
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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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 8 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
Backpacking? Staying in a hostel is the ultimate hack! ๐โจ At Balmers Hostel, meet fellow travelers from all over, swap epic stories, and dive into adventures together. Plus, itโs budget-friendly and packed with good vibes. Ready to make friends and memories? Your next adventure starts here! ๐โ
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ

Ready to turn those legs into legends? ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ช Join our Giessbachfall hike โ where the waterfalls roar louder than your excuses! ๐๐ Itโs the perfect mix of fresh air, epic views, and good company. Plus, bragging rights for conquering one of Interlakenโs best-kept secrets. Whoโs in for some laughs, nature, and maybe a splash or two? Letโs hike, chat, and make memories! ๐ฒ๐ฅพ #BalmersHikes #WaterfallWanderers #AdventureCrewโ
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" www.balmers.com/hike-to-giessbach-falls/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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Picture by Sydney

๐ฅ Weekly Activities at the Hostel ๐ฅโ
Get ready for an epic week! ๐โ
โ
๐ Monday โ 7 PMโ
Bring Your Own BBQ โ you bring the food, we bring the fire! ๐ฅโ
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๐ฅพ Tuesday โ 11AMโ
Hike to Giessbach Waterfalls โ nature at its finest ๐ฟโ
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๐ง Wednesday โ 8:30 PMโ
Trivia Night โ show us what youโve got! ๐โ
๐ 10:30 PM Club Night โ letโs dance! ๐โ
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๐ Thursday โ 8 PMโ
Bachata Class โ shake those hips to Caribbean rhythms ๐ถโ
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Friday โ 6 PMโ
Sunset at the lake โ chill vibes & stunning views ๐งโโโ
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๐ฑ Saturday โ 8 PMโ
Bingo Night โ prizes & good laughs ๐โ
๐ 10:30 PM Club Night โ again? Oh yes! ๐บโ
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๐ถ Sunday โ 9:30AMโ
Kayak Adventure โ paddle into the wild ๐ฆโ
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๐ Please note: Activities may change depending on the weather.โ
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See you there! โ
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" www.balmers.com/social-activities-get-together/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio

ITINERARY โฌ๏ธ NO GATEKEEPINGโ
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Day 1 - Harder Kulm & Giessbach Falls ๐ณโ
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You can either do a 2-hour hike up to the Harder Kulm viewpoint, OR take a 10-minute cable car. There is a restaurant and cafe at the top, then further up, there is a forest where you can continue your hike. โ
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Take a 30-minute train from Interlaken Ost to Brienz, then hop on the boat to Giessbach Falls (1 stop, 20 min journey). When you get to Giessbach Falls, the entire hike up to the main waterfall and back down will take you around 2 hr.โ
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Day 2 - Schilthorn & Grindelwald๐ก๐ปโ
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Get the train to Lauterbrunnen, then from there get a bus to Murren, from here you can take the cable car up to the peak of Schilthorn mountain and catch some amazing snowy views. This mountain is basically the same as Jungfraujoch Mountain, even the locals say you should just go to Schilthorn to save money because it`s just the same thing! โ
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After taking in the views, get the cable car back down to Murren and find yourself a way back to Lauterbrunnen, where you`ll take a train to Grindelwald. Depending on the season, you can go to Grindelwald First, where you`ll be able to go on a nice walk and do a bunch of fun activities. This opens May 23rd and will close in the Autumn! There is also Pfingstegg, which is walking distance from the Grindelwald train station. โ
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Day 3 - Oeschinensee ๐๏ธ๐๏ธโ
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Get the train to Oeschinen (Bergstation) and then walk 15 minutes to the cable car to take you to the start of the Oeschinensee hike/trail. You can do the slide before or after you start the hike, then it`s a 20-30 min walk to Oeschinensee lake, there are a lot of different routes around the lake and up the mountains so make sure you grab a map at the entrance to see which one you`d prefer to do! You can hire a paddle boat for 30 Swiss Francs for an hour on the lake. We weren`t allowed to swim when we went (mid-May), but I believe it`s seasonal and you should be able to swim in the summer. If you go to the cafe at the top, just keep in mind that they take cash onlyโ
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" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming/"โ
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๐ท @joshgoesgym

Whoโs ready to test their fear of heights?๐คโ
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Our complete guide for via ferrata around Interlakenโ
" www.balmers.com/via-ferrata-around-interlaken-complete-guide/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @outdoorinterlaken

Have you ever been to a place that feels like a dream? ๐ค If not, Grindelwald might be the spot to add to your list! couldnโt get enough of these breathtaking views. ๐โ
โ
๐ป Fun fact: Grindelwald is one of Switzerlandโs oldest mountain resorts, known as the โGlacier Village.โ Its stunning landscapes have been inspiring travelers for centuries.โ
โ
โ๏ธ Who would you bring here to experience this incredible scenery?โ
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" www.balmers.com/top-hikes-around-grindelwald/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @switzerland.explores @wheretonextyall

