🐻 Hostels in Bern for Backpackers & Solo Travellers: River Swims, Old Town Arcades & Alpine Views
Heading to Bern in 2026? Switzerland's laid-back capital wraps around a loop of the bright green Aare river, with a UNESCO-listed old town of stone arcades, fountains and a famous clock tower. In summer, many locals float down the river after work, and you can usually join them.
🏠 Where to Stay in Bern
Hostels in Bern are mostly near the old town or the main station, often within an easy walk of the river. Hostelworld.com lists over 4 Hostels in Bern, all rated by travellers like you, with more than 9145 reviews. In Bern hostels you can usually find:
- Mixed dorms, some women-only dorms and private rooms
- Shared kitchens to help with Swiss prices
- Breakfast included at some hostels
- Common rooms for swapping travel tips
💡 Pro tip: Switzerland tends to be pricey, so cook in the hostel kitchen and stock up at supermarkets before you head out for the day.
🏆 Top Hostels to Stay in Bern in 2026
Looking for top-rated Hostels in Bern? According to Hostelworld.com travellers, these are two crowd favourites:
🗺️ Neighbourhoods to Explore
- Altstadt – The old town, with long covered arcades, fountains and cosy cafés
- Matte – A quiet riverside quarter below the old town, great for evening walks
- Marzili – Riverside lawns and an outdoor pool by the Aare, busy on hot days
- Lorraine – A local area north of the river with its own bathing spot
- Kirchenfeld – A calm, leafy district across the bridge, home to several museums
🚆 Getting Around Bern
- From the airport: Most travellers fly into Zurich Airport, where trains usually run to Bern's main station, often without a change
- By train: Bern station is a major hub, with easy links to Geneva, Basel, Lucerne and Interlaken
- Trams & buses: Trams and buses cover the city, and a small funicular links the Marzili area to the old town
- On foot: The old town is compact, so most sights are an easy walk apart
🏞️ Bears, Clock Towers & Mountain Views
Many travellers start at the Zytglogge, the clock tower whose moving figures draw a crowd, then climb the Gothic Minster for city views. You can visit Einstein's former home, take a tour of the Federal Palace or see the city's bears in their riverside enclosure. The Rosengarten is a favourite sunset spot, and Gurten hill offers views towards the Alps on clear days.
💡 Pro tip: If you are in town for the Zibelemärit onion market, expect the old town to fill with stalls, onion plaits and confetti, so book beds early.
🌍 Want More Hostel Adventures?
Check out other top-rated hostels across Switzerland → Switzerland Hostels
