the swiss alps hostel.
Balmers is the first private hostel in Switzerland!
Your home away from home in Interlaken...
Balmers Hostel
& the Social vibe
Are you Ready to
MAKE INTERLAKEN YOUR NEXT BEST HOLIDAY DESTINATION
Book through us directly to ensure the best rates and up to date availability.
Find Great Activities Check AvailabilityFind out why, we have
The best reviews!
We read every review - and we genuinely appreciate all kinds of feedback. The positive ones lift our spirits, and the critical ones help us grow.
That said, we’ve decided not to respond to every single review individually. Instead, we choose to focus our time and energy on actually improving things here at the hostel.
We know that nowadays, people often expect businesses to reply to every review - partly to show they care, and partly to boost visibility online. And we do care, deeply. But replying to every single comment just so it looks like we care feels inauthentic to us. We’re a very human bunch, and we love connecting in real ways.We’d rather keep things real than turn reviews into a checkbox exercise.
We also know reviews are deeply personal and subjective. Please read them with that in mind and take what’s helpful for you in deciding whether Balmers is the right place for your stay.
On a more personal note: getting a negative review, especially when it’s rooted in a lack of communication, can be really disheartening. Our team is always around and available for a chat in person, and you can also reach us by email, phone, or WhatsApp if something’s not right during your stay. We’d much rather try to fix things in real time than read about them later when it’s too late to help.
Everyone here at Balmers genuinely cares about what we do.We want your time with us to become part of the “good, best, amazing” kind of memories you take home.
FAQs
Got questions? We\'ve got answers.
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?
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.
Get Social
#balmershostel
It’s cold out there.
Come warm up with our rich whipped cream
Swiss hot chocolate.
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" www.balmers.com/activity/funky-chocolate-workshop/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @funkychocolateclub
With the Saver Day Pass + Half-Fare Card, you can travel across the country for as low as CHF 29/day — if you plan smart and book early.
It’s an SBB day ticket that gives unlimited public transport for an entire day.
Valid on trains, buses, boats, trams — nearly the full Swiss public transport network.
How to Get the CHF 29 Price
Spartageskarte (Saver Day Pass)
This is a “Saver Day Pass” offered by SBB. Prices start at CHF 29, depending on availability.
You need to book this in advance (up to 6 months ahead) because “Saver” tickets are limited.
The pass allows “unrestricted travel” on public transport (trains, buses, trams, boats) on the chosen day.
How to Buy It:
SBB Website or App
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" www.balmers.com/save-money-in-switzerland/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Thanks @swisslenabasel for the great tips
Game Night at Balmers hits different.
Trivia, laughs, a bit of chaos, and a room full of competitive spirits.
One winner, plenty of bragging rights, and stories that’ll travel way further than the prize.
Missed it? No worries, the next round is coming.
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" www.balmers.com/weekly-social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
The Thun Carnival 2026 - Thuner Fasnacht 🎭
From January 29 to February 1.
Event Highlights:
❣️Saturday, 31 January: the children’s parade, Beizenfasnacht with small Guggen bands and non-stop music in tents until early Sunday.
❣️Sunday, 1st of February, main highlight: the grand Umzug parade through Bälliz and Hauptgasse at around 13:59, drawing 20,000-30,000 visitors amid Thun’s castle backdrop!
🔹Thuner Fasnacht is a special event in the Swiss carnival calendar. It stands out due to its early date and special atmosphere. The picturesque town of Thun, with its impressive castle, charming alleyways, and panoramic views of the Alps, attracts Guggenmusik bands and carnival enthusiasts from all over Switzerland.❤️✨
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Don`t miss it
" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming/"
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @impressive.switzerland
Our Wall of Fame says it all.
Postcards from everyone, a few kind words about a stay, a moment, a night that turned into a memory.
Add a note, grab a Balmer smiley sticker, and leave your mark before you go.
Some walls hold bricks.
This one holds stories.
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
Interlaken winter flying at its finest ❄️🪂
Crystal-clear skies, snow-covered peaks, and epic views over Lake Brienz 💙
This is what perfect January conditions look like in Interlaken 🇨🇭✨
Wouldn`t you want to fly here in winter?
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" www.balmers.com/activity/paragliding/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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🎥 captured for PGI by sonsibar
📷 @paraglidinginterlaken
An evolved look doesn’t change what makes Interlaken unforgettable✨.
