Why choose a hostel in Brienz?
Brienz is a small Alpine village on the eastern shore of Lake Brienz, known for its woodcarving tradition and striking mountain scenery. The Swiss Open-Air Museum Ballenberg sits just outside the village, and the Brienz Rothorn Railway departs from the village itself, climbing high into the Alps on a historic steam-powered route. Accommodation costs in Switzerland add up fast, and hostels in Brienz give you a practical way to manage that.
Hostels here suit solo travellers, hikers, and anyone who wants to spend their money on experiences rather than a hotel room. Shared dorms keep costs low, while private rooms offer more comfort without the price of a hotel or private rental. You also get communal spaces where it's easy to meet other travellers. That social side is something hotels and private rentals rarely offer.
How to find the best hostel deals in Brienz
Our search engine is a genius at tracking down flight deals. The good news? It's every bit as talented at hunting down the best rates on hostels. Book smarter and pay less with these tips.
Book in advance
Book in advance if possible. Getting things locked in sooner usually means cheaper prices and a wider variety of hostels in Brienz, especially during peak seasons.
…or bag a last-minute Brienz hostel deal.
Although prices tend to climb the closer it gets to the date of your stay, sometimes hostels lower their rates at the last minute to fill empty rooms. It's more likely this will happen in the low season.
Flexible on dates? Say hello to better rates
A little flexibility goes a long way when searching for cheap hostels. Swap weekends for weekday stays, or go during shoulder season instead of the busiest periods.
Where to base yourself in Brienz
The village centre is where most travellers staying in hostels in Brienz tend to spend their time. The main street runs along the lake and puts you close to the Swiss Open-Air Museum Ballenberg, the Brienz Rothorn Railway, and the wood carving school the town is known for. Cafes and small restaurants line the waterfront, keeping meals relaxed and affordable. Trains connect Brienz to Interlaken in under 30 minutes, so day trips are easy to plan. The lakefront area just east of the centre is quieter and suits travellers who want more space around them. You're still within easy walking distance of the station and the boat landing, where lake ferries run to other towns along the shore. The pace here is slower, and the surrounding hills give you plenty of trails to follow on foot.
Best hostels in Brienz
Hostel ratings on Skyscanner are based on actual traveller reviews, covering everything from location and cleanliness to overall experience and facilities. Whether you're exploring as cheaply as possible or are happy to spend a little more, these scores help you compare your options and find a place that fits.
Best all-rounder hostels
For a stay that checks all the boxes, you can't go wrong with MOS Guesthouse Naturfreundehaus Brunig. It gets great reviews for its cleanliness, location and service.
Sleep and Go - Budget is another option worth checking out. It earns strong ratings for its cleanliness, location and rooms.
Highest-rated hostels for cleanliness
If a clean, comfortable hostel is a priority, MOS Guesthouse Naturfreundehaus Brunig won't disappoint. Guests give it top marks for cleanliness, with amenities like bicycle rentals and a barbecue.
Sleep and Go - Budget keeps things in good shape too, with guests giving it good cleanliness ratings. Here you'll have access to luggage storage, a laundry and more.
Hostels with the best customer service
When it comes to customer service, MOS Guesthouse Naturfreundehaus Brunig is one of the top-rated hostels in Brienz. This option comes with a lounge and bicycle rentals.
Travellers also have good things to say about the customer service at Sleep and Go - Budget in their reviews. A restaurant and a bar are some amenities available here.
Centrally located hostels
Location is where MOS Guesthouse Naturfreundehaus Brunig really lives up to its reputation, according to the travellers who've stayed there before. You get everything you need, including luggage storage and bicycle rentals.
Or check out the rooms at Sleep and Go - Budget. This well-located stay offers luggage storage and a restaurant.
