Skarnes Vandrerhjem used to be a farmstead, built in an older style and really very cute (as you can see from the pictures). Inside, things are built to take on a good size group, but there is no luxury -- at all.
The bedrooms are functional, and have desks and plenty of closet space. Unfortunately, the beds are only basically functional. The worst part being the comforters. They are that scratchy uncovered stuff that is just awful to look at or touch. Even with your own sheets or the ones you can rent at the hostel, these comforters are unpleasant.
There is very nice common room with a TV and adjoining kitchen area (really very nice for snacks while relaxing). The kitchen has a stove, oven, fridge, coffee maker, and toaster. Pretty nice actually. However, the bathroom was almost inductrial in its basicness, and the shower looks like something from a warehouse, but the important things, toilet paper, flushing, etc. were in order.
The hostel isn't great, but there are certainly worse hostels out there. And the folks there are super friendly. Breakfast is pretty good too, and can be had for 55 kroner per person. As far as the quality of the facilities, take a look at the pictures and decide for yourself ...
Importantly, finding the hostel should not be difficult. Just remember this, if you are taking the bus from Oslo to Konsvinger, do not get off at Skarnes but stay on to pass one more bus sign. The second bus sign after Skarnes stop is the one you want - ask the bus driver, they understand a lot of English. If you are walking from Skarnes you'll see the sign on the road to Kongsvinger, it is a little bit of a walk, but it isn't too bad. Also, if you are coming from the east, follow the signs to Oslo, not Skarnes.
On a positive note, this has to be the cheapest hostel in Norway (Sogndal is pretty cheap too). And Skarnes is a decent stop on the way to Sweden or Lillehammer, and in the future will be the home of a fancy water resort. Near the hostel (you'll need a basic map) you can visit Odalstunet, an open-air museum with 1700s buildings from around the region. There are often special events at the museum, including interesting displays of olden days (with recreated dress and food). If you know a little Norwegian try http://www.sor-odal.kommune.no/odalstunet/ or look at the pictures.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
October 2004
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