«Where once in a lifetime happens every day»
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" www.balmers.com/activities/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @interlaken
Frozen air, warm heart.
Mürren, you’re magic 🤍
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" www.balmers.com/2-days-trip-in-murren-switzerland/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
📍B l a u s e e 🇨🇭
Winterwonderland in Blausee, Switzerland. Such a stunning place. Every season is wonderful. Sunday walk feels like a fairytale. ✨
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" www.balmers.com/the-most-beautiful-lakes-around-interlaken/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
The beautiful town of Interlaken, Switzerland 🇨🇭<
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" www.balmers.con/hostel "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @jacobs.photo.blog
Best mountain morning views at the First Cliff Walk, running straight into the day with Grindelwald waking up below.🏔️😮💨🤩
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" www.balmers.com/visit-grindelwald-first/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @grindelwaldfirst
Evenings at Balmers often end the same way — gathered around the fire, sharing a bit of mulled wine, stories drifting as easily as the smoke. No rush, no plan, just good company and the cold kept at a distance.
Stay at Balmers and be part of those nights.
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" www.balmers.com/weekly-social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
Day Sledding
Embrace the snowy fun with an exhilarating day of sledding – winter joy at its best.
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" www.balmers.com/activity/day-sledding/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
Switzerland is truly magical ❄️✨
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" www.balmers.com/winter "
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Repost from @-graceglasheen
When in Switzerland, you must have fondue! 🧀 and 🍫, both delicious.
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Your guide to eat the best fondue in Interlaken
" www.balmers.com/your-guide-to-eat-the-best-fondue-in-interlaken/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Repost from @everkuil
From Interlaken by train to Grindelwald, then up by gondola to Kleine Scheidegg 🏔️
This is what a perfect ski day looks like.
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" www.balmers.com/skiing-interlaken-jungfrau-region/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Repost from @seekadventure.ch
Lauterbrunnen in winter. 🇨🇭
The mist didn’t hide the landscape,
It transformed it.
Waterfalls appearing and disappearing,
silence, cold…
and that feeling of being inside a dream.
Some places don’t look perfect,
They feel real.
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Explore the Interlaken Region
" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-in-lauterbrunnen/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
Balmers Hostel in Interlaken 🇨🇭
Still the best hostel in Europe!!
Wild to think I worked here nearly 39 years ago—some things never lose their magic 💙🏔️
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
Winter Paragliding in Interlaken 🪂✨ floating above turquoise lakes and snow-capped peaks. Views that feel unreal and will make your holiday a once-in-a-lifetime memory💙🏔️🌤️.
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📍Interlaken
👉 " www.balmers.com/activity/paragliding/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @interlaken
Snow ❄️ Snow ❄️ Snow ❄️ From Bern to Interlaken.
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" www.balmers.com/winter "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
Ready-made social vibes, activities, games, meetups, and a real community feel. That’s what our weekly social programme at Balmers is all about.
From fire nights to hikes and movie evenings, it’s the easiest way to meet other travellers and make your stay more than just a bed.
Check the schedule, join in, and book your bed to be part of it.
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" www.balmers.com/weekly-social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
Dive into the enchanting winter wonderland ❄️ between the lakes of Thun and Brienz! There`s something for everyone in the holiday region of Interlaken🥰, whether it`s racy fun on the slopes 🎿, romantic winter hikes 🌲, adventurous snowshoe tours 🥾, or a relaxing kayak trip 🚣♂️ on the turquoise-blue Lake Brienz.
Discover your personal winter highlight and let yourself be enchanted!✨
👉" www.balmers.com/winter "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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picture by @outdoorinterlaken
Crash Landing on You: a Netflix series filmed near Interlaken
The Korean series "Crash Landing on You" is a huge success in Asia. Several scenes take place in the Bernese Oberland, and fans have fallen in love with Switzerland and the Interlaken region.
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" www.balmers.com/crash-landing-on-you-a-netflix-serie-filmed-near-interlaken/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Repost from @h3imy_
A fairytale in the mountains 🌄
Mürren is a charming alpine village in the Bernese Alps, situated at approximately 1,650 m and completely car-free. A pure Alpine idyll 🏔️🚫🚗.
With stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, it’s perfect for breathtaking panoramic shots.”
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" www.balmers.com/2-days-trip-in-murren-switzerland/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @switzerland_with_lucia
