HI - Bergen YMCA Hostel

I would have liked to stay here, and tried but could not. I arrived on a Monday night in mid- January 2006 about 2000 without a reservation, after an all day train ride from Oslo, plus the Norway in a Nutshell boat ride thru a fjord. I had difficulty finding the location on foot, as Rick Steves' map (from his 2004 book) was not not very detailed & had the wrong address number so I was on the wrong block further uphill, maybe wasting 20-30 minutes walking around with a backpack & asking bystanders twice for assistance. I got to the front door & it was locked, it said reception is only open in winter from 0900-1800, if you made a reservation you could come later & pick up your key at a bar. I was not in the mood for this. I did find other lodging within a 1/2 hour for a reasonable cost at the Marken Gjesthaus. I didn't know they had the policy of closing the reception at 1800.

Good place. Clean, convenient, well-equipped.

This was a nice hostel, located in a great central location. We stayed in one of the 4-bed rooms upstairs, which are quite nice. There is a private bathroom and a small kitchenette with a fridge in the room. There are also cooking supplies in the room, but you can also borrow more from the main kitchen downstairs. It feels like a very safe place, as a key card is required to access the main door, elevator, and rooms. The staff were friendly and allow you to store your bags if leaving on a night train.

I just wanted to add that the pictures shown here are of the smaller rooms, which have been refurbished on the higher levels, and (apparently) all include their own cooking facilities and have ensuites, etc.

Perfect location, really clean and friendly staff. Everything you need (internet, kitchen, etc.).