Everyone knows that at the front of Sweden people are extra social and the service level is high. A perfect example of this is Slottsskogens Hostel in central Gothenburg. It offers secure bike storage, drying rooms and great routes for both road and mountain biking, but also a range of social activities. Guests get to know each other in the self-catering kitchen, and bar crawls and karaoke are organized during the week. We asked co-owner Christian Dahl to tell us more about what makes his hostel special.
At Slottsskogens Hostel you offer accommodation, bike rental and good storage of the bike for those who bring their own. What would you say is what makes your guests really happy?
What makes our guests extra happy is probably that we have created a concept that fits really well when you come by bike. The guest can relax when the bike is safely locked in our bike room. It will be even more relaxing if they take advantage of our free sauna hours. If it has rained during the trip, you will be extra pleased to be able to hang your wet pinals in our drying room. Many people choose to cook in our self-catering kitchens. It is both a good way to keep costs down and also a good meeting place with other guests.
Is there anything else where you think you offer something special?
What makes us most unique is that we have free events several days a week. It's the best way to get to know other travelers and the nightlife in Gothenburg. Most of the time it is bar rounds or karaoke that is offered.
You are two brothers who run Slottsskogens Hostel. Do you have any personal favorite tours?
Yes, that's right. My brother Fredrik mostly cycles by road and he loves the Lygnern tour. It is a scenic and varied area. Part of the area is called the Swiss Valley, as it feels like our Alps here in Gothenburg. There are also many watering holes along the way. Both in the form of cozy cafes and attractions.
I myself am mostly into mountain biking and also bikepacking. Favorite areas are Änggårdsbergen, a stone's throw from the hostel and also the Delsjö area, with extensive forests and varied cycling. Or when I want to stick to roads, I head out to the islands in the northern archipelago. There are nice bike paths from us to the ferry at Lilla Varholmen. You can bring a bike on the ferry and then have nice bike paths on islands such as Öckerö, Hönö and more. There are a total of five large islands that are connected by bridges and ferry lines.
Those who want to spend a night or more at Slottsskogens Hostel on their cycling trip can use Sweden by Bikes new Benefit Card. Benefit card holders receive a 10% discount on accommodation.
