HI - STF Ammarnäs/Wärdshuset Hostel

On approaching HI - STF Ammarnäs/Wärdshuset Hostel from the road, it doesn't look remarkably different than any other you might stay in when traveling elsewhere in central or northern Sweden. It's not until you get inside and look out the window that you see you really are getting value for money when it comes to the view.

Location

The hostel is situated atop a small hill directly overlooking a fishing lake. Those lucky enough to be placed in one of the rooms facing the lake are treated to stunning views from the window. Despite the idyllic setting, the hostel is still only minutes from the bus stop, which is in the centre of the tiny village of Ammarnas and it is absolutely no trouble to find. Coming from the bus stop just take the first left and then the next right and the hostel is four hundred metres up the road. Arrival by car should be no bother either as the hostel has parking and there are ample other parking options around also.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The rooms are nothing less than should be expected in Sweden. All are spotlessly clean and comfortable. The hostel has a choice of two- or four-bed dorms, all at the flat per person rate, regardless of how many beds are in the room or if there's actually anyone else in there to share it with. At quiet times outside the main hiking season of July and August it is quite possible to get a whole dorm all to yourself, although expect the opposite in high season as the village is a hugely popular rest stop for hikers.

The beds are simple bunk beds and the decor is bland but this is unsurprising given its basic role as an overnight stop for hikers. Rooms are lockable with a key although they do not contain individual lockers. The hostel is quite flexible with check-out time should you wish to store your belongings there until the bus in the afternoon. It should be noted that the hostel operates a self-cleaning policy and if you don't want to clean the room yourself there is an additional charge.

There are toilets both upstairs and on the ground floor and the showers are on the ground floor and in the basement. Showers are basic but spacious with a stool that can be used to keep clothes off the floor. Toilets, likewise, are basic but functional and clean. There are separate toilets for men and women.

Common Spaces

The hostel has a kitchen stocked with everything needed to cater for yourself and an adjoining common area with comfy seating and a television and small collection of books (mostly in Swedish) and board games to entertain. It also has a sauna in the basement, which is popular with hikers after a long hike in the surrounding mountains. Hikers do make up the majority of the clientele here given that Ammarnas is on the Klungsden trail, one of the most popular in the country. It is no surprise, therefore, that this is not a party hostel. It is a very quiet but nevertheless friendly place with no trouble to disturb your stay.

Summary

By and large you should expect to be fairly satisfied with a stay here. The bed and other rooms are more than adequate for lodgings in this pleasant area and the location of the hostel itself is a particular highlight to be enjoyed.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
July 2009