the swiss alps hostel.
Balmers is the first private hostel in Switzerland!
Your home away from home in Interlaken...
Balmers Hostel
& the Social vibe

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MAKE INTERLAKEN YOUR NEXT BEST HOLIDAY DESTINATION
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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, weโve 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. Weโre a very human bunch, and we love connecting in real ways. Weโd 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 whatโs 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 itโs 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 somethingโs not right during your stay. Weโd much rather try to fix things in real time than read about them later when itโs 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 โgood, best, amazingโ 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 stayโand everyone else’sโas 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 PMโsome 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 borrowedโlike 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 indoorsโeven with the window open.
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No cooking outside the guest kitchen.
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Donโt leave windows wide open with the heating on.
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And above all: donโt be disrespectful.
Thanks for being the absolute best! Weโre glad youโre here. ๐งก
What is Balmers Hostel?
Balmers Hostel is Switzerlandโs oldest privately owned hostel, set in three charming Swiss chalets surrounded by mountain peaks waiting to be explored. Itโs 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
Not a bad way to spend a Tuesday, all things considered. ๐ถโ๏ธโ
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If youโre 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 aroundโjust proper alpine peace (and a decent workout for your arms, if we`re being honest). ๐๏ธโจโ
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Pop by reception to book a kayak slot before theyโre all gone. ๐โ
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" www.balmers.com/activity/kayak/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
Jetboat ride near Interlaken
Location: Bรถnigen
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 โ dress accordingly.
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" www.balmers.com/activity/jet-boat-interlaken/ "
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๐ท @outdoorinterlaken
5 hikes you canโt miss in Switzerland by @talesofthemapโ
๐จ๐ญ๐๏ธ Save this for your trip:โ
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1. North Face Trail, Mรผrren: 6.5 km ยท ~2 hrs ยท moderate. Epic views of the Eiger, Mรถnch & Jungfrau.โ
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2. Bachalpsee Lake, Grindelwald: 6 km ยท ~2 hrs ยท easy. One of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the Alps.โ
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3. Stoos Ridge, Stoos: 6.2 km ยท ~3 hrs ยท moderate. Panoramic views the entire way.โ
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4. Matterhorn Glacier Trail, Zermatt: 6.6 km ยท ~2.5 hrs ยท easy-moderate. The Matterhorn is right in front of you the whole time.โ
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5. Five Lakes, Zermatt: 9.8 km ยท ~3 hrs ยท moderate. The Matterhorn reflected in 3 of the 5 lakes.โ
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Which one is on your list? ๐ โ
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" www.balmers.com/ultimate-interlaken-travel-guide-best-itineraries-things-to-do-hidden-gems/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
Just thought Iโd share. 31 yrs ago, I stayed with you, and now this week, my daughter is staying with you ๐โ
Don`t hesitate to share your stories about Balmers with us.โ
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" www.balmers.com/get-to-know-balmers-hostel/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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Picture from @lidia_myers
June in Lauterbrunnen ๐จ๐ญโ
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" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-in-lauterbrunnen/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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Video made by @explorewithsimone
Interlaken is about to get louder.โ
Greenfield Festival 2026โ
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" www.balmers.com/greenfield-festival-2026/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
๐Interlaken, Switzerland๐จ๐ญ from @travelsrubenโ
The town is built between two turquoise lakes ๐๏ธโ
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Situated in the heart of the Alps, Interlaken offers a unique setting in the world, with dozens of paragliders coloring the sky every day ๐ชโ
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The spot not to miss: take the funicular to go up to Harder Kulm. The view up there is simply spectacular ๐ โจโ
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Share this Reel with the person you want to go here with!โ
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" www.balmers.com/ultimate-interlaken-travel-guide-best-itineraries-things-to-do-hidden-gems/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
Home is where the hostel kitchen is. โค๏ธ
One of our favorite parts of summer at Balmers is watching the communal kitchen come alive in the evenings. Tonight, weโre swapping out standard backpacker pasta for a true Swiss masterpiece: homemade fondue! ๐ซโจ
๐ Ready to join the family? Book your bed via the link in our bio!
" www.balmers.com/hostel "
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๐ #BalmersHostel #MyInterlaken #TravelCommunity #BackpackingSwitzerland #HostelWorld #SwissCulture
Sunโs out, backpackers are out! ๐ถ๏ธโ๏ธ Summer is finally here, and weโre ready for all the chaotic group dinners, mountain adventures, and unforgettable nights ahead.
If you haven`t booked your bed at Balmers yet... what are you waiting for? The Swiss Alps are calling! ๐๏ธ๐ข
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
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Picture by @lukas_gaffrey
If summer had a secret escape, it would probably look like Bachalpsee.
Turquoise water, alpine silence, and mountains reflecting like a mirror โ the kind of place that makes you forget your phone for a minute and just existโจ
๐ฅ by @___denny85___
๐Grindelwald, Switzerland๐จ๐ญ
๐จ๐ญ cant believe these emojis are real ๐ฅนโ
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๐Thanks @janandgreg_ for the funny videoโ
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PLACES IN THE JUNGFRAU REGION THAT ARE WORTH THE HYPE:โ
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๐Brienzโ
๐Thunโ
๐Harder Kulmโ
๐Grindelwaldโ
๐Lauterbrunnenโ
๐Gimmelwaldโ
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๐ share and save this for your future summer trip to switzerland!โ
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" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
Dreams come true.... ๐๐จ๐ญ๐ชโ
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" www.balmers.com/activity/paragliding-summer/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @paraglidinginterlaken
Checking into a hostel is never just about getting a bedโitโs about who you share the room, the kitchen, and the stories with. ๐โจ Thanks @travelerargentina for this picture.
