This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Franz Josef.
Every second building in Franz Josef caters to the tourism industry -- should the glacier melt away one day, so will the village. On one hand, it's a bit sad to have absolutely no local flair, but on the other hand, it's quite convenient. Ways are short, and everything's easy to find. Unfortunately there isn't much in terms of shops to stock up on supplies, so it's best to bring in everything you need while staying at a Franz Josef hostel. Though touristy, the village has a nice atmosphere to it and is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and crisp fresh air. The main draw isn't the village itself, but the nearby glacier and there are plenty of tour operators that will happily take people there on foot or in a helicopter. There are also opportunities for kayaking and plenty of tracks for unguided walks. You might get hungry from all the strenuous outdoor activities, and you will find quite a decent selection of restaurants in town.
When it comes to Franz Josef hostels, there are a few places and they are all next-door neighbours in the village -- they differ in size and a bit in price and a lot in what they have to offer. All accommodation are next door neighbours right in the village. Some of the hostels are frequented by tour buses whilst others solely cater to independent travelers. No matter what, advanced bookings at Franz Josef hostels are highly recommended, as places do fill up at all times of the year. For people arriving late in the evening, it's best to let the hostel know in advance, as they all have limited reception hours, closing as early as 6 p.m.!
Written by local enthusiast for Franz Josef hostels
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