Balmers is home of an
authentic Swiss experience
Balmers is the first private hostel in Switzerland and truly is a home away from home for travellers from all over the world! With friendly and knowlegable staff, we continue to strive towards providing travellers everything they wish for in a hostel and more!
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General Information
Got questions? We've got answers.
Checkin: generally 4pm
Checkout: 10am
We provide free high speed wifi
Check out all services that are included at Balmers Hostel
Visa, Mastercard, Maestro cards and Paypal are accepted.
For directions, click how to get here, then scroll to Balmers Hostel
Welcome to Balmers! First time here?
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:
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Respect others and their belongings.
- Keep it quiet after 10 PM—some legends like to sleep.
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Check-out is by 10 AM. Please bring your sheets, duvet cover, and pillowcase to reception (no need to bring duvets or pillows).
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Return anything you borrowed—like room keys or adapters.
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Lights and fans off when you leave the room, please!
A Few No-Gos:
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No smoking indoors—even with the window open.
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No cooking outside the guest kitchen.
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Don’t leave windows wide open with the heating on.
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And above all: don’t be disrespectful.
Thanks for being the absolute best! We’re glad you’re here. 🧡
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 10 people, and anyone with a sense of adventure and respect for others.
What time is check in and check out?
Check-in starts at 4:00 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!
I'm arriving really late, will I still be able to check in?
No worries. If you arrive after reception closes at 10.00 pm, you can use the check-in kiosk. Please come see us in the morning to get everything you’ll need during your stay.
You're one step away from an adventure of a lifetime
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Lauterbrunnen Valley 🏔️🇨🇭
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" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-in-lauterbrunnen/ "
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Video by @amir.explores
🌅 Golden hour hits different in Interlaken. ✨
When the sun starts dropping behind the peaks, there is only one place you want to be: down by the water. Whether you fancy a quick evening dip or just want to sit on the edge with your friends and watch the sky turn brilliant shades of pink and orange, it`s an absolute must-do.
Pack a couple of drinks and take a quick stroll down to the lake. Trust us, you don`t want to miss tonight`s view.
👇 Tag the travel mate you’re dragging down to the lake for sunset tonight! 👇
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" www.balmers.com/every-tuesday-sunset-hike/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
🌟 When the sun goes down, Balmers lights up. ✨
There is something proper magical about coming back to the hostel after a massive day of exploring and seeing the old chalet glowing like this.
👇 Who’s joining us for a legendary night out this week? Drop a 🙋♂️ in the comments! 👇
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @zachphilipbar
☀️ Terrace weather = Pints poured. 🍻
There is absolutely nothing better than a crisp, ice-cold beer after a massive day out in the Swiss Alps. Our terrace is officially open, the sun is out, and the views are looking proper sharp. 🏔️✨
Whether you’re cooling off after a hike, swapping travel stories with new mates, or just soaking up the mountain air, we’ve got a spot saved for you.
👇 Fancy a pint? Grab your travel crew, head down to the terrace, and let’s get the drinks in! 👇
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" www.balmers.com/adventure-hostel-interlaken/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
🌅 Views that absolutely take your breath away. 🇨🇭🏔️
There’s nothing quite like gathering your travel mates and heading up to catch the evening glow over Interlaken. The panoramic views from Harder Kulm are an absolute masterclass when the day winds down over the lakes.
This is exactly what hostel life is all about—meeting an amazing bunch of people from all over the world and sharing unforgettable moments like this. 🎒✨
👇 Who’s in your ultimate travel circle? Tag your friends below and start planning your next peak adventure! 👇
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" www.balmers.com/hike-the-harder-kulm/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Picture by Roison Williams
True Western Experience
The largest Festival of its kind
Three Days of Action & Pure Western Vibes
Engines roar, dust swirls, music echoes through the night.
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" www.balmers.com/truckers-country-festival/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
⚽️ World Cup Vibes = ABSOLUTE SCENES! 🌍🏆
The living room is officially sorted, the telly is massive, and the atmosphere is going to be electric. We’re screening the World Cup matches live right here at Balmers Hostel!
Whether you`re chanting for your home country or just in it for the pure drama of the game, grab a cold one, bag a spot on the sofa, and come join the global fan club in our lounge. 🍻🍿
👇 Who are you backing to go all the way? Drop your predictions below and come catch the kickoff! 👇
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" www.balmers.com/social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
Making new local friends on the trails today. 🐐⛰️
You haven’t truly experienced hiking in the Swiss Alps until you’ve been completely outpaced by a mountain goat who didn’t even pack water or hiking boots.
Here in Interlaken, the trail guides come in all shapes, sizes, and fluffiness levels. Just ask the crew at our front desk for the best routes to spot these locals, grab your backpack, and hit the ridges! 🎒🥾
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" www.balmers.com/ultimate-interlaken-travel-guide-best-itineraries-things-to-do-hidden-gems/ "
POV: The Switzerland itinerary said “sightseeing,” but the chocolate workshop stole the show 🍫🤎
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" www.balmers.com/activity/funky-chocolate-workshop/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @funkychocolateclub
🇨🇭 TOP 10 places I would not miss in Switzerland this summer ⛰️✨
If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, save this list because these spots genuinely exceeded every expectation.
