Frequently Asked Questions

After 10 PM, please head inside and keep the noise to a minimum.
Our hostel is nestled in a peaceful neighborhood where locals—and fellow travelers—need their rest.
Let’s respect both our neighbors and each other for a relaxed, harmonious vibe!

Balmers Hostel Hauptstrasse 23 3800 Matten bei Interlaken, Switzerland
General Web: www.balmers.com
Phone: + 41 (0) 33 822 1961
Whatsapp: + 41 (0) 78 267 49 70
Email: [email protected]

General emergency calls: 112
Police: 117
Fire department: 118
Ambulance: 144
Hospital: +41 33 826 26 26
Pharmacy: +41 33 828 34 34

There is no dedicated currency exchange office in Interlaken.
However, you can exchange money at banks, such as the UBS branch near Interlaken West train station or at the BLS Travel Centre Interlaken West (Bahnhofstrasse 28, 3800 Interlaken).
That said, card payments are widely accepted throughout Interlaken, usually without additional fees. A convenient option is to withdraw Swiss Francs (CHF) directly from an ATM to have spare cash, especially for smaller businesses that may not accept cards.

While some businesses in Interlaken may accept Euros (EUR) due to its popularity as a tourist destination, the exchange rate offered is often rounded and not favorable. As you travel further away from Switzerland’s borders, the likelihood of Euros being accepted decreases. It’s best to carry Swiss Francs for better value and convenience.

Yes, Uber technically operates in Interlaken—but we don’t recommend it.

It’s often more expensive than regular local taxis, and availability can be limited. For the best value and reliability, we suggest using local taxi services instead.

• Bödeli Taxi (+41 33 822 00 88)
• City Taxi (+41 78 608 74 81)
• Taxi Interlaken (+41 78 600 05 02)

If you need help booking one, just ask at reception—we’re happy to help!

Read out the blog post Getting Around Interlaken: Essential Tips for Exploring

Interlaken does not have night trains. The last train connections typically run until midnight, with some train and bus combinations operating until around 1–2 AM.
If your flight is delayed, check the latest schedules on the SBB.ch website to ensure you don’t miss your connection.

Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Interlaken. You’ll rarely need cash as most businesses take card payments. Public transportation tickets can also be paid via mobile apps as SBB mobile, using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Google Pay.

Interlaken is a paradise for pets! With kilometers of open green spaces, your furry friends can run, explore, and even swim. Pets are allowed on public transportation and welcomed at many businesses.

At Balmers Hostel, pets are allowed if you’re staying in a private room.

Absolutely! The tap water in Interlaken comes from pristine mountain springs, making it fresh, clean, and delicious. It’s safe to drink everywhere in town.

The legal drinking age in Switzerland depends on the type of alcohol:

• Beer and wine: legal from age 16 
• Spirits and hard alcohol: legal from age 18

Please drink responsibly and know your limits—cheers!

We’re stoked you made it! To help make your stay—and everyone else’s—as awesome as possible, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Be Cool:

• Respect others and their belongings.

• Keep it quiet after 10 PM—some legends like to sleep.

• Check-out is by 10 AM. Please bring your sheets, duvet cover, and pillowcase to reception (no need to bring duvets or pillows).

• Return anything you borrowed—like room keys or adapters.

• Lights and fans off when you leave the room, please!

A Few No-Gos:

• No smoking indoors—even with the window open.

• No cooking outside the guest kitchen.

• Don’t leave windows wide open with the heating on.

• And above all: don’t be disrespectful.

Thanks for being the absolute best! We’re glad you’re here. 🧡

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.

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.

Check-in starts at 4:00 PM
Check-out is by 10:00 AM

When checking out, we kindly ask you to bring your bed sheets, duvet cover, and pillowcase down with you. Thanks!

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.

Yes, we’ve got lockers!
Available in different sizes, perfect for keeping your stuff safe while you’re out adventuring.

Want to travel light and worry-free? All you need is a credit card and an email address to use them.

YES. We provide free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the entire hostel, including all rooms—no password needed.

We don’t serve breakfast, but we’ve got you covered!

We have a large guest kitchen where you can whip up your own muesli, toast, or a noodle soup – whatever your heart may desire.
To get you going get a coffee from our amazing coffee machine. You can choose between plant based or cow milk when getting your cappuccino or latte macchiato. Please help us cut down on unneccessary waste and only use the paper cups for take away coffees. For everything consumed in the hostel we have plenty of mugs for you in the kitchen.

Prefer to eat out? There’s a bakery and a supermarket just a 2-minute walk from the hostel.

Check out our blogs:

• Where to have breakfast in Interlaken?
• Read more about food in Interlaken

Yes, our guest kitchen is your space to cook, connect, and create.
Whether you’re whipping up a meal, swapping recipes, or sharing a late-night snack, our fully equipped kitchen is ready for you.

