I stayed in a Backpacker Hostel in Stockholm and here's what happened

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How often do you get to sleep on a 19th-century sailing ship without needing a pirate’s salary? I grabbed a bunk at STF af Chapman & Skeppsholmen, woke up to seagulls instead of alarms, and spent three nights feeling like Stockholm’s luckiest backpacker.

Below is everything I noticed—plus a few safety notes for the women reading, based on what my female dorm-mates told me.

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Location – Island Calm, City Close

The hostel splits between the tall ship af Chapman and a yellow shore-house on Skeppsholmen, the quiet museum island opposite Gamla Stan.

Two footbridges put you in the Old Town in under ten minutes. Kungsträdgården metro and the Djurgården ferry are both a short stroll away, and bus 65 stops at the gate.

I walked home after midnight photography sessions with zero nerves; the paths are lit, security guards patrol nearby museums, and other guests drift back at all hours.

Female travelers I talked to said the same—well-lit, plenty of people, no sketchy shortcuts.

Social Vibes – Deck Chats, Coffee & Calm

• Mornings: hushed coffee on deck, everyone staring at Gamla Stan’s skyline.
• Afternoons: board-game battles in the ship’s lounge, recipe swapping in the shore-house kitchen.
• Staff bulletin lists free walking tours, museum late nights, and “bring-your-own-bun” fika on Fridays. I joined the sunset deck hangout—eight nationalities, one thermos of lingonberry juice, instant friends.
• Atmosphere is friendly but not a party boat; quiet hours start at 23:00 and people respect them.

Rooms – Solid Bunks, Baltic Breezes

• Dorms of 3-, 4-, 6-, and 10-beds in the ship; 6-bed female-only and privates in the annex.
• Bunks have thick duvets, reading lights, outlets, and partial wooden dividers (no curtains).
• Under-bed drawers lock with your padlock—my 60 L pack fit fine.
• Cabins stay warm thanks to central heating; portholes pop open for summer sea air.
• Bathrooms shared: modern, spotless, endless hot water even during morning rush.
• Women’s dorm sits on its own annex floor behind an extra code; the ladies I met said it felt private and quiet.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Stockholm

1. City Backpackers Hostel - best for Digital Nomads, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
2. STF Stockholm Skeppsholmen Vandrarhem - best for Couples, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
3. Dockside Hostel Old Town - best for Digital Nomads, Family-Friendly Hostel, Older travelers (+50), Quiet Rest
4. The Red Boat Mälaren - best for Couples
5. Castanea Old Town Hostel - best for Digital Nomads, Family-Friendly Hostel, Older travelers (+50), Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller

City Backpackers Hostel

9.0

Norrmalm

"…I wasn't so wild about the idea of free pasta -- until I needed it. I wanted to try a few swedish more

from

$13.31

STF Stockholm Skeppsholmen Vandrarhem

9.1

Gamla Stan

"…I stayed in this hostel in April 2005. It was a great hostel. I spent the second night on the more

from

$17.52

Dockside Hostel Old Town

8.0

"…The kitchen is great, beds are comfortable, and the staff were like new friends. It's worth the more

from

$13.64

The Red Boat Mälaren

8.6

Södermalm

"…Note that there are no lockers on board, and there is very little storage space. Most rooms have more

from

$30.74

Castanea Old Town Hostel

9.2

Old Town

"…This hostel seems calm and less party oriented, although the common spaces are full of people more

from

$13.70

Amenities – Kitchens, Wi-Fi & Skyline Decks

• Two self-catering kitchens stocked with stoves, ovens, and labeled fridges.
• Optional breakfast buffet (extra cost) with fresh bread, cheese, and the legendary Swedish pancakes.
• Fast Wi-Fi everywhere—even on deck hammocks.
• Laundry room, luggage storage, bike rental, and 24 h reception.
• Free entry to Moderna Museet next door on Friday evenings—staff happily store backpacks while you explore.

Safety – Key-Cards & Extra Codes

Key-cards control the gangplank gate, annex doors, and dorm rooms; CCTV covers hallways. Staff live on site and patrol after 23:00.

Women’s dorm requires a second code, and lockers felt sturdy. Several solo female guests said they left laptops locked all day with no worries.

Price – Affordable Novelty in Pricey Stockholm

For Stockholm, prices land in the middle—cheaper than most hotels, a bit above bare-bones hostels. Included: linens, Wi-Fi, luggage room, and unbeatable deck sunsets.

You pay extra for towels, breakfast buffet, and laundry. 

Cooking two dinners in the guest kitchen balanced my budget after splurging on archipelago ferries.

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Final Verdict

9 / 10. STF af Chapman & Skeppsholmen delivers a rare combo: storybook setting, solid facilities, and an easygoing social scene. If you need nightclub chaos, look elsewhere; if you want sunrise views over Gamla Stan from a ship’s deck, book now.

I knocked one point for the ladder climbs to top bunks and the breakfast price, but I’d happily dock here again.

Pro tip: Summer weekends sell out fast. Pack a padlock, a light jacket for breezy decks—even in July—and grab a starboard bunk for sunrise magic.

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These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I’ve been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I’m passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

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About the author: Anna Kiefer

My travels have taken me from the vibrant streets of Vietnam to the tranquil beauty of Spain, each destination adding a new chapter to my journey. For me, travel isn’t about counting countries or ticking off lists; it’s about the freedom it brings and the stories that unfold with each new adventure. At Hostelgeeks, my goal is to infuse our brand with this sense of freedom and discovery.

Whether it’s finding the perfect 5 Star Hostel or sharing a hidden gem in a bustling city, I’m here to ensure that our travelers get more than just a journey – they get an experience that resonates with the joy of exploration and the freedom of the open road.