📍 Grindelwald First
📍 Bachalpsee
📍 Oeschinensee
📍 Lauterbrunnen
📍 Brienz
📍 Thun
📍 Kandersteg
📍 Interlaken
📍 Harder Kulm
📍 Lake Brienz viewpoints
From turquoise alpine lakes and dramatic waterfalls to some of the most incredible mountain views I’ve ever seen, Switzerland is one of those destinations that looks even better in real life.
Which one would you visit first? 👇
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" www.balmers.com/ultimate-interlaken-travel-guide-best-itineraries-things-to-do-hidden-gems/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @daniella.solotravels
Some leave footprints, others leave postcards & great pictures 💌
Our guests leave their mark at Balmers in their own way: a sticker, a note, a doodle, or a memory shared with new friends. Years later, these little pieces of history still tell the story of travellers from all over the world who called Balmers home for a few nights.
What would your Balmers legacy be? 👀
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Thanks, @willpuckett, for the pictures and the kind words.
How to get to this incredible hike🌸🌿🇨🇭
📍Oeschinensee, Switzerland
*Drive to the village called Kandersteg
*From Kandersteg, you can either hike or take the cable car from Kandersteg to Oeschinensee rodelbahn (CHF 40 tour/ retour p.p)
🥾From the top of the cable car station:
*Follow the path until you meet the first crossroad.
*At the crossroad, you can either keep going straight or go down to the lake. That’s a great option for families with kids.
*If you want to see the spectacular views in the video, take the path to the left. You will walk past a shed among other things.
*After walking for approximately 10-15 minutes on the left path, you’ll see a «portal» to your left. Through this portal, you can see a narrower and rocky path that goes upwards in the mountain. Take this path and follow this
*This path takes you around the lake with stunning views, and you will meet this viewpoint on the way.
*Hiking time from the cable station to this viewpoint is approximately 1.5 hours, depending on how many stops you make
*If you walk from Kandersteg, it will take around 3 hours to reach this viewpoint
*You can choose to continue and walk around the lake, or you can go back the same way you came from.
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" www.balmers.com/day-trip-to-oeschinensee/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @norwegiantravelcouple
Gather around the fire, share stories under the stars, and make memories with travellers from around the world. From cosy evenings by the fire pit to spontaneous conversations in the garden, this is what hostel life is all about. 🔥✨
Who would you bring to Balmers for a night like this?
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" www.balmers.com/social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
I left my heart (and 100% of my diet) at the top of Interlaken. 🧀❤️
Name a better duo than panoramic Alpine views and a pot of bubbling Swiss fondue… I’ll wait. 👇🏔️
📍 Harder Kulm, Interlaken, Switzerland 🇨🇭
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" www.balmers.com/activity/harder-kulm/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Repost from @explore.throughmylens
Welcome to the Streetfood Festival Original Tour 2026!
Switzerland tastes the world
As a free event, we will be hosting 19 festivals in 17 cities across Switzerland.
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" wwww.streetfood-festivals.ch/interlaken/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
✨🇨🇭 You’re going to have a beautiful adventure here!
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" www.balmers.com/ultimate-interlaken-travel-guide-best-itineraries-things-to-do-hidden-gems/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @switzerlanderss
Spectacular Switzerland🇨🇭
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" www.balmers.com/hike-the-harder-kulm/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Video from @shintarogram.f
Looking for the ultimate basecamp in Interlaken? Here is why Balmers Hostel belongs on your bucket list: 👇
Deep Roots: Running since 1907, it’s one of Switzerland’s oldest privately owned hostels—and it’s still proudly run by the Balmer family today. 🏔️
The Vibe: Forget boring corridors. Balmers is a collection of traditional Swiss chalets centered around a lively courtyard, sunny terraces, and communal tables made for meeting people. 🇨🇭
Cook & Connect: Their massive, fully equipped communal kitchen is the ultimate hub for prepping dinner and making new friends from around the world. 🍳
The Hidden Gem: The indoor hammock room is the perfect sanctuary to read or escape the crowd. (Missed it on video, so enjoy the photo instead!). Open daily 8 AM – 10 PM. 💤
More than just a place to sleep, it’s a proper travel community. Have you stayed here yet? 🎒
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🔗 " www.balmers.com/about-us/ "
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Video made by @asselarmankyzy
Found the best seat in Brienz🇨🇭💯
Sometimes the best activity on the itinerary is simply sitting still. 🗺️🧘♂️
After a week of hiking, paragliding, and hostel parties, this quiet little corner of Brienz is exactly what the doctor ordered. Just you, a wooden bench, and a view that makes you realise why you packed your bags in the first place. Absolute peace. ✨🛶
Link in bio to book your Swiss summer escape.
