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Barabas - Hostel

3.0 star property
Travelers find a cultural crossroads in Old Town Lucerne where a former prison has transformed into a vibrant hostel with Swiss-Japanese character

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Barabas - Hostel in Old Town Lucerne blends Swiss hospitality with Japanese design. Visitors can unwind on the terrace, stroll through the Japanese garden, or enjoy billiards and arcade games. The staff consistently earns praise for their helpfulness.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 14 of 14 rooms

View all photos for Standard Twin Room

Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room | Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Double Room

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(20 reviews)

Highlights

Fan
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Wardrobe or closet
Daily housekeeping
Laptop workspace
Desk
  • 118 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Superior Twin Room

Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Superior Twin Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Free cribs/infant beds
Fan
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Wardrobe or closet
Daily housekeeping
Desk
Laptop workspace
  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Large Twin Beds

View all photos for Triple Room

Triple Room | Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Triple Room

7.0 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Fan
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Wardrobe or closet
Daily housekeeping
Laptop workspace
Desk
  • 118 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Standard Quadruple Room

Standard Quadruple Room | Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Quadruple Room

7.8 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Fan
Private bathroom
Eco-friendly toiletries
Wardrobe or closet
Daily housekeeping
Laptop workspace
Desk
  • 118 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Standard Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Highlights

Fan
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Wardrobe or closet
Daily housekeeping
Laptop workspace
Desk
  • 323 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Women only

Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Shared Dormitory, Women only

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Fan
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Wardrobe or closet
Daily housekeeping
Laptop workspace
Desk
  • 269 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Bed in 6 Beds Female Dormitory

Shower, eco-friendly toiletries, hair dryer, towels

Bed in 6 Beds Female Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

Deluxe Double Room | Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Deluxe Double Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Free cribs/infant beds
Fan
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Wardrobe or closet
Daily housekeeping
Laptop workspace
Desk
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

Bathroom | Shower, eco-friendly toiletries, hair dryer, towels

Deluxe Double Room

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Bed in 6 Beds Mixed Dormitory

Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Bed in 6 Beds Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Quadruple Room with External Private Shower

Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Quadruple Room with External Private Shower

  • Sleeps 4

View all photos for Triple Room

Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Triple Room

  • Sleeps 3

View all photos for Superior Twin Room

Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Superior Twin Room

  • Sleeps 3
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About the neighborhood

Located in Old Town Lucerne, a neighborhood in Lucerne, Barabas - Hostel is near a train station and near a boardwalk/promenade. Entlebuch Biosphere and The Swiss Path reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Natur-Museum and Richard Wagner Museum. Sommerrodelbahn Fräkigaudi and Kanuwelt Buochs GmbH are also worth visiting. Explore all the area has to offer with mountain climbing, hiking/biking trails, and mountain biking.
Visit our Lucerne travel guideOpens in a new window
View more Hostels in LucerneOpens in a new window
Map
Löwengraben, 18, Lucerne, 6004

What's nearby

  • Lucerne Town Hall - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Jesuit Church - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Chapel Bridge - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Hertensteinstrasse - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • KKL Lucerne - 8 min walk - 0.7 km

Getting around

  • Lucerne Station - 9 min walk
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) - 62 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Zum Weissen Kreuz - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Rathaus Brauerei - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Mill'Feuille - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Heini Conditorei - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Barabas - Hostel

Hostel near Chapel Bridge
Take advantage of a terrace, a Japanese garden, and an arcade/game room at Barabas - Hostel. The on-site Japanese cuisine restaurant, Izakaya Nozomi, offers lunch and dinner. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Buffet breakfast (surcharge), express check-out, and express check-in
  • Tour/ticket assistance, luggage storage, and an elevator
  • Bicycle tour information, smoke-free premises, and a 24-hour front desk
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All 60 rooms include comforts such as laptop-friendly workspaces, in addition to amenities like free WiFi.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Heating and fans
  • Bathrooms with eco-friendly toiletries and showers
  • Wardrobes/closets, LED light bulbs, and daily housekeeping

Similar properties

Front of property
Youth Hostel Luzern
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, 199 reviews
The price is NT$4,269
NT$4,620 total
includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: CHF 13 for adults and CHF 13 for children
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Izakaya Nozomi

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycle tours
  • Billiards/pool table

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator

More

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

More

  • Bulk dispensers for toiletries
  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Fan
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • LED lighting
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of CHF 10 per pet, per night
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
1 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: CHF 2.40 per person, per night. This tax does not apply to children under 16 years of age.

