What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 10am 5pm - 10pm Tuesday 8am - 10am 5pm - 10pm Wednesday 8am - 10am 5pm - 10pm Thursday 8am - 10am 5pm - 10pm Friday 8am - 10am 5pm - 10pm Saturday 8am - 10am 5pm - 10pm Sunday 8am - 10am 5pm - 10pm

Ballater Hostel

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Ballater Hostel is one of the few five star hostels in Scotland. We are conveniently situated in a quiet courtyard near the centre of the village. Free WiFi.

Ballater is a perfect location for exploring the Eastern Cairngorms National Park and rural Aberdeenshire. Ideally located for Lochnagar, Balmoral Castle and Loch Muick. Walkers, cavers, climbers, cyclists and skiers appreciate our excellent drying room and secure storage area for bikes. We have a choice of shared bunkroom accommodation or private rooms. We are fully accessible for wheelchair users. Stunning common room with wood burning stove and TV.

27/08/2026

Did you know Ballater has it's own mountain bike festival?

Did you know it's always on the 3rd weekend in Sep?

Did you know this year the awesome Danny MacAskill will be appearing?

www.thriveballater.com 😊

08/07/2026

We set the challenge and the guests didn't disappoint 😆
Making a sculpture with your stripped linen.
Boom! Knocked out the park.
"A little girl and two ant hills" (inspired by the multiple ant hills seen day before).
Thank youuuuuuu!!

17/05/2026

2. Hostel Hopper

Sponsor: Hostel
Duck No: 2

Age: Val-deri, Val-dera
Height: 3 Ari’s tall (precise, scientific measurement)
Special Skills: Hitchhiking on river currents and finding free snacks
Crazy Fact: Has stayed in 42 puddles across Scotland
Motto: “Every stream’s a new adventure!”
Favourite Food: Leftover chips from tourists
Habitat: Ballater Hostel’s doorstep
This wandering waterfowl has checked into more rivers than any duck alive. Hostel Hopper travels light, races fast, and always carries a tiny backpack full of snacks. Known for hitching rides on passing currents and occasionally other ducks, Hopper is the ultimate budget adventurer of the race.
Catch me (if you can) at 3pm on Sunday 7th June as I fly down the River Dee with my fellow feathered Quacky Racers. Join us from 11am on The Greens for stalls, snacks, and seriously good duck-watching. Have a flutter—I’m the under-duck with overdrive!

18/07/2025

As is tradition when you leave a hostel we ask guests to strip their beds, and if they're up for it, create a sculpture out of their linen. A recent guest didn't disappoint 👏😆

26/05/2025

If you are around this Sunday why not come along to Ballater Duck Festival - and have a wee flutter on our duck - number 11 - "Top Bunk" 😊

09/05/2025

When you're exploring a place as special as the Cairngorms, having a friendly base makes all the difference. Our independent hostels aren't just about a bed for the night; they're run by people who know and love this region, ready to share their insights and make you feel at home.

At Fraoch Lodge, you can join their guided walks and come back to the smell of home baking – a real treat after a day in the mountains.

The folks at Ballater Hostel in the village are always ready with a warm welcome and can point you to the best local spots.

Discover the tranquillity of Glenbeg Bunkhouse and Bothy Cairngorms Activities, where the peaceful setting is perfect for unwinding after your Cairngorms explorations.

Experience the genuine hospitality at Prosen Hostel, a cosy and eco-conscious choice with stunning views right on its doorstep.

And at Dalwhinnie Old School Hostel, you'll find a unique place to stay with hosts who can help you make the most of your time in the area.

For a truly authentic Cairngorms experience, choose one of our independent hostels. You'll find a warm welcome and a perfect base for your adventures.

Find your friendly Cairngorms base at Scottish Hostels

24/03/2025

Introducing our newest staff member, all ready for the 2025 season, Elowen Daisy 💜. Slowly getting the hang of the admin side of things💻👍, yet to see assistance with the cleaning 🧹🙄.

10/09/2024

𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐑𝐮𝐧
Big hands up to 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 & 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐬 who came back to the hostel one year after their first attempt eager to improve on their time. And boy did they! They knocked 3mins 14secs off their time, taking 23mins 54 secs, meaning they are now jointed 5th in the under 18's league and jointed 46th overall. Amazing achievement 👊

19/08/2024

Another guest took on the 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗹 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝘂𝗻 challenge recently. 𝗟𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺𝘀 from southern England enthusiastically ran up and down in an awesome 22mins 51secs, putting him 38th overall and 28th male. Really well done Lloyd! And with a smile on your face at the end 😊

This was roughly a week after Ballater Hostel's own Dominique took on the official Hill Run on Ballater Games Day on 8th August, completing in a respectable 45mins. Planting ciders night before in a bush and completing the final lap of the games field with them certainly made it! 😆

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲???

Address

Bridge Square
Ballater
AB355QJ

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 10am
	5pm - 10pm
Tuesday	8am - 10am
	5pm - 10pm
Wednesday	8am - 10am
	5pm - 10pm
Thursday	8am - 10am
	5pm - 10pm
Friday	8am - 10am
	5pm - 10pm
Saturday	8am - 10am
	5pm - 10pm
Sunday	8am - 10am
	5pm - 10pm

Telephone

+441339753752

Website

http://www.ballater-hostel.com/

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