Backpacking in Kaliningrad🇷🇺: My Wacky Stay at the Crazy Dog Hostel in Kaliningrad City

“You’re turning every modern theory on its head” – Gruff Rhys.

Backpacking in Kaliningrad: My Wacky Stay at the Crazy Dog Hostel in Kaliningrad City

Things are always a bit wacky with me. A little bit left of the middle, a bit obscure and a tad crazy. I just don’t buy any concept of normal because life is too short for silly billy rules. So when I heard about a backpackers in Kaliningrad called the CRAZY DOG HOSTEL, I knew this was to be my backpacker spot in the city after a night of bliss and luxury in the trendy Ibis Hotel. I managed to get a visa for four days in the end. It meant three full nights in the country and a crossing by bus in and out of Poland. As well, it meant I could add another autonomous and debated region to my growing repertoire. Even some well travelled people from the Cycle On Hostel in Gdansk were unaware that there was a country called Kaliningrad (Russia) just 4 hours away by bus! So off I went.

Whackpacking Kaliningrad with Lenin

When backpacking Kaliningrad, head to the Crazy Dog hostel and be ready for a cool experience both inside and outside the hostel. Here’s the top tips on staying here.

The Crazy Dog hostel is on a residential street

1.Residential and Local
The Crazy Dog is situated in a residential area of Kaliningrad, so you’re part of the neighbourhood here. I loved this contrast to my Ibis Hotel stay, which was in the heart of the city centre. Both places gave me unique experiences.

The Crazy Dog hostel is on a residential street

2.A Little Bit Crazy
OK not too much, but just a little it crazy here. There is no crazy dog anymore, but the interior decor has a quirky feel to it and this is a good hostel to meet people in. Knowing Russian is pretty advantageous as you can tell most of my dorm mates were Russian!

Oh the Crazy Dog!

3.Ten Minutes Walk from Park Yunost
Park Yunost is less than a ten minute walk from the Crazy Dog. This park has quite a few of the best attractions in the city. For me, the wackiest of these by far was the Upside Down House! I will write more about Park Yunost when I get round to reviewing the city and its sights.

Upside Down House in Park Yunost

Park Yunost – Ferris Wheel

Park Yunost – Center for Development of Interpersonal Communication

4.Relaxed, Family, Homely Feel
Crazy Dog Hostel is like a home. The fact it is in a house and over 3 floors already gives it the feel of a communal residence. The kitchen is open plan and there is a cosy area upstairs to relax.