The world’s 10 most spectacular hostels

Hostelling International offers more than 4000 hostels in over 80 countries. No one hostel is like another, all of them are unique in their own way. But one thing the majority have in common is that they are located in extraordinary surroundings or unusual buildings. These are the 10 most spectacular hostels of all.

1. Sleep in the tree tops at Brumund hostel in Norway. The cosy tree house cabin sits high up in a 200 year old pine tree, overlooking magnificent bush land. It’s the perfect natural escape for rest and relaxation.

2. Live like royalty in a real highland castle at Scotland’s Carbisdale Castle. The castle has been home to various wealthy and influential people, and once served as a royal refuge. There is a large art collections and Italian marble statues, and you may even get to see the ghost! Set in an area of natural Scottish beauty, it’s fit for a king.

3. The Australian hostel Railway Square in Sydney offers a unique experience in railway carriage dorms on Central Station’s former platform Zero. The adjacent main building is also an historic 1904 warehouse, which is converted into contemporary modern accommodation.

4. Stay in a famous Swedish landmark at the af Chapman hostel in Stockholm; a tall sailing ship overlooking the Old Town and the Royal Palace. Built in England in 1888, the af Chapman has travelled the world carrying goods, operated as a training ship in the Swedish Navy and provided Navy accommodation before opening as a hostel in 1949.

5. For a nautically inspired night, Point Montara Lighthouse hostel lies on the rugged Californian coast of the USA. Built in 1875, the historic fog signal station and lighthouse has been preserved and restored to give an authentic experience. Visitors can watch the gray whale migration and see live video feeds from a sea bird colony located directly below Devil's Slide.

6. Experience a classic Chinese row house community at the Qixian hostel in Xi'an, China, which gives a real insight into China’s historical architecture. The original site dates back to the TANG dynasty (618AD) and has previously been a command post for one of the renowned red army troops. It is a haven of tranquility in the hustle and bustle of the city.

7. Get close and personal with nature and wildlife at Corbett Park YH in India. Set in an 11 acre site on the edge of the famous Corbett National Park, the hostel is surrounded by thick jungle on one side and the river Kosi on the other. A variety of adventure activities and safaris are offered. One of the most exciting is to go tiger spotting from an elephant’s back.

 
8. Sentence yourself to jail at the HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel, Canada. The hostel is located in a former prison that operated for over 100 years. Visitors to the Victorian-era architectural relic can sleep in the former jail cells, the prison hospital or the governor’s quarters. The un¬renovated eighth floor gives an insight into life as an inmate.

9. Find peace and quiet at Cadouin in France and discover what life as a monk could be like. The Cistercian abbey dates back to the 11th century and this unique outstanding architectural site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The hostel itself is located within the convent buildings of the abbey.

10. Experience an historic German landmark at the Colditz hostel. Set in the beautiful valley of the Zwickauer Mulde River, the famous castle was originally a POW camp in World War II and escape tunnels still exists allowing visitors to capture an unforgettable glimpse of the past.

All of Hostelling International’s 4000+ hostels are presented on www.hihostels.com .