STF/HI Youth Hostel Gällivare

STF/HI Youth Hostel Gällivare was an experience we will never forget, but it's an experience hostellers may want to avoid if possible. The hostel is quite easy to find - Once you get off the train go directly across the bridge leading away from the town centre and walk down the path for about 300 yards until you see a few wooden cabins around a big white boarded up building. The reception is on the other side of the grassy square.

After speaking to one of the guest who was staying there, we realised why this hostel was so bad. It was build to house the workers on the railroad that was build in 1917, and it hasn't changed much since then. Each cabin is equipped with three bedrooms, a bathroom with shower and toilet, a toilet room, a kitchen, and a lounge are.

Each room has bunk beds in them, with a wardrobe and table, and the mattresses are in definite need of a good cleaning (sheets not included). We had a double room and there wasn't much room for moving about. They are also quite cold at night and if you go during the midnight sun period, the curtains certainly will make sure you don't get much sleep.

The reception is run by a family so they are always close by, but officially it shuts at 10pm. Credit cards are accepted for payment and checkout is by 10am, but breakfast is not included. In terms of cleanliness, it's not the cleanest place we have stayed but we think that is more due to the age of the facilities than anything else. If you need a cheap place to stay one night then this place ticks the box, but if you're looking for comfort then look elsewhere.

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