the swiss alps hostel.
Balmers is the first private hostel in Switzerland!
Your home away from home in Interlaken...
Balmers Hostel
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What is Balmers Hostel?
Balmers Hostel is Switzerland’s oldest privately owned hostel, set in three charming Swiss chalets surrounded by mountain peaks waiting to be explored. It’s a relaxed, social place where travelers can connect, unwind, and enjoy a playful, one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Oh, and before we forget, we do throw a party or two, especially in high season.
Who is Balmers Hostel for?
Balmers Hostel is for open-minded and easygoing travelers aged 18 and over, looking for more than just a place to sleep.
Whether you’re here to explore the Swiss Alps, meet like-minded people from around the world, or simply relax and enjoy the vibe, Balmers is your home away from home.
We welcome solo travellers, groups of up to 8 people, and anyone with a sense of adventure and respect for others.
What time is check in and check out?
Check in starts at 4 pm/ Check out is until 10 am. On check out we kindly ask you to bring down your bed sheets as well as duvet covers and pillow covers.
I'm arriving really late, will I still be able to check in?
Yes, but you’ll have to check in online. We’ll then prepare your keys so that you can get to your room after reception closes.
How do I get to the hostel from the train station / bus station?
By bus:
From the Interlaken West station take the bus number 105 and get off at the stop Hotel Sonne. This takes 5 minutes
From the Ost Station take the bus number 104 and get off at the stop Hotel Sonne. This takes 5 minutes
We are about 30 meters from both stops. Bus fare is Sfr 3.80 per person. Busses start running from 07.00am till about 20:30pm.once you arrive at the hostel we will provide you with a free bus pass for your convenience and for the remainder of your stay
Walking:
It takes about 20 minutes from both stations
From Interlaken West station – turn left out of the station and follow the main street, turn right at the traffic circle just after Mc Donalds all the way down. Stay on the left hand side of the road and walk straight until you see brown signs pointing to Balmers. Follow these signs
How to get to Balmers from Interlaken West Station
From Interlaken Ost station – exit straight out of station, between the bank and the Coop shopping Centre, straight through two traffic circles, and follow brown signs to Balmers.
You can also get a taxi for about 15 chf from either train station.
How to get to Balmers from Interlaken Ost Station
From the airport:
We have three major airports, Zurich, Geneva and Basel
Click on the following link to see the time schedules, no need to book a seat in Switzerland and you can purchase your tickets on arrival.
https://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html
Get Social
#balmershostel
❄️ Ancient ice, epic views. The glaciers near Interlaken aren’t just cool, they’re legendary. Hike up, breathe in that crisp alpine air, and witness nature in slow motion.
Pro tip: bring sunglasses, it glares.
👇 Have you ever seen a glacier up close? Tell us where, or tag someone who needs to!
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" www.balmers.com/explore-the-best-mountains-around-interlaken/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @stelladefrain
🐮 You’ll hear them before you see them — Swiss cows with their iconic bells, living their best alpine life just a yodel away from Balmers.
Yes, they’re cute. Yes, they might be judging your hiking shoes.
👇 Ever met a cow on a trail? Drop your funniest cow-encounter story in the comments!
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" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @stelladefrain
🛏️ Sleep, chill, repeat! Our dorms are made for backpackers who don’t just need a bed — they need a vibe.
Lockers? ✅ Showers? ✅ New friends? Definitely.
Whether you`re snoring or storytelling, this is the place.
👇 Tag your roomie or tell us your ultimate dorm survival tip in the comments.
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
🧠✨ Big brains. Bigger vibes.
Meet this week’s Trivia Night champs — they came, they guessed, they conquered… and yes, they now own a limited edition Balmers t-shirt 😎👕
Think you’ve got what it takes to dethrone them? Join us next round — same time, same chaos.
What’s your unbeatable trivia category? Drop it below 👇
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" www.balmers.com/adventure-hostel-interlaken/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
What a place 🤯
📍 Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe), Switzerland 🇨🇭
🏔️ At 3,571 metres, on the Sphinx observation deck, you can enjoy the view of Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in Europe, and the surrounding 4,000+ metres high mountains, which give a spectacular panorama.
🧊 Jungfraujoch also has an ice palace carved in the Aletsch Glacier, which offers a frosty experience with handmade ice sculptures and the lifelike works of art made of ice.
🚂 Did you know that the railway station of Jungfraujoch at 3,454 metres is the highest one in Europe? And its rails are going inside the mountains of Eiger and Mönch.
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Explore the best mountains around Interlaken
" www.balmers.com/explore-the-best-mountains-around-interlaken/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📽️ @tamas.pix
Some buildings feel like home before you even step inside 🏡✨
This one has welcomed travelers, dreamers, and mischief-makers since forever.
Whether you’re here for the mountains, the memories, or just a bed with good vibes — Balmers has your back.
Been here before? Drop a ❤️ if this place is in your travel story.
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @catdogfilmm
What to Do in One Day in Interlaken: The Perfect Itinerary
Short on time but big on adventure? Interlaken might be small, but it packs a serious punch. If you only have one day to explore this stunning region, don`t worry, we`ve put together the perfect itinerary to help you experience the best of what Interlaken has to offer.
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" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-in-one-day-in-interlaken-the-perfect-itinerary/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
🎉 What happens after hostel check-in?
👉 Balmers Club happens.
Basement dance floor, wild theme nights, cheap drinks, and the kind of stories you’ll almost remember 😅🍻
From “I’m just going for one” to “why is it 4 am?”, it all goes down here.
