best plus? Breakfast is included.

Expect to pay: NOK 255-510 (37-75 USD)

Cochs Pensjonat

There are a lot of good things about Cochs Pensjonat. Its location is probably its greatest advantage, right behind the Royal Palace and close to the National Theatre, the Oslo concert house and the Rathaus. There are 88 clean, tidy, and comfortable rooms, and they are broken down into three categories: Best, Standard and Value rooms.

Best and Standard rooms may offer a kitchenette, or a boiler and a fridge and would be perfect for those wishing to self cater. The Value rooms have shared bathroom facilities and offer no cooking facilities but are comfy and perfect for the budget traveller – especially someone travelling alone. They have a canteen of sorts on the ground floor where you can buy breakfast for a budget-friendly price. The location of Cochs can’t be beat, and the money you’ll save staying in a Value room can be easily put to good use seeing the sites of the city.

Expect to pay: NOK 510-1340 (75-198 USD), (prices per room)

Photo by Kamal Hamid/Flickr

Photo by Kamal Hamid/Flickr

Oslo Central

This option is relatively new, and is also set in the heart of the city. Being central means it’ll only take you a few minutes to get to Oslo’s nightlife scene, the Royal Palace, and just about any tourist site downtown. Everything is newly built, and has modern facilities and appliances, though it still maintains a relaxed atmosphere. They offer a wide variety of rooms, from single rooms to 8-bed dormitories.

Regardless of which room you choose, you’ll have free wifi and access to a new, self-catering communal kitchen. Breakfast is free, so you’ll be able to fill up on a yummy meal before exploring the city. Linen and towels are also included for free, though the price of the hostel (per person) is higher than those mentioned above. For its location and breakfast though, this makes a great choice for someone looking forward to the social scene in Oslo while still enjoying the comforts of a newly-built hostel.

Expect to pay: NOK 355-395 (53-58 USD)

If you’re heading to Norway, speaking some of the language would be a huge plus. Why not see how your Norwegian fares, with one of our free level tests?