To keep it clean and welcoming for everyone, please tidy up after yourself—and don’t forget to recycle! Bins are clearly labeled to help you sort your waste.

Thanks for keeping the good vibes (and good hygiene) going!

Unfortunately, there is currently no restaurant at the Balmers property. We do have a large guest kitchen that is fully equipped for you to cook an amazing meal yourself.

Hungry? Here’s the scoop:
While there’s no restaurant on the Balmers property, we do have a fully equipped guest kitchen where you can cook up your own delicious meals anytime.

Looking to eat out? Check out our blog posts:
🍽️ Best cheap restaurants in Interlaken 🥦Best vegetarian/vegan restaurants in Interlaken

Need a break from the action? We’ve got plenty of cozy corners to unwind:

🪂 Hammock Room – Kick back and relax after a full day exploring the Bernese Oberland. Perfect for a nap, a book, or some much-needed chill time.

📺 TV Room – Catch up on world news, watch a movie, or go full Netflix and chill—it’s your call.

🌞 Garden – Soak up the sun, sip a drink, or just enjoy the mountain air. The perfect outdoor hangout.

🍻 Bar – Join us for a drink! It’s outdoors in summer, indoors in winter, and always serving good vibes.

🎲 Games & Social Spaces – Want to play? Ask our staff for board games, cards, or other fun stuff to get the good times rolling.

While we don’t have laundry facilities on-site, there are several convenient options nearby:

• Laundry Service Interlaken – Self-service, just two doors down from the hostel (after the Little Thai restaurant).

• Wash & Go – About a 10-minute walk into town, open until midnight.

• Bödeli Textil – Full-service laundry for a hassle-free experience.

The price of your bed includes bed linen, wifi, and an Interlaken bus ticket that’s valid throughout the stay.  It excludes the city tax of CHF 2.85 per person per night.

Towels are included in all single, double, and twin rooms.

Staying in a dorm? No need to pack one—you can rent a towel at reception for just CHF 3.50.

Yes! We provide all bed linen. We have a short video to show you how to make your bed. At check-out, we kindly ask you to bring the sheets and covers down to reception.

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 Interlaken 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 the bus stop. Bus fare is CHF 3.80 per person. Busses start running from 7 am till about 8:30 pm. 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 train 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 CHF 15 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

We do not offer parking ourselves but there is a public car park only 50 meters away from the hostel which is free overnight (from 7 pm until 8 am).
The address of the public parking is: Tellweg 7, 3800 Matten bei Interlaken, Switzerland

Interlaken is a mecca for the adventure traveler and we can guarantee an exciting stay, full of adrenaline filled days! Besides all the amazing scenery and hikes in the Bernese Oberland, (which are suitable to most people) we can also help you to organise any adventure activity you would like to do and experience! To book any of these activities and get more information, click on the link below: activities info

Paragliding Skydiving Hang gliding Canyoning River Rafting Bungee Jumping Canyon Swing Chocolate Workshops Ropes Course Climbing and much more Have a look at our Summer page or read the article Summer time in Interlaken.

• Night sledding
• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Snowshoeing
• Skydiving
• Paragliding
• Canyon swing
• Hiking

Have a look at our Winter page or read our articles

• A perfect Winter in Interlaken.
• Interlaken in Winter: The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary
• Winter Events Interlaken

Yes, absolutely! You can still visit the Lauterbrunnen valley to see the waterfalls, take a cruise on one of the emerald green lakes, gain knowledge about chocolate making at the Chocolate Workshops, go river rafting or learn to climb in the indoor climbing wall. In Winter you can use Interlaken as a base to experience day trips to other Cities around Switzerland as we are so centrally located.
Read our article: A rainy day in Interlaken Exploring Interlaken in the Rain: Activities for Every Mood

Yes! Interlaken offers quite a few shopping options within walking distance. The main street, about a 10-minute walk from the hostel, runs between the Ost and West train stations and is the best spot for souvenir shopping and browsing local stores. For a broader selection, head to the Oberland Shopping Centre just 2 bus stops or a 10-minute walk away. It has clothing and sports shops, as well as two grocery stores: Denner (budget-friendly) and Migros. Only 5-minute walk from the hostel, you’ll also find a Lidl supermarket, another good option for budget-conscious grocery shopping, open daily. Just 2 minutes from the hostel is our local Coop supermarket, also open every day. Plus, there are a couple of bakeries with freshly baked treats nearby – just note that they’re closed on Sundays.

