Slovenia is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, slowly being discovered by travellers and young backpackers who are blown away by its natural beauty. All over Slovenia, it is possible to stay in affordable and quality hostels that cater to all kinds of travellers, which makes them perfect for anyone wondering what their next travel destination should be. Keep reading to learn more about Slovenia and the Hostelling International organisation.
Slovenia is often overlooked by travellers due to its neighbours like Italy and Croatia. But those who decide to give it a try usually say they were pleasantly surprised and can’t wait to return.
Because of its compact size, you can be on the mountains in the morning, spend an afternoon by a lake, and end your day by the seaside, all this without spending too much time on the road.
The most common places people visit are the capital Ljubljana, Lake Bled, and the coastal city Piran. But these are just the basics of travelling in Slovenia. If you’re looking to discover the country more deeply, you need to know which places offer the best accommodation for a reasonable price.
Hostelling International Slovenia is an organisation based in Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city. Since the beginning of the organisation, their goal has been to give young people a chance to travel, learn and meet others across cultures in a welcoming and respectful setting.
Hostelling International brings together thousands of hostels in countries around the world. HI Slovenia being a part of this network means sharing the standards and focusing on safety, quality, and a common belief that travelling means learning about cultures and places through direct experience.
Let’s look at the best options Slovenia has to offer if you’re looking for a hostel adventure.
The Fuzzy Log in Ljubljana is the best choice for those who want a central stay with a social feel. The hostel is near the old town and all the main city spots. You also get a rooftop view over the city which provides a quiet moment above the city’s hustle and bustle.
Hostel Zzz is Slovenia’s only party hostel. It’s located above the legendary club K4 and Bar Zorica, where you will find concerts, DJ sets, cocktails, and local beers just steps from your room. Guests also get a wristband for entry to many Ljubljana clubs, which makes it the perfect base for nightlife and city adventures.
Lake Bled with its famous church island is one of Slovenia’s most popular destinations. Because of its reputation, it can be quite expensive, so most people choose to visit it on a day trip. However, if you’d like to spend more time exploring the area, an affordable option to stay overnight is the Youth Hostel Bus Station Beds.
The hostel is right next to the main bus station located in a recently renovated old town building. From the hostel, you can easily do trips with bikes or rent a SUP and enjoy the lake in the summertime, all while admiring the surrounding mountains and attractions. The hostel also has a terrace overlooking the lake, which is the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a busy day.
If you’re looking to stay right on the shores of Lake Bohinj in the heart of Triglav National Park, then Youth Hostel Pod Voglom is the right choice for you. The hostel is surrounded by nature and has a large outdoor terrace with lake views and easy access to hiking, cycling, and water activities. The location is easy to reach from Ljubljana by bus, with free parking included for those travelling by car.
Hostel Panorama in the coastal town of Portorož stands on a hill above the city, and has a large garden, terrace and space for picnics or unwinding in the sun, which makes it ideal for a seaside vacation. The outdoor areas include stone patios, showers, barbecue spots, and lawns that make it easy to enjoy the coastal scenery and relax after exploring nearby Piran and the Slovenian Riviera.
Youth Hostel in Debeli Rtič sits near one of the few untouched parts of the Slovenian coast, with cliffs, beaches, and rich wildlife right on your doorstep. All accommodations are just a short walk from the central beach and pools.
There is an outdoor area with a bar where you can unwind, and from the hostel, you can take a boat to the nearby coastal towns like Koper, Izola, and Piran.
The Postojna Cave in Slovenia is a vast underground world of tunnels, chambers, stalactites, stalagmites, and of course home to the proteus or "human fish", as the locals call it. If you’d like to take some time to explore the cave and the world's largest cave castle nearby, then you should make Youth Hostel Proteus in the heart of Postojna your base. The hostel sits in a large park with over a hundred trees and is just a short walk from the cave and the Predjama castle.
Youth Hostel Pekarna is just a stone’s throw from Maribor city centre. At the same time, it feels tucked away in its own little world of green spaces. The hostel used to be part of an old bakery, as the name pekarna suggests. Today, however, it’s full of life, with creative rooms, and a direct link to the youth cultural centre downstairs.
During your stay, you can sip coffee or hang out in the small park outside, or join a concert, exhibition, or workshop. If relaxing is more your style, you can grab a book from the library and lounge on the sunny terrace instead.
Not everyone outside Slovenia knows Celje, the country’s third largest city, but it is full of history, legends, and hidden surprises. Youth Hostel Celje sits right in the heart of the old town, close to the main train and bus stations.
The hostel itself is full of character, with rooms inspired by local myths and creative projects by young Celje artists. You might fall asleep under a sparkling lake, discover a ninja-themed room, or learn what Alfred Nobel once did there.
Shared spaces, a kitchen, and a winter garden make it easy to meet other travellers, and free bike rentals let you explore the city like a local. Cultural spots, cafés, and the lively Celje Youth Center are just steps away, which gives you plenty of chances to learn more about Slovenia beyond the usual tourist route.
Kamnik’s Youth Hostel Pod Skalo, which literally means “under a rock” because of its tucked-away location below the hill, is designed to feel like you’re staying with family. The hostel, B&B, and pub share the same cozy space, filled with charming details like arched ceilings and a traditional bread oven.
Kamnik is a medieval town right beneath the Alps and combines beautiful nature with history and tradition. You can visit castle ruins with stunning mountain views or enjoy a slow afternoon in one of the cosy cafés in the old town. Kamnik is also the perfect base for exploring Velika Planina, one of Slovenia’s most beautiful alpine plateaus, known for its traditional shepherd huts and breathtaking scenery.
Not all Slovenian HI hostels were covered in this article. If you’re looking to discover Slovenia off the beaten path, you can find more options here.
Slovenia is full of surprises. While it doesn’t have huge glamorous cities, you can expect quaint villages, peaceful mountains, and beautiful lakes. The best way to see it is through its hostels, where every stay brings new friends, local stories, and unforgettable experiences.
Hostelling International Slovenia makes exploring easy and affordable. HI members can also enjoy discounts at all hostels, plus special perks and events.
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