Live prices for your dates · free cancellation on many rooms

Hostel · Cologne · North Rhine-Westphalia

Weltempfaenger Backpacker Hostel

A sociable, budget-minded base in Cologne's Ehrenfeld district, a short ride from the Old Town.

  • Right by the U-Bahn for easy city access
  • Included breakfast to start the day
  • Shared kitchen and common areas for socialising
8.4 Great 1497 reviews Booking.com 8.4 · 1497 reviews

About

Weltempfaenger Backpacker Hostel

Weltempfaenger Backpacker Hostel sits on Venloer Strasse in Cologne's Ehrenfeld, a multicultural, artsy neighbourhood known for its indie shops and cafes. The property is about a 10-minute drive from the Alter Markt and the historic Old Town, but the U-Bahn station right outside makes getting around straightforward.

The hostel offers Wi-Fi throughout, a shared kitchen, and a bar and lounge area. Rooms range from single and twin rooms to private quadruple and triple options, plus mixed and female-only dorms. Breakfast is included, and a car park is available for those driving.

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • No pets allowed
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

5 reasons to book
  • Exceptional staff — Guests repeatedly praise the friendly, helpful team for advice and service.
  • Unbeatable transport links — The U-Bahn station sits right outside, making city exploration effortless.
  • Breakfast included — A solid start to the day with a varied spread, at no extra cost.
  • Clean, comfortable rooms — Rooms match the photos, with en-suite bathrooms in many options and comfy beds.
  • Great value — Affordable prices for the location and included perks like breakfast and a shared kitchen.

Worth weighing

4 to weigh
  • Comfort could be better — The comfort score lags behind other categories, suggesting beds or quietness may not suit everyone.
  • Check-in window is tight — Check-in is only between 15:00 and 20:00, so late arrivals need to plan ahead.
  • Limited facilities — Facilities score is lower than average; there's no on-site gym or spa beyond the basic amenities.
  • No pets allowed — Travellers with pets will need to look elsewhere.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Single Room

  • 1 Single bed

4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Female only

  • 1 Bed in shared room

Quadruple Room

  • Sleeping arrangements for 4 persons

4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating

Triple Room

  • Sleeping arrangements for 3 persons
  • Shower
  • Heating

4 Bed Dormitory Room Dormitory Room Mixed

  • 1 Bed in shared room
  • Shower
  • Heating

Twin Room

  • 2 Single beds,1 Double bed,2 Bunk beds
  • Shower
  • Heating

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • No pets allowed
  • Luggage storage
  • Heating
  • Shared kitchen
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Key access
  • Cots
  • Carpeted floor

Safety

  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

8.4
Great 1497 reviews

Guest-rated 8.4/10 from 1,497 reviews

Booking.com · 8.4 · 1497 reviews
8.4Verified guest

“A fantastic stay. The location was super convenient right next to the U-Bahn, and the staff were friendly and full of great tips. There's a nice pub nearby with reasonable prices and a tasty Asian place next door. The old swimming pool spa 500 metres away was a unique experience, and there were cheap hairdressers around too. The vibe was cute, with easy-going people to chat with — I even had a pleasant conversation in French with a German girl from Freiburg.”

8.4Verified guest

“Great value for money in a hipster neighbourhood. The location is fantastic, right in front of the subway station. Rooms are clean and comfortable, just like the pictures, and having a private bathroom was a plus. Breakfast included was a nice touch.”

8.4Verified guest

“In a quiet area close to the subway and city centre. The vintage cafe-bar adds charm and has live music. Budget-friendly for students, with clean rooms and facilities. Friendly staff and a nice common room for cooking and hanging out. Drinks are discounted at the pub below.”

8.4Verified guest

“Great area just outside the city centre in a hipster neighbourhood. The metro stop right next door made exploring easy. Basic amenities were well-kept, with comfy beds and en-suite bathrooms. The decently equipped kitchen was a bonus, and breakfast was included each morning.”

8.4Verified guest

“The attached cafe was a great daytime spot with a good menu and fair prices, staffed by friendly people. The multicultural, artsy neighbourhood gave a unique vibe. Our room was spacious and had everything we needed.”

8.4Verified guest

“Excellent value with affordable prices and real attention to detail. Comfortable beds and private bathrooms with showers. Location is perfect, right in front of the subway, and breakfast included ensures a good start.”

04 — Location

Getting around Cologne

The property sits in Cologne.

Ehrenfeld: The hostel sits in Ehrenfeld, a multicultural, artsy district known for indie shops, cafes, and a relaxed vibe — a refreshing alternative to the touristy Old Town.

Old Town: The historic Old Town with Alter Markt is about a 10-minute drive, or a quick ride on the U-Bahn from the station outside the hostel.

Getting Around: The U-Bahn station directly in front of the hostel is the key to exploring Cologne; guests also note grocery stores and small shops within walking distance.

Venloer Str. 196, Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, 50823, Germany

Open in Google Maps

05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 15:00-20:00
Check-out
By 07:00-12:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
35 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 15:00 to 20:00, and check-out is between 07:00 and 12:00.

Is breakfast included in the stay?

Yes, breakfast is included and served each morning, with a good variety of options according to guest reviews.

Is there parking available at the hostel?

Yes, a car park is available, though no details on pricing or reservation are specified.

Are pets allowed at the hostel?

No, pets are not allowed on the premises.

Does the hostel offer Wi-Fi?

Yes, Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

What room types are available?

The hostel has single, twin, triple, and quadruple rooms, plus 4-bed and 6-bed dormitories (mixed and female-only for some 4-bed options).

The bottom line

Weltempfaenger is a reliable, well-run hostel that delivers on the essentials — a friendly welcome, clean rooms, and a location that makes Cologne easy. The tight check-in and modest comfort mean it's not for everyone, but for budget travellers and sociable backpackers, it's a strong choice.

8.4A dependable budget stay in Ehrenfeld with a great staff and transport links.

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