From cooking chaotic group dinners to swapping hiking tips over a beer, hostel life is where strangers become lifelong friends in less than 24 hours. Hereโs to the late-night chats, the early-morning mountain callings, and the global family you didn`t know you needed.
๐ Your Interlaken home base since day one. ๐จ๐ญ
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
Went inside a waterfall todayโฆ that was pretty cool ๐คท๐ผ
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" www.balmers.com/activities "
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๐ท @lukeguinaldo
If you see the bright red sign, youโve made it. ๐จ๐ญ๐โ
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Welcome to Balmers. Weโve been greeting happy backpackers, mountain lovers, and professional afternoon-nappers right here in Interlaken for quite a while now. The sun is out, the mountains are waiting, and the reception team is ready to check you in. Standard Swiss summer day, really. โ๏ธ๐๏ธโ
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Drop your bags, grab a map, and letโs get started. ๐โ
" www.balmers.com "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @paliviaaroundtheworld
Finding that perfect daily balance. ๐งโโ๏ธ๐โ
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A chilly evening dip, a warm sunset, and absolute quiet. Sometimes the best itinerary for a Swiss summer day is simply having no itinerary at all. Just you, the water, and the peaks. ๐ฒ๐
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Drop a ๐ if this is your kind of evening.โ
" www.balmers.com/interlaken-lakes-waterfalls-activities "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
Snail mail is very much alive and kicking at Balmers. โ๏ธโค๏ธโ
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There`s something quite special about reading these before starting a shift. Real notes from real people who arrived as strangers and left as part of the family. If you`re looking for a proper mountain escape with a brilliant crowd, you know where to find us. ๐บ๏ธ๐ปโ
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Link in bio to secure your spot for the season. โ
" www.balmers.com/hostel "โ
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๐ท @paliviaaroundtheworld
Right foot blue, left hand yellow, and any remaining dignity out the window. ๐ฒ๐โ
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Just a standard evening at Balmers, breaking the ice the only way we know how: total, uncoordinated chaos. It turns out "left" and "right" get significantly harder to balance after a local beer. ๐จ๐ญ๐ปโ
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Tag the person who always cheats at Twister. ๐โ
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" www.balmers.com/social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
Bye, Balmers Hostel๐๐ Youโll be missed ๐ฅฒ โ
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๐๏ธ Above reception, youโll find the Hammock Room, a comfy spot to hang out. โ
" www.balmers.com/get-to-know-balmers-hostel/ " โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @paliviaaroundtheworld
Walking at the End of the World ๐ฃ๐โ
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Book this activity here ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ๐๏ธโ
" www.balmers.com/activity/via-ferrata/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @outdoorinterlaken
Save this Switzerland day itinerary ๐จ๐ญโ
Thank you for these tips @lachie_tarsh ๐ซถโ
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Perfect if youโre based in Interlaken and want to see Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen in one day.โ
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Morning: Interlaken Ost โ Grindelwaldโ
Departure: 7:30 am train from Interlaken Ostโ
Travel time: approx. 36 minutesโ
Arrival: around 8:00 amโ
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Late Morning: Grindelwald Firstโ
Grindelwald First cable car.โ
Cable car time: approx. 25 minutes to the topโ
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At the top, thereโs a bunch of activities to do if you like, or take in the views.โ
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Afternoon: Grindelwald โ Lauterbrunnenโ
Catch the train from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen.โ
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When you exit Lauterbrunnen train station:โ
Turn left to walk through town.โ
Turn right for the wide valley views, waterfalls, green fields, and photo spots.โ
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Hire an e-bike to explore the valley on easy mode.โ
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Finish with dinner in Lauterbrunnen before heading back to Interlaken.โ
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Last trains are often around 9:30 pm, but always check the SBB app on the day for the most up-to-date train times and timetables.โ
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" www.balmers.com/visit-grindelwald-first/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
Sunset by the lake: the unofficial Balmers meeting point. ๐๐ปโ
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Thereโs no better way to end the day than with your feet in the water and new friends by your side. Grab a drink, find a spot on the shore, and watch the sky put on a show. This is what the Swiss summer is all about! ๐จ๐ญ๐
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Tag the person youโd share this sunset with! ๐โ
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" www.balmers.com/the-best-swimming-spots-in-interlaken/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
Enjoying an evening at Balmers. ๐๏ธ If youโre in Interlaken, grab a drink and join us in the garden. The fire is warm, and the vibes are even better! ๐ปโ๏ธโ
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" www.balmers.com/social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
Not the first activity that comes to mind in spring, but probably the most exciting one at this time of year! Imagine having the canyon all to yourself and your friend - smaller groups, less waiting, more action. No gear, no experience, no equipment, and no transportation needed - everything is provided. All you have to do is meet us in Interlaken and bring a towel.โ
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" www.balmers.com/activity/canyoning/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @outdoorinterlaken



