This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Oban.
Oban, Scotland, meaning "The Little Bay" in Scottish Gaelic, is better known as "Gateway to the Isles" -- it is where the breathtakingly beautiful railway journey from Queens Street railway station in Glasgow ends and the Scottish travel experience can be continued by taking a Caledonian MacBrayne's ferry to one of the fascinating islands in both Inner and Outer Hebrides (Lismore, Colonsay, Islay, Coll, Tiree, Mull, Iona, Barra or South Uist).
Oban has a great location at the seafront and is one of the busiest ferry ports in the Hebrides; it is a nice town in which to spend few days before heading to the islands or taking a train back to Glasgow. The sea view is enjoyable and you can also enjoy many kinds of activities from kayaking to puffin diving; and the conservation-oriented Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary is worth a visit. Furthermore, visitors interested in Scottish history will be happy to have a look at the Dunollie and Dunstaffnage castles, or visit the small but informative War & Peace Museum to get familiar with Oban's role in world wars. In addition, Oban has its own distillery and a reasonable number of lively restaurants and coffeeshops. The long summer nights offer some kind of nightlife, but, honestly speaking, Oban isn't a party-goers first choice by any means; it is a place to relax and enjoy the sea view with the addition of some cultural activities.
There are several accommodation options from simple budget hostels in Oban, Scotland, to luxurious hotel rooms, but they fill up quickly in peak season, so make sure you book in advance. Oban, Scotland hostels are a good bet -- there are both private and association-owned hostels in Oban, Scotland, and the town is small and easily walkable, so the location of your Oban, Scotland hostel should not be an issue.
Written by local enthusiast for Oban hostels
Lotta Kauppi