Hostels aren’t just for city stays. All over the world, you’ll find hostels extending the same friendly welcome, low prices, and sociable vibes — but with the added bonus of unbeatable views, wildlife-spotting opportunities, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences in nature. Check out these independent hostels to book via the Polarsteps app.

Casa en el Agua, Colombia

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A two-hour boat ride from Cartagena, this hostel isn’t just on an island — it is an island. Cue travelers swinging in hammocks from its communal deck, and diving straight into the Caribbean to cool off — or to take advantage of the all-day happy hour at the floating bar…

Located within the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park, this hostel takes sustainability seriously, with composting toilets, limited water for bucket showers, and meals that you need to order in advance to prevent waste. Room reservations open 60 days in advance — dorm beds or open-air hammocks are the cheapest options.

Högbonden Lighthouse & Hostel, Sweden

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Part of Sweden's UNESCO-listed High Coast, this island nature reserve is home to a cozy lighthouse hostel, open from May to October and just a 15-minute ferry ride from the towns of Barsta or Bönhamn, across the water on the mainland. 

When the hostel’s 28 beds are full, visitors easily outnumber residents on this barely inhabited island. That makes hiking Högbonden’s crowd-free trails and having the sea views all to yourself feel even more special. Back at the hostel, fire up the sauna to ease your aching muscles. Our top tip: book meals at the hostel to avoid carrying groceries over from the mainland!

Lost and Found Hostel, Panama

Image courtesy of Lost and Found Hostel

The only tourist accommodation in the La Fortuna Nature Reserve, this hostel’s pod-style dorms and private rooms are high enough to overlook the area’s lush cloud forest. Join locally-led excursions to river canyons and hot springs, or waterfalls in neighboring national parks, or spot wildlife after dark on the hostel’s night safaris. The one thing you need to know? This hostel is a hike-in, hike-out accommodation — but we guarantee it’s worth the walk!

Mountain Hostel Gimmelwald, Switzerland 

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This mountain hut in the Lauterbrunnen Valley kicks off the summer season with a bang each May and doesn’t take its foot off the gas until October. During that time, expect an on-site pizzeria, open-air DJ sets backdropped by the Swiss Alps, and hook-ups with high-adrenaline activities in the area, from climbing and canyoning, to skydiving and bungee-jumping.  

A wood-paneled communal area and a sociable stone terrace offer the perfect place to unwind after each action-packed day. Plus, the night rate includes bedding, breakfast, WiFi, and free access to the local swimming pool. 

Secret Garden Cotopaxi, Ecuador

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Just outside Cotopaxi National Park, with front-row views of the volcano that it’s named after, this hostel is deliberately placed for adventures in nature. Choose from guided treks to the summits of Pasochoa (4,200m), Sincholagua (4,900m), or Cotopaxi itself (5,897m). Or do all three with their 4-day, 3-night package.

You get a lot of bang for your buck at this hostel — included in the price of your dorm bed (or private room) are three meals a day, unlimited water and hot drinks, a guided tour to nearby waterfalls, and access to the hot tub and sunroom. There’s no WiFi though, so pack those mobile phones away and enjoy the experience (and remember, you can still update your Polarsteps trip in offline mode 😉).

Forest Lodge, New Zealand 

Image courtesy of Forest Lodge

This off-grid, alpine escape with dorms and private rooms is under two hours’ drive from Christchurch, but you wouldn’t know it from its isolated surroundings. By day, you’re gazing at the mountains, and at night the galaxies reveal themselves without any interference from light pollution.

In summer, guests can climb the spectacular boulders at Castle Hill, or tackle the nearby Craigieburn mountain-bike trails. In winter, the lodge caters to skiers and snowboarders — in fact, its original structure was built 100 years ago by members of a ski club. There’s also a natural ice rink at the lodge for anyone who wants a wilderness skating experience. 

Loch Ossian Youth Hostel, Scotland

Loch Ossian Youth Hostel/Ridgeline Prints Photography

Right on the edge of the loch, this off-grid hostel has an old-school feel but is also forward thinking, with sustainable initiatives that include composting toilets, a reed-bed grey-water drainage system, and even bat-friendly paint. The hostel’s remote location is also sustainable by default, as it’s not reachable by car. 

How to get there? Either on foot, by bike, by train, or a combination of all three. Corrour railway station, one of the UK’s highest, is a 20-minute walk from the hostel’s doors — and the train journey has the bonus of crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct (you’ll likely recognize it from the ‘Harry Potter’ movies). Once you’re at Lake Ossian, hill walks and dark-sky nights await!

Mountain Hostel Tarter, Andorra

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Thick stone walls, wood-beamed ceilings, and cozy fires keep guests warm even during winter at this Andorran mountain hostel. Its design, decor, and facilities are luxurious for a hostel — end long days spent cycling, hiking, and skiing with time in the hot tub or heated outdoor pool, chats in the chic communal areas, or dinner from the hostel’s very own food truck. 

Mountain-bikers can store, wash, and repair their bike in the fully-equipped bike room, and winter sports enthusiasts can rent skis and snowboards directly from the hostel. And there’s absolutely no need to hang your wet clothes over the nearest radiator — there’s a dedicated room for that, too! 

Khotso Lodge, South Africa

Image courtesy of Khotso Lodge

Book a bunk in the dorm at Khotso Lodge, and although you’ll only be paying a fraction of the price of travelers in the accommodation’s fancier private rooms and rondavels, you’ll still have access to the homey, wood-paneled communal areas, which offer wraparound views of the magnificent Underberg Valley. 

What’s more, wherever they’re sleeping, all guests share the same adventures. Team up with other travelers for hikes in Southern Drakensberg, or sign up for adventurous multi-day horseback-riding expeditions that cross the border into Lesotho. Either way, you’ll experience dramatic scenery in a remote area that sees few tourists.

Cover image: Loch Ossian Youth Hostel/Ridgeline Prints Photography