Large Swedish Hostelling International property on Södermalm island. Clean, well-run facility with private rooms and dorms, kitchen facilities, and metro access. Great value for families.
STF Vandrarhem Zinkensdamm is operated by the Swedish Tourist Association (STF), Sweden's affiliate of Hostelling International, and is one of the largest hostel properties in Stockholm. The building at Zinkens Väg 20 sits in western Södermalm, within a few hundred metres of Zinkensdamm T-bana station on the green metro line. The station provides direct connections to Stockholm Central in approximately 12 minutes and to Gamla Stan in roughly eight minutes. The immediate neighbourhood is residential Södermalm — quieter than the Götgatan corridor, with parks, playgrounds, and local services on nearby streets.
The property is a purpose-built hostel structure from the mid-twentieth century rather than a converted residential building, giving it a larger footprint and more practical layout than smaller competitors. The STF organisation maintains standards across its affiliated properties and Zinkensdamm reflects the network's emphasis on cleanliness, communal facilities, and family suitability over aesthetic ambition. Interiors are functional and dated in their styling, but well-maintained.
The accommodation range is broader than most Stockholm hostels: dormitories of four to six beds, twin and double private rooms with shared bathrooms, and family rooms that can accommodate two adults and up to three children. All dormitory beds include individual lockers, reading lights, and power access. The private rooms are simply furnished but offer more privacy than the hostel norm. Linen and towels are provided in private rooms; dorm guests can purchase or bring their own.
A large communal kitchen is equipped for significant numbers — multiple hob rings, ovens, and refrigerator space. This is frequently cited as one of the hostel's strongest features for budget travellers and families who want to reduce restaurant expenditure in an expensive city. A breakfast buffet is served daily for a supplement. Laundry facilities with machines and drying equipment are available. A common room with television, board games, and seating provides a social space without a bar environment.
A small parking area serves guests arriving by car, which is unusual for a central Stockholm accommodation. The property is particularly well-suited to families with young children, longer-stay budget travellers, and groups seeking dormitory accommodation with practical communal infrastructure.
Amenities
- kitchen
- family rooms
- laundry
- breakfast buffet
- parking
Location
Zinkens Väg 20, 117 41 Stockholm
59.3142, 18.0398 View on map
Highlights
- One of Stockholm's largest hostel properties, with a full range from dormitories to family rooms accommodating two adults and three children
- Well-equipped communal kitchen with multiple hobs, ovens, and large refrigerator space — major advantage for families and budget travellers in an expensive city
- Small on-site parking area available — rare for a centrally located Stockholm accommodation
- STF/Hostelling International affiliation with consistent cleanliness and operational standards across the network
- Breakfast buffet available daily as a supplement, and laundry facilities on-site with machines and drying room
Tips for visiting
- Family rooms book fast in summer — reserve at least two months ahead if travelling with children in June, July, or August
- HI membership (or STF membership) reduces the nightly rate; a one-year membership typically pays for itself after two nights
- The communal kitchen is large enough to cook group meals — the ICA Maxi supermarket at Hornstull, 1.5 kilometres south, has the widest grocery selection in the area
- Zinkensdamm station's green metro line runs frequently; the eight-minute journey to Gamla Stan is faster than most Stockholm central hotel walks to the same destination
- Tantolunden park is five minutes' walk south and has a beach, allotment gardens, and a café with outdoor seating — a good family half-day option
When to visit
May to September for best conditions and use of Tantolunden park beach. The hostel operates year-round; winter is quieter and rates are lower.
Accessibility
Ground-floor accessible rooms are available. Lift to upper floors. The building was constructed as a hostel so doorway widths and bathroom configurations vary; contact the property to confirm specific accessible room availability. Car park access reduces the need for public transit transfers.