What’s your most questionable Balmers Club memory? 👀👇
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" www.balmers.com/club-nights/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
☀️🧺 What do you get when you mix hungry backpackers, a lake, and zero plans?
A classic Balmers sunset picnic, obviously.
We met at 5:45, brought questionable snacks, too much hummus, and just the right amount of chaos. Some swam, some sipped, some forgot towels... no regrets.
Been to a Balmers Lake picnic? What did you forget to bring? 😅👇
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" www.balmers.com/social-activities-get-together/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
🚂💨 When your ride to the top is older than your grandma… but WAY more scenic 😂
The Brienz Rothorn Bahn is a steam-powered legend with epic views, coal smoke, and zero WiFi (you’ll survive, promise).
Who’s sitting next to the person who brought snacks? 🍫👀
Tag your mountain train crew below!👇
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" www.balmers.com/best-panoramic-train-in-switzerland/ "
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Repost from @aisyaadif
Spanning 1.4 km, this dramatic canyon is carved through 200-meter-high cliffs by the powerful Aare River, which has been shaping the landscape for over 10,000 years. The walk through the gorge is an easy and family-friendly experience, but don’t let that fool you—it’s anything but ordinary. The sound of rushing water, towering rock walls, and sheer beauty of this spot will leave you in awe.
It can get busy, so if you want to beat the crowds and enjoy the gorge in peace, aim for late afternoon or early morning visits. On a sunny day, the blue water of the river will leave you speechless.
How to Get There:
📍 Aare Gorge (Aareschlucht) is located near Meiringen in the Bernese Oberland, Swiss Alps. You can access it via two entrances (East and West), with the option to walk through or make a loop if you’re driving.
Entry:
💸 CHF 12 (No reservation required)
🕒 Opening Hours: April-November, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (longer in high season)
Nearby Attractions & Hikes You Can’t Miss:
📍 Reichenbach Falls - Just a short drive away, this waterfall is not only iconic for its dramatic drop but also for its connection to Sherlock Holmes.
📍 Gelmerbahn - Europe’s steepest open-air funicular takes you to a stunning lake with hiking trails around it.
📍 Trift Bridge Hike - One of the most exhilarating hikes in Switzerland—don’t miss it!
📍 Meiringen - This small town is famous for its meringues and Sherlock Holmes-themed attractions.
Add Aare Gorge to your list of must-see spots in the Swiss Alps. It’s a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and a touch of history.
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" www.balmers.com/top-gorges-and-caves-to-explore-near-interlaken/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @taniaparfe
Some come for the mountains, some for the parties… but everyone ends up in the dining room talking about travel fails and weird hostel roommates 😂✈️
Tell us: what’s the funniest thing you’ve overheard in a hostel? 👀👇
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" www.balmers.com/adventure-hostel-interlaken/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
Where to go swimming in Interlaken
After a long day hiking in the Swiss Alps, there’s no better way to cool off than jumping into one of Interlaken’s crystal-clear lakes or rivers. Whether you’re looking for a quick dip, a full day of sunbathing, or some adventure, Interlaken has swimming spots for everyone. Summers here can get surprisingly warm, so pack your towel and sunscreen, and dive into these stunning natural pools surrounded by the Swiss Alps.
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" www.balmers.com/the-best-swimming-spots-in-interlaken/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
That moment when you question all your life choices… and then jump anyway 😱🪂 Who’s brave enough to try bungee jumping in Interlaken? Or who’s here for moral support and the photos? 😂👇 Tag your thrill-seeking crew!
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" www.balmers.com/activity/bungy-jumping/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @outdoorinterlaken
Travel hack for your Switzerland trip! 🇨🇭✨
If you’re getting a Swiss Travel Pass, you’ll enjoy unlimited rides on trains, boats, buses & even cable cars — but here’s something they don’t tell you: panoramic trains are “included,” but you still have to pay around 50 CHF for a seat reservation. 😅
BUT… there’s one stunning panoramic route that’s completely free with your Swiss Pass!
It’s the Luzern-Interlaken Express — and trust me, the views are breathtaking! 🏔️🚞
Pro tip:
For the best scenery, sit on the right-hand side (towards Interlaken). In peak season, you can pay 16 CHF to reserve a right-side seat, but in May, we didn’t need to. Perfect for budget travelers!
Got questions? Drop them below! 👇
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" www.balmers.com/getting-around-interlaken-essential-tips-for-exploring/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Save these tips for later
📷 @dani.inlondon
Stressless 📍 Bachalpsee, Switzerland 🇨🇭
A lot of different hikes start from Grindelwald, but here is the most famous one: Hiking to Bachalpsee. It is a fascinating journey to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Europe.
There are two lakes, a small one and a large one. But it doesn`t matter because the place is so pleasant, relaxing, and quiet. No matter which way you look, the panorama is superb. It is a real treat to sit on the grass and enjoy the present moment.
This round-trip hike is about 8 km (5 miles) and takes around two hours
Save it for later.
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" www.balmers.com/visit-grindelwald-first/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @tamas.pix
Cosy lights, hot tea (or cold beer), and brains on fire 🔥🧠 Trivia Night at Balmers is no joke — unless it’s one of the questions 😂
Winners walk away with eternal glory and a Balmers tee 👕💪
Tell us: what’s your unbeatable trivia category? 👇🍀
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" www.balmers.com/every-friday-trivia-night/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
