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Ways to save money in Switzerland
In the lobbies of many EFH hostels you might hear a few hushed whispers or stories between travelers about how expensive Switzerland is, even to go as far as to avoid it due to the dent it will put into your savings account which you have worked so hard to stash your money into so you can travel around Europe and see as much as you can.
We get it, so here are a few broken myths and tips to help your money go further.
Traveling in Switzerland on a budget
One of the most frequent questions at the reception at Balmers is “What can I do for cheap/free here?”. We are guessing this question comes from being charged upwards of 5 euros for an espresso you had after landing in Zurich Airport , after being used to happily paying 1 euro from the Mediterranean country you have just come from. One of those dark, bitter yet ever so delicious things that have become a multiple times a day staple in your diet need not be forgotten about.
Getting the most of your bang for your buck in Interlaken
Using the trains when traveling around Switzerland into the next city on your list and using them as in indicator as to what everything costs in Switzerland is another sure fire way to make you question your decision to visit the land of cheese and chocolate. This is another thing mentioned when people are expressing how expensive Switzerland is to the people that live here, this is why we tend to have our finger on the pulse of how to get by in what is one of the most expensive countries in the world with transportation in an around Interlaken and the surrounding areas in the Jungfrau region.
Our tips to travel for cheap in Interlaken and Switzerland
Luckily, here at Balmers Hostel, we fully understand your plight with trying to get the most bang for your buck while visiting not only an expensive place but one of the most beautiful, which if done correctly will quickly become the highlight of your trip as you not only get to see some of the places that inspired Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings but you also get to leave with a healthier bank account than expected. So find here our specials tips to save money and travel on a budget in Switzerland.
#1.Cheap transport in Interlaken
Pre-book your rail way line as in Eurorail or Interrail passes already from home so you don’t have to worry about it on the road. And don’t forget if you let one of the Famous Hostels know in advance they will offer a 10% discount on the rooms rate.
Hitch hike! Most locals are very happy to offer you a free ride, be sure you don’t hitchhike on a highway, always best at a gas station, you can ask reception for a piece of paper and a marker.
Rent a bicycle and explore the whole of Interlaken, it is all flat and you can ride out to the lakes for a swim in summer too!
#2. Best exchange rates
Come prepared with the local currency in mind. The currency in Switzerland is Swiss Francs or CHF (Confoederatio Helvetica Franc). People do accept Euros but the exchange rate is typically 1-1 and is not in your favor, it’s a convenient service that places offer. All change given is in CHF and no one takes Euro coins simply because the banks do not accept them or change them for companies in Switzerland. Presently, 100 euro will get you 112chf so you lose out on 12chf by not being prepared and coming into a country with the correct currency. The exchange rate in your home country when planning your trip is going to better than a flat 1-1 exchange rate or just change some at one of the banks in the previous country or when arriving in Switzerland. Alternatively use your card when possible, especially if they have no conversion or transaction fees.
#3. Make the most of your visitor card
We provide you with a Visitors card upon check in at Balmers Hostel. We also have printed out in multiple places around Balmers Hostel the most common bus routes that people do take and ask about which are free to use with the visitors card. It also provides you with a plethora of discounts to certain tourist attractions which the most popular being the Harder Kulm and coming in a close second the Trummelbach Falls and also a discount at the lesser known but equally as impressive St. Beatus caves. Make the most of it. Some shops even offer a free souvenir when you show the card.The bus routes take you as far as Iseltwald on lake Brienz and in the other direction up to Beatenbucht, which is past the popular sunset spot of Neuhaus on lake Thun and also past the St Beatus caves. Simply put, use the card there is no reason why you would not.
#4. Discover Interlaken for free
Although we have a night club (cheapest drinks in town) on our premises that may thwart your plans of an early night and early start, one thing that puts a smile on the staffs face is seeing people getting up early to cram as many things into their day as their legs can manage.
One of the more under rated things is the walk along the river behind the casino to the sunrise look out spot. The look out spot in question looks out onto Lake Brienz, which just so happens to be facing the direction of the sunrise. Watching the sun coming up over an alpine landscape in the background and a lake in the foreground is not a bad way for any body to start their day. There are many beautiful places that can be reached by foot and you will always see more this way.
If early wake up calls are not your thing you can always catch the sun going down at the other lake of lake Thun that we luckily happen to be nestled in between. The walk there is slightly longer but it takes you through a nature reserve, has a couple of spots in the sun where you can go for a swim, you also pass a ruined castle while making your way to Neuhaus to watch the sun disappear behind a ridge line in the distance with a glass of wine in your hand which you packed for your picnic 😉 and bought previously at some of the cheaper supermarkets like Lidl, conveniently close to Balmers Hostel.
Read also our article: Visiting Interlaken on a budget
#5. Sleep in Balmers Hammock room
This last little bit of inside scoop is a case of the early bird gets the worm. At Balmers Hostel during the summer months we have a hammock room in which we rent out the hammocks for a small fee. This is the cheapest accommodation you will find in our area and in some cases cheaper than most hostels elsewhere in Europe and way more unique nights sleep. The hammocks are something that we opened up for rent for the people who do not mind roughing it a little, have brought their own sleeping bag or are a tad more prepared than your average traveller on the beaten path.
The hammocks are located inside the hostel but in what was an old barn so it is still partially effected by the elements but completely undercover from the rain. This does not stop them being booked out weeks in advance with reservations already being made 5 months in advance. If this is an experience that you want to have, then it pays to be prepared and on top of things with your itinerary to avoid disappointment when planning your stay at Balmers Hostel.
#6. Cook your own food
Make use of our Guest kitchen and cook your self a meal, better still, gather a few of you and cook together and shop in a supermarket. This will be a great experience and you will hopefully get to experience other cultures food too. Bonus!
#7. Sharing is caring
Make friends with our staff or locals, they are always happy to share their insider tips.
You can also stuff your face with chocolate, you know you want to….you will soon shed the extra calories off on your next hike, but try local brands which come in packs of 5 in the supermarket and share it with your new friends
Our biggest tips is in sharing, not only will you make long lasting friends but you will keep your purse full for activities or other things you may want to experience.
