Voss Vandrarheim Hostel

Generally very good hostel in excellent location but let down by tiny self-catering kitchen which got very over-crowded and lacked essential equipment eg a working tin opener. As the hostel doesn’t offer food in the evening a better kitchen is desperately needed. Otherwise great - lovely location by the lake and close to the train station. Friendly, helpful staff and good facilities (except for the kitchen).

Stayed here as part of an organised kayaking tour. Firstly, the hostel is located on a busy road only yards from an equally busy train line. The noise meant it was impossible to get to sleep until very late - not ideal when you are up early for an energetic day - and compounded by kids yelling all evening. The rooms are hot with no aircon so it’s essential to have the window open. The rooms are the most basic of basic, 4 bunk beds & one camp bed, and you are expected to make your own bed on arrival. There are no towels, so bring one. Shame no one told me that - my ‘wet from the shower’ kayaking towel ended up making all my other clothes wet. The bathroom is small as expected, but clean, and the shower had good pressure & temperature. There are no toiletries to use. Breakfast was a non-event, there was no tea (only coffee), no juice, no water and at 07:55 (breakfast starts at 07:00) there was just lots of empty plates on the ‘buffet’. I ended up eating a cereal bar I brought with me and my own water. The bar sells alcohol which means you cannot take your own. The decking area is nice but the grassed section below needs some TLC. Walk into town for dinner, it’s only 700M or so, very pretty along the lake. The Voss gondola is a great way to see the views, only £30 return, and a great restaurant at the top! Pizza was very reasonably priced, and the petit Chablis perfectly chilled. I wouldn’t stay here again, and I will be recommending to the tour company that they provide a better option for people so they have a choice.

Beautiful view - rest is ordinary youth hostel standard. Huge common area, free parking and private bath per dormitory. A bit noisy and best shared among friends or family. Service acceptable - but we needed to discuss. Breakfast ordinary. Will upgrade next time.