Dockside Hostel Old Town

Küsel House from 1701 at Skeppsbron – a hostel in a Baroque façade

Dockside Hostel operates in Küsel House at Skeppsbron 40 in Gamla Stan. The building dates from 1701 and is a stone house with thick walls and an irregular floor plan, which affects the size and shape of the rooms in a way that differs markedly from modern hotel buildings. Because the walls are load-bearing and original, one cannot expect straight angles or standardised room dimensions – it is part of the building's character rather than a shortcoming.

The hostel was previously called 2kronor and operated under that name until autumn 2020, when a new owner took over the business and changed the name to Dockside. Operations are conducted at the same address as before.

The location is directly on Stockholm's waterfront along Skeppsbron. The Royal Palace is approximately five minutes' walk north along the quay, and the Nobel Museum is within a similar distance into the Gamla Stan district. The historic location means that guests are situated in the middle of one of Europe's best-preserved medieval city centres, with access to museums, churches and cultural environments right outside the door. The hostel is a small establishment – a scale that is noticeable in the common areas and corridors.

The hostel is open year-round. Reception is staffed for check-in between 3 pm and 6 pm. Those arriving outside these times need to contact the hostel in advance for assistance with arrival. Check-out is no later than 11 am. There is no 24-hour reception, which is important to take into account for early or late arrivals.

Room categories with up to eight beds and shared bathroom facilities

The hostel offers private rooms in the categories of single room, double room, four-bed room, five-bed, six-bed and eight-bed room, as well as dormitory beds. The private rooms can thus accommodate up to eight guests, whilst dormitory beds are shared with other guests. The fact that private rooms go up to eight beds means they can suit families or groups who want to stay together at a lower price per person than in a traditional hotel, but who still prefer not to share a room with strangers. It is an intermediate form that is common in hostel format and can be a cost-effective option for groups travelling together.

Each bed comes with a pillow and duvet. Bed linen is not included in the base price but is hired from reception, alternatively guests bring their own – either way, bed linen must be used. The hostel does not allow sleeping bags for hygiene reasons, which is worth noting for those who travel light and usually avoid packing bedding. Storage lockers with locks are available for guests who wish to secure valuables, and padlocks can be borrowed from reception.

All rooms – regardless of category – share toilets and showers that are located in the corridor, not in the rooms. Those seeking a private bathroom or private toilet will not find it here, and it is a fundamental trade-off for all room categories. The hostel suits travellers who prioritise location and price over private facilities and who are comfortable with shared bathrooms in hostel format. Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms.

Shared kitchen with freezer and microwave – complimentary coffee and tea

The hostel has a shared kitchen where guests can prepare simple meals. The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, freezer, microwave, kettle as well as cookware and cutlery. Coffee and tea are available at no extra cost in the kitchen. The hostel does not serve breakfast and there is no restaurant on site. For those accustomed to hotels with breakfast included, it is important to be aware of this at the time of booking, so that one can plan the morning routine in a different way.

The nearest grocery shop is at Järntorget, approximately two minutes' walk from the hostel. The lanes of Gamla Stan around Skeppsbron contain a wide range of cafés, pubs and restaurants in various price ranges, from simple lunch spots to more well-regarded evening restaurants. Those who want to cook for themselves can shop and store food in the kitchen's refrigerator or freezer, which makes the kitchen a practical option for longer stays or budget-conscious travellers who want to keep food costs down during their trip.

There is no room service and the hostel does not offer breakfast packages. Guests who want breakfast included in the price should choose other accommodation in the area. The kitchen is instead a self-catering option that works best for those who actively plan to use it – for example by shopping the evening before and heating food in the morning. It is not a substitute for restaurant service, but for the right type of traveller, it is a valuable feature that can reduce the total travel cost during a multi-day stay.

Djurgården ferry one minute away and buses directly outside the door

Skeppsbron 40 has a public transport location that differs from most central accommodation in Stockholm. The Djurgården ferry departs from a jetty approximately one minute's walk from the hostel, which provides a direct connection to Djurgården island with Skansen, Gröna Lund and the ABBA Museum without needing to take the underground or bus. It is a tangible practical advantage for those planning to visit Djurgården's attractions, as you can walk directly from the hostel door to the ferry jetty. Buses 2, 43, 55 and 76 stop directly outside the building on Skeppsbron.

Gamla Stan and Slussen underground stations are both within five minutes' walk in either direction along the quay. From Slussen, Stockholm Central Station and airport bus lines are reached by changing on the underground, which makes the connection to Arlanda relatively straightforward even without a car. Södermalm is reached on foot via Slussenbron, which makes the hostel a natural starting point even for those who want to explore Söder's restaurants, shops and cultural life without needing to plan public transport.

Car parking is available at Slussen, but the hostel offers no parking of its own and Gamla Stan is in practice car-free for through traffic. Those travelling by car should expect to park at paid parking nearby and investigate availability in advance, as parking spaces in the city centre can be limited and expensive. However, the hostel's location is strong for those moving about by public transport or on foot – the Nobel Museum, Stockholm Cathedral and the Royal Palace are all within walking distance from the door on Skeppsbron.