Hotel
Baur au Lac
A family-owned five-star hotel founded in 1844, set in its own park beside Lake Zurich at the end of Bahnhofstrasse.
Zurich Youth Hostel
A large Swiss Youth Hostels property in Wollishofen with 282 beds in single, double and multi-bed rooms, near the lake shore and the Rote Fabrik.
At a glance
- Type
- Youth hostel
- Area
- Wollishofen, Zurich, Switzerland
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Official site
- youthhostel.ch
Good to know
- 282 beds
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Guest kitchen
- Free internet
- 24-hour reception
- Lift
- Parking
Why we recommend it
Zurich Youth Hostel, run by Swiss Youth Hostels, is one of the most affordable places to stay in an expensive city. It is in Wollishofen, near the lake shore, about 3.5 kilometres from the main station, and it has 282 beds in single, double and multi-bed rooms. That range makes it suitable not only for backpackers but also for families, school groups and travellers on a budget who want a private room.
Swiss Youth Hostels lists the property on its own website, where rooms can be booked directly. Facilities are more extensive than at many hostels. There is a restaurant and a bar, a kitchen, free high-speed internet, lifts, a 24-hour reception and outdoor parking, which is useful if you are touring Switzerland by car. Seminar rooms are available for groups. A breakfast room is part of the set-up, so check what is included when you book.
The setting is quieter than the city centre. The lake shore is close by, along with the Rote Fabrik cultural centre, the green spaces of Landiwiese and the lakeside Mythenquai, so you can walk by the water and visit the Rote Fabrik. For travellers who prefer peace at night to being in the middle of the nightlife, this is an advantage.
In season, the ZSG lake boats offer a scenic alternative: the 60-minute Mini round trip runs between Bürkliplatz in the city centre and Wollishofen, and it is free with the Zürich Card. Transport connections are also good on land. Zürich Tourism says the hostel is just 15 minutes from the city centre, and Wollishofen station has a direct rail connection to Zurich Airport, which is about 12 kilometres away. Allow time for the journey into town when planning evenings out, and check the ZVV timetable for the last connections.
The hostel suits budget travellers of all ages, families looking for an affordable private room, groups and anyone combining a city stay with trips around the lake. Booking early is wise for summer and holiday periods. A stay here frees up budget for the city's restaurants, museums and day trips, which can make a big difference in Zurich.
Zurich Youth Hostel FAQs
Where is Zurich Youth Hostel?
At Mutschellenstrasse 114 in Wollishofen, about 3.5 km from the main station.
How many beds does the hostel have?
282 beds in single, double and multi-bed rooms.
Is there a kitchen?
Yes, there is a kitchen as well as a restaurant and a bar.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, free high-speed internet is available.
How do I get to the city centre?
Zürich Tourism says the hostel is about 15 minutes from the city centre by public transport.
Is there a direct connection to the airport?
Yes, Wollishofen station has a direct rail connection to Zurich Airport.
Is there parking?
Yes, outdoor parking is available.
What is nearby?
The lake shore, the Rote Fabrik cultural centre, Landiwiese and Mythenquai.