There are no specific swimming restrictions around Interlaken but always use common sense. Popular swimming spots include:

• Neuhaus by Lake Thun
• Bönigen by Lake Brienz
• Lütschine River near the public pool by Interlaken Ost

Be cautious when swimming in rivers as currents can be strong, and there are small dams in some areas. Read out our blog post on Best Swimming Spots Around Interlaken

Cycling is a great way to explore Interlaken and the beautiful area between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. While the town centre can be quite busy, especially in high season, biking is still a convenient and enjoyable way to get around, particularly on the quieter paths just outside of town. The Best Mountain Biking Trails Around Interlaken Here are our two favourite bike rental places to get you started:

• Flying Wheels: Bike tours and rental Interlaken
• Yellow Velo: Bike tours and rental in Interlaken

Summer: Many trails are dry and well-maintained during the summer months. On easier routes, normal sneakers might be sufficient, but for steeper or more uneven terrain, shoes with good grip, such as hiking or trail running shoes, are strongly recommended. Hiking poles can also be useful on more technical hikes or longer descents. Autumn/Spring: Conditions can be a bit more unpredictable during these seasons. Many trails are still/already accessible, but they may be wet, muddy, or slippery – especially in shaded areas or at higher elevations, where snow can linger. As in summer, sturdy footwear with a good grip is important. Hiking poles can be a great help, especially on steeper, more technical sections or when trails are slick. Winter: Many lower-altitude hiking trails remain accessible in winter and are specially maintained as winter hiking paths. These are typically well-marked and packed down, but conditions can vary. Sturdy, waterproof footwear with good grip is essential, and hiking poles can help with balance on icy or uneven sections. For higher-altitude trails, always check weather and avalanche warnings before heading out – you’ll find updates on the blackboard at reception, or feel free to ask our staff during opening hours. Dressing in layers and bringing gloves, a hat, and sunglasses is recommended.

• Where to rent gear in Interlaken
• Ultimate Guide to Hiking in the Interlaken Region: Trails, Tips & Scenic Routes

Our underground bar is the perfect hangout spot where you can let loose without worrying about disturbing anyone’s rest.

On special occasions—or when the vibe calls for it—it transforms into a club for unforgettable nights.

To keep things safe and exclusive, access is reserved just for our guests.

Definitely! Here are some of our favorite spots to grab a drink around town:

• Barracuda Bar – Right next door to Balmers! A fun local vibe and just steps away.

• Metropole Rooftop Bar – Amazing panoramic views over Interlaken—perfect for sunset drinks.

• El Azteca – A lively Mexican restaurant serving up the best margaritas in town.

• Brasserie 17 – A cozy pub-style bar with a great selection of beers and cocktails.

• Hangover Club – A late-night spot if you’re looking to dance or keep the party going.

Ask at reception if you want directions or tips on the best times to go!

Most bars in Interlaken close around midnight, but a few spots keep the party going longer:

• Hangover: Located near the train station, Hangover is one of the latest-night venues in town. It’s open until 4 am on Fridays and 5 am on Saturdays.
• Balmers Club: On one or two nights per week, we open the doors to our private club, exclusively for our guests. Open until 1 am. Ask at reception for the schedule!
• Galways Quay Irish Pub: A favorite for locals and tourists alike. Mostly open until around 4 am/closed on Mondays.

All bookings made via the Balmers website are encrypted with an SSL certificate. Payments are managed via the Stripe platform, which means that your credit card details are never stored internally by Balmers. The conditions of your reservation depend on the rate you choose; make sure to check the cancellation policy of the rate before making the reservation.    

No. You’ll need a valid credit card to make a reservation online and pay the required deposit. However, you are able to pay the remainder of the balance in cash on arrival if you wish. If you would like to use cash to make a booking please visit our reception in Balmers Hostel.

Yes. Please make the reservation using your details and contact us to change the name on the booking once confirmed.

Reservations cannot be made via the phone or email. Please use the booking engine of our website to make a reservation. This ensures that your information is stored securely. Please contact us via [email protected] if you’d like to modify or cancel a reservation.

You are more than welcome to arrive in Balmers last minute, however we cannot always guarantee availability for your requested room types or dates so pre-booking is highly recommended.

The cancellation policy of your booking depends on the rate you select when you make the reservation. Please check your confirmation email for more details.

Glad you like it here! We’d be happy to extend your stay – provided we have space, of course!

We do not accept guests under the age of 18. If you arrive with minors, we will not be able to accommodate you, and no refunds will be given.

We accept most major credit cards. While we are moving towards a cashless system, you can still pay in Swiss Francs if needed – please note that we only accept Swiss Francs (CHF).  

No, you can pay with a different credit/debit card or in cash.

The city tax of 2.85 chf per person per night is being used to pay for tourist infrastructure such as transportation, information services, cultural performances, etc. Swiss people staying in a town where they don’t have permanent residence pay the tax too.

The special value-added-tax (VAT) rate of 3.8% accorded to the hotel industry for accommodation services is included in the room price.