The Hostelz.com Review
Black Forest Hostel is the right size and probably the best option for independent travelers in Freiburg. Its not perfect, but there’s nothing you’ll lose sleep over.
The Location
The hostel is located in a residential neighborhood just outside of the town center. For those biking and driving, it's a breeze to get here, as the maps provided are great. There are also signs once you get close but be sure not to confuse it with the more institutional “Jugendherberge.” For those who are arriving in town without a bike or car, the walk to the hostel is doable and will take you from the train/bus station right through the old town. Alternatively, you can take a tram most of the way. The only things right near the hostel is a small coffee roastery and a restaurant or two, though you can walk to other shops easily.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The dorms vary in size. The rooms we saw were all bunk bed free (you can rent linens for a small price). There are no locks on the doors, and the front door is open until 1 a.m., though nobody seems too worried. The city in general is very safe, but this still seems a bit too trusting to us. Normally though, there is someone at or near the reception desk at the entrance to keep an eye on things. If you are worried about security, there are enough big lockers in every room and you can borrow a lock for free.
There are a couple of showers and bathrooms that are outside the rooms; in our opinion the setup is very good, so as not to disturb the other guests, considering there is a lot of sleeping going on in this hostel (at least during our stay). The showers, while on timers, are very refreshing and warm and there plenty of room to change when you get out. Is also possible to do laundry for a small fee.
Common Spaces
The common spaces are huge and very well set up. There’s more that everything you need to cook and relax in three big rooms. The kitchen is particularly well stocked for preparing even the most gourmet meals. The atmosphere is orderly but friendly. It's possible, though, to have a drinking party if you find the right people. And there’s plenty of space so as not to bother others. The crowd is a real mix -- when we were there, it was less backpackers and more homeless students desperately trying to find flats and conference-goers who couldn’t afford a hotel. They were all nice enough, though mostly just there to sleep. Internet is a scarce commodity in the hostel, with just two pay computers and no Wi-Fi. The hostel is a bit understaffed, too, though the foreign staff tries especially hard.
Summary
If you’re looking to hostel in Freiburg, this is your place. It offers a good balance of being social and being good for sleeping and offers all the services you need. The location is pleasant and not far out of the way. Prices are still reasonable, though by no means cheap.
The Location
The hostel is located in a residential neighborhood just outside of the town center. For those biking and driving, it's a breeze to get here, as the maps provided are great. There are also signs once you get close but be sure not to confuse it with the more institutional “Jugendherberge.” For those who are arriving in town without a bike or car, the walk to the hostel is doable and will take you from the train/bus station right through the old town. Alternatively, you can take a tram most of the way. The only things right near the hostel is a small coffee roastery and a restaurant or two, though you can walk to other shops easily.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The dorms vary in size. The rooms we saw were all bunk bed free (you can rent linens for a small price). There are no locks on the doors, and the front door is open until 1 a.m., though nobody seems too worried. The city in general is very safe, but this still seems a bit too trusting to us. Normally though, there is someone at or near the reception desk at the entrance to keep an eye on things. If you are worried about security, there are enough big lockers in every room and you can borrow a lock for free.
There are a couple of showers and bathrooms that are outside the rooms; in our opinion the setup is very good, so as not to disturb the other guests, considering there is a lot of sleeping going on in this hostel (at least during our stay). The showers, while on timers, are very refreshing and warm and there plenty of room to change when you get out. Is also possible to do laundry for a small fee.
Common Spaces
The common spaces are huge and very well set up. There’s more that everything you need to cook and relax in three big rooms. The kitchen is particularly well stocked for preparing even the most gourmet meals. The atmosphere is orderly but friendly. It's possible, though, to have a drinking party if you find the right people. And there’s plenty of space so as not to bother others. The crowd is a real mix -- when we were there, it was less backpackers and more homeless students desperately trying to find flats and conference-goers who couldn’t afford a hotel. They were all nice enough, though mostly just there to sleep. Internet is a scarce commodity in the hostel, with just two pay computers and no Wi-Fi. The hostel is a bit understaffed, too, though the foreign staff tries especially hard.