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately CHF 13 for adults and CHF 13 for children
  • Pet fee: CHF 10 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
This property uses a grey water recycling system
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Guests traveling with a service animal must contact the property prior to arrival.

We should mention

This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property is also known as

Barabas Hostel Lucerne
Barabas Hostel
Barabas Lucerne
Barabas
Barabas Hostel
Barabas - Hostel Lucerne
Barabas - Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Barabas - Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Lucerne

Frequently asked questions

Is Barabas - Hostel pet-friendly?

Yes, this hostel allows pets (limit 1 total). There's a fee of CHF 10 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking?

This hostel doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at Barabas - Hostel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

What time is check-out at Barabas - Hostel?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Where is Barabas - Hostel located?

Located in Old Town Lucerne, this hostel is within a 5-minute walk of Mill Bridge and Chapel Bridge. Lucerne Town Hall and Rosengart Collection are just steps away. Lucerne Station is 9 minutes by foot and Lucerne (QLJ-Lucerne Train Station) is 9 minutes.

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Reviews

Barabas - Hostel Reviews

8.4

Very Good

9.0

Cleanliness

8.6

Location

9.0

Staff & service

8.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 196 out of 429 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 157 out of 429 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 49 out of 429 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 14 out of 429 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 13 out of 429 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful Staff/ Great Place to Stay
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great, central location. Perfect for any type of traveling - youth groups, families, solo... Great hotel for a great price.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Landon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect for two people! Easy to check into and close to all the major attractions in Lucerne.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Right in the heart of Lucerne with everything very close by. Very helpful front desk staff and super clean.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Hsiu-Ying

Clean room / basic Breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Mauricio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The breakfast seemed nice but I did not take advantage because I had an early train this hotel is right in the middle of the old city, very close to everything you want to see also plenty of restaurants bars and shops, the rooms are a bit small for 4 people but manageable
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Denny

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is a fun idea of staying in prison, it is barebones but clean with a really good breakfast. I would recommend Barabas to anyone in Lucerne.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sonia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room and bathroom were spacious and clean. Bed and pillows were very comfy. Staff was very helpful and kind. Breakfast was ok. The hotel is very well situated. Shops and restaurants are close by and short walking distance from the train station
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Luke

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was in good location. Beds lacked privacy. Everything else was good
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Xiaohong

Liked: Amenities
Staff are very friendly and helpful!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Eduardo

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was great
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super friendly and helpful staff. Room, shared bathroom and building in general very clean. Excellent breakfast buffet. Looking forward to my next stay!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unique stopover in Lucerne. Whole family loved their night in prison. Friendly staff. Very clean. Fantastic location. Great value.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yinglan

It’s good location
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

william

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Staff was very good and they helped us with everything we needed. We would stay there again
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Nicholas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay and location for the price. Rooms are small but you know that going into it. Would book again!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Judy

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and very friendly staff.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leonardo

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really loved this hotel. It has really nice rooms and had AC and the staff was really nice. We also tried their restaurant which was really good. Breakfast was good. We stayed in the Japanese style rooms. If I come back to Switzerland I will stay here the whole time.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yanin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location, comfy bed

The location is great, walking distance to all main attractions.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sriram

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent service, historic location and concenuent access to train station.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laurie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unique property in a former jail. We stayed in the Hotel Nozomi portion. Quiet, comfortable beds, plenty of hot water, very clean. Everything in the room (Nozomi 3) seemed new and is in great condition. Breakfast was included and there were a lot of choices (granola, cheese, bread, yogurt, fruit, etc). A supermarket is across the street. Walkable from the train station. Take water with you as restaurants charge for tap water. We would definitely stay again.
On our ceiling in Nozomi 3
These rooms are in a different part of the hotel from where we stayed. I didn’t get a good look inside
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
very good location near train station, attractions and restaurants
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mariam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Barabas Hostel is in a perfect location , close to transportations, shops and picture opp of the place. I loved it. Well recommended. I would love to stay there again whenever I come back to Luzern..and would recommend to my friends, relatives and to everyone. Great place our dormitory is very spacious .Staffs are very friendly and accommodating. Thank you so much. Mariam of Alberta, Canada
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alessandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed my stay! Friendly and informative staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Miralla

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good place to stay!

We had an amazing stay at barabas hotel. The room we stayed in was huge the washroom was pristine.Everything was clean. Room had coffee machine and fridge with soda in them. Lots of storage space.The self check in was not working when we arrived, however they have 24 hr reception and one of the staff members helped us right away. The breakfast was basic . I would highly recommend staying at this location. We really enjoyed our day here and truly appreciate the fact they offer free luggage storage before and after checkout.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025