HI - Bern - Jugendherberge Bern Hostel

Close to centre, but not very special
We slept in a very crammed five-bed room. Everything is very clean. Bathroom was very old fashioned with no doors but curtains. It is nice to sit outside but inside it is no atmosphere. The staff were very friendly. Breakfast is very good. Big Lockers are outside the rooms.

Good, clean, simple, not much life
This hostel was nice enough, and you get a free breakfast. It's also central (just up a cable car to get to the main part of the city). For a reliable hostel, with good facilities, it's great. It could have done with a kitchen though, and somewhere for people to congregate easily in the evenings, but for a hostel of its size, it was lovely. Would definitely recommend it.

I almost got stranded in Milan but ended up catching a late train into Bern. After many tries with a cell phone to call from the train (thanks to the fantastic generosity of a fellow traveler), I got through to ask the desk clerk to stay open fifteen minutes late for me (they close the doors at midnight, which is when my train was due -- thank goodness for swiss efficiency with the trains that they weren't late). They were very gracious to agree, and I luckily took exactly fifteen minutes to find them in the dark and rain with my tiny map. The place was clean, well situated along the beautiful river, and I had a twenty-bed room with only two roommates.

This is one of the most memorable places I stayed. This particular hostel is very close to the public (free) swimming pools. The pools are located right next to the river and swimming in the fast moving water is permitted. I found jumping into the icy river the perfect way to wake up after enjoying a late night in town right behind the hostel. You can also enjoy a game of Bacci Ball or chess in the park between the hostel and capital building. You are also close to public transportation, groceries, and a number of historical/cultural landmarks.

Close to the Aare for some great swimming. Pretty good location overall but a bit far from trainstation. Subpar breakfast in comparison with other Swiss hostels. Very stern staff.

I stayed here two nights in August 2001. The rooms, staff and bathrooms are okay. The hostel is located a walking (steep) distance from the city center, but do not be discouraged by this. It's in close proximity to the River Aare (you can bath in the river, really, it's fantastic) and a free, nicely crowded open swimming pool on the river. It's worth it to go in the pool (it's called the Marzilibad public pool). I met very nice people there from Japan and Australia, but this changes from time to time.

This is one of my favorite hostels in Europe. It is within walking distance of all the fun places to hang out, it's right on the Aare River, the breakfasts are HUGE, the rooms and bathrooms are super clean, the sheets are soft, and nighttime in the hostel is quiet. The staff know all the fun places/clubs to go to, and the lockers are very secure. Two thumbs up!

I've stayed here twice, both times in the winter. It's a bit tricky to find, as it's perfectly located. It's across from the river, at the foot of a steep hill (my 6-year-old had only minimal complaining about the location). Walk up the hill and you're in the center of town. The neighborhood is very quiet. The hostel itself has lots to offer. Both times I was here it had a pretty mixed crowd—some young backpackers, and other, quieter families. The rooms are basic. Bring your towel; sheets are provided. The breakfast was good.

Compared with other HI hostels, this is not too expensive. It has a great location, despite the hill, and has a tasty breakfast. Check it out!

Average place but most expensive hostel I came across in Switzerland (I stayed at about 10). That hill is a bugger to climb! Pretty lifeless as well.