Summary
If you’re looking to hostel in Freiburg, this is your place. It offers a good balance of being social and being good for sleeping and offers all the services you need. The location is pleasant and not far out of the way. Prices are still reasonable, though by no means cheap.
by Carl
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
October 2012
Their Description
Black Forest Hostel DetailsDetails
Checkout: 11:00 (11 AM)
Curfew: No Curfew
Lockout: No
Maximum Stay: Unlimited
Minimum Stay: 1 night
Open Dates: All Year
Size: Very Large (101+ beds)
Reception Hours: 7:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Other Features
Guest KitchenNot Offered
Credit Card PaymentsAges / Restrictions
Max. Age: All Ages
Map Location/ContactHow is Black Forest Hostel rated on other websites?
Hostelz.com Guest Reviews
Not the cleanest Eccentric and fairly friendly, but not the cleanest hostel. I was in the 21-bed room, and it smelled funny and I definitely felt like I was roughing it. Although they have lockers available, they're not particularly clean and I didn't feel safe leaving any of my valuables there. They do not offer free internet access, and I was a bit worried about general security because there was no lock to the room door and anyone could get into the building before 1 a.m. — Stephanie, Canada (2010-01-03) Good hostel but a crazy weird old lady permanent guest good hostel and good staff but there is a totally crazy old lady from another city who is permanent guest of the hostel because she is working at the christmas market of Freiburg until Christmas. She bothers everyone in rude way, forcing to listen lot of her nonsense arguments, she makes noise during the night, very annoying and possibly dangerous if contradicted. Be sure to ask a different dorm from the one where she is sleeping. Avoid her and pay attention to what you say when she will try to become your friend, totally insane. quite annoying. — backpacker, Argentina (2009-12-04) I'd recommend this great hostel I enjoyed to spend some time there: friendly and international atmosphere, good place, low price, clean, with large kitchen and common rooms; the staff were very friendly and location was very good. — Elisa, Italy (2009-09-20) Pretty good value and nice hostel. Clean bathrooms and helpful staff. Scratch the DJH standard and give this hostel a go. Great character and relaxed atmosphere. Closer to the center than the other also. Full kitchen, fridge, games, and internet. — kimy, canada (2009-07-14) Relaxed and friendly hostel I really liked this place. It's spacious but has loads of character. Great kitchen and showers. I spent new years eve here and would recommend it to anyone passing through this lovely part of the world! — Caitlin, New Zealand (2009-01-02) Nice atmosphere Nice hostel, friendly staff, and nice atmosphere. There is a big common room and a kitchen with enough equipment. We slept in a big three bed room. The beds were not so comfortable. And they don't give you sheets but a duvet. And even if you have your own sheets you need to rent the duvet because it is very cold. Everything was very clean. There were a lot of German students staying there, waiting until they find a room in Freiburg. It is very close to the centre. — Petra, Dutch (2008-10-28) Interesting, but not my cup of tea The hostel is in a nice location, but my general experience of staying here was something like being a homeless person squatting in an abandoned warehouse. Certainly, you can meet some people here, but you will need to speak German because the vast majority of people are local tourists, people going to festivals and so on. It is not very well maintained (and by this I mean there are no carpets on the floor, no wallpaper on the walls, and other things you might expect) but for some people this would add character to the place. For me, it was a generally uncomfortable experience and one I wouldn't be anxious to repeat. — John Swindon, England (2008-06-23) Chill definitely a bohemian vibe in this place. if you're into hippie moms and dads with their hippie, dreadlock totin' kids, then stay here. So the worst part is you have to pay extra for sheets, but don't get put off by that. the rooms are super spacious, no bunks in my room. there's a huge lounging area with pool, ping pong, and books (mostly in german); a full kitchen with spices on hand; and space-age showers. it's a little hike from the train station but the city is cute and sightseeing is what traveling's all about. try the crepes near the church. yum. — Kathy, Canada (2008-06-12)