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" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming/ "
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📷 @travelwithjuri
Hello everyone!
We stayed at the famous Balmers Hostel in Interlaken, Switzerland.
The history of this place dates back to 1907, when a married couple, Frieda and Adolf Balmer, opened a small guesthouse for travelers. Over the years, it became a favorite destination for visitors from all over the world and is now considered one of the oldest and most famous privately owned hostels in Switzerland. More than a century later, the hostel is still managed by the Balmer family.
Balmers consists of several traditional Swiss chalet-style buildings. Between them, you’ll find a cozy courtyard, green gardens, and relaxing outdoor spaces. There are long communal tables, terraces, and plenty of places where travelers can meet, share stories, and connect with one another. Because of this, Balmers feels less like a typical hostel and more like a small international community.
Another highlight of the hostel is its large communal kitchen, where guests can prepare their own meals. The kitchen is fully equipped with stoves, cookware, refrigerators, and everything needed for cooking. It’s also a place where people from different parts of the world meet, exchange experiences, and make new friends.
The place that impressed me the most was the hammock room. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to capture it on video, so I’ll share a photo instead. It’s a small and cozy relaxation space inside the hostel where guests can read, unwind, or simply enjoy some quiet time. The room is open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Thanks to its unique atmosphere, rich history, and welcoming environment that brings people together, Balmers Hostel continues to hold a special place in the hearts of travelers from around the world.
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" www.balmers.com "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Video made by @asselarmankyzy
Not a bad way to spend a Tuesday, all things considered. 🛶☀️
If you’re looking to escape the heat, the middle of Lake Brienz is about as good as it gets. Glacial turquoise water, massive cliffs, and just the sound of your paddle. No high-speed engines, no rushing around—just proper alpine peace (and a decent workout for your arms, if we`re being honest). 🏔️✨
Pop by reception to book a kayak slot before they’re all gone. 🎒
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" www.balmers.com/activity/kayak/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
Jetboat ride near Interlaken
Location: Bönigen
Getting there: Bus 102/103 or nearby parking
Duration: Around 1 hour total
Minimum height: 110 cm
Maximum weight: 150 kg
No personal cameras allowed
Expect speed, water splashes, and a lot of fun — dress accordingly.
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" www.balmers.com/activity/jet-boat-interlaken/ "
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📷 @outdoorinterlaken
5 hikes you can’t miss in Switzerland by @talesofthemap
🇨🇭🏔️ Save this for your trip:
1. North Face Trail, Mürren: 6.5 km · ~2 hrs · moderate. Epic views of the Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau.
2. Bachalpsee Lake, Grindelwald: 6 km · ~2 hrs · easy. One of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the Alps.
3. Stoos Ridge, Stoos: 6.2 km · ~3 hrs · moderate. Panoramic views the entire way.
4. Matterhorn Glacier Trail, Zermatt: 6.6 km · ~2.5 hrs · easy-moderate. The Matterhorn is right in front of you the whole time.
5. Five Lakes, Zermatt: 9.8 km · ~3 hrs · moderate. The Matterhorn reflected in 3 of the 5 lakes.
Which one is on your list? 👇
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" www.balmers.com/ultimate-interlaken-travel-guide-best-itineraries-things-to-do-hidden-gems/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
Just thought I’d share. 31 yrs ago, I stayed with you, and now this week, my daughter is staying with you 💖
Don`t hesitate to share your stories about Balmers with us.
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" www.balmers.com/get-to-know-balmers-hostel/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Picture from @lidia_myers
June in Lauterbrunnen 🇨🇭
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" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-in-lauterbrunnen/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Video made by @explorewithsimone
Interlaken is about to get louder.
Greenfield Festival 2026
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" www.balmers.com/greenfield-festival-2026/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
📍Interlaken, Switzerland🇨🇭 from @travelsruben
The town is built between two turquoise lakes 🏞️
Situated in the heart of the Alps, Interlaken offers a unique setting in the world, with dozens of paragliders coloring the sky every day 🪂
The spot not to miss: take the funicular to go up to Harder Kulm. The view up there is simply spectacular 🚠✨
Share this Reel with the person you want to go here with!
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" www.balmers.com/ultimate-interlaken-travel-guide-best-itineraries-things-to-do-hidden-gems/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
Home is where the hostel kitchen is. ❤️
One of our favorite parts of summer at Balmers is watching the communal kitchen come alive in the evenings. Tonight, we’re swapping out standard backpacker pasta for a true Swiss masterpiece: homemade fondue! 🫕✨
🔗 Ready to join the family? Book your bed via the link in our bio!
" www.balmers.com/hostel "
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🎒 #BalmersHostel #MyInterlaken #TravelCommunity #BackpackingSwitzerland #HostelWorld #SwissCulture