๐ฅพ๐จ๐ญ Hiking views in Switzerland are unreal โ endless trails, epic peaks, and lakes so blue they look fake! Start your adventure from Balmers and see it for yourself. Whoโs ready to hit the trails? ๐๏ธโจโ
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" www.balmers.com/ultimate-guide-to-hiking-in-the-interlaken-region-trails-tips-scenic-routes/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @sebpic_

Is bed linen provided?โ
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.โ
.โ
" www.balmers.com/faq/#hostel "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio

๐งบโจ Picnic by the lake? Always a good idea! Grab snacks from the local shop, find a sunny spot by the turquoise shores, and chill with mountain views all around. Simple, cheap, unforgettable. ๐๐๏ธ #LakeDays #InterlakenVibes #PicnicPerfectโ
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" www.balmers.com/every-tuesday-sunset-hike/ "

๐ธโจ 2 days in Interlaken for under $100? Yes, itโs possible! Stay comfy at Balmers Hostel ๐ก, grab fresh bites at local grocery stores ๐ฅช๐, and explore epic views for free โ lakes, mountains, waterfalls, all on foot or with budget-friendly trails. Spend less, adventure more! ๐ฒ๐๏ธโ
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "โ
๐ More info in our link in the bioโ
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๐ท @xeniaminton

๐ดโโ๏ธ๐ฆ Cruise around stunning Lake Brienz on an epic E-Bike tour! Ride out of Interlaken along turquoise shores, pedal through Brienz, Iseltwald & Bรถnigen, and soak up the views at the majestic Giessbach Falls. Peaks above, crystal waters below, letโs ride! ๐๐๏ธ #LakeBrienz #Interlaken #EBikeTour #HostelAdventuresโ
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" www.balmers.com/activity/yellow-velo-e-bike-tour-around-lake-brienz/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio

๐ซ Get your sweet fix in Interlaken! Join our Funky Chocolate Club workshop and make your Swiss chocolate bars โ fun, messy, delicious! ๐ค Whoโs in? โ
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Book your chocolate workshop here:โ
" www.balmers.com/activity/funky-chocolate-workshop/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @funkychocolateclub

๐ชโ๏ธ From Spring Breezes to Summer Dreams! โ๏ธ๐ชโ
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Blue skies, sunny days, happy faces โ and the breathtaking beauty of Interlaken from above! โ
Glide through clear skies with Lake Thun sparkling below and the mighty Jungfrau peaks rising on the horizon. Every flight is pure joy and freedom! ๐๏ธโจโ
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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 โ
๐ธ captured for PGI by sonsibarโ
+ pascal_geebelenโ
+danroborgh

Harder Kulm flexinโ like a boss right behind us ๐๐๏ธ If you think climbing itโs tough, wait till you try resisting the views! Pro tip: Take the funicular up and then pretend you totally hiked it. ๐ฅพ๐ Whatโs your favorite Interlaken adventure? Drop your best tips or funniest fails in the commentsโletโs hear those stories! ๐๐ฅโ
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" www.balmers.com/hike-the-harder-kulm/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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Repost from @cm94aan

This is NOT just any lake๐๐จ๐ญโ
This might be one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Switzerland.โ
โ
The name of this place is:โ
๐Oeschinenseeโ
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A day trip to Oeschinensee is ideal for its proximity to Interlaken and the variety of activities you can enjoy. โ
" www.balmers.com/day-trip-to-oeschinensee/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @travelih

๐โจ Before you go, leave a little piece of your adventure behind! Drop a postcard with your best memories of your stay at Balmers โ your stories and souvenirs inspire the next travellers to make theirs. ๐บ๏ธโค๏ธ #TravelMemories โ
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All you need to know about Balmers Hostel:โ
" www.balmers.com/faq/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @maciekoliva

โป๏ธ Eco-Wanderer Alert: Travel green, save big, stay epic. โ
โ
๐Choose train or bus over plane - convert your CO2 saving into a 5-20% discount at any Famous Hostels across Europe. Check out our CO2 calculator to see how much you could save! โ
โ
How do you travel in Europe? โ
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" www.balmers.com/sustainable-travel-train-bus-europe-eco-wanderer/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @famoushostels

Our Swiss hostel at Balmers Hostel โค๏ธโ
One day, we had fun at the club in the hostel, another day, we drank beer all night with new people, it was a fulfilling and happy hostel life๐โ
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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Repost from @so_tographer

Believe it or not, the water we raft on every day comes straight from the glaciers; it melted just a few hours ago. Thatโs what makes the Lรผtschine so wild, refreshing, and fun.โ
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Book this activity here:โ
" www.balmers.com/activity/rafting/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @outdoorinterlaken

The Augstmatthorn hike is a hidden gem you shouldnโt miss. โค๏ธ This ridge walk offers stunning views over Lake Brienz and the surrounding Alps.โ
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Hereโs a quick breakdown:โ
โฑ๏ธ Hike duration: 3 hoursโ
๐ฅพ Distance: 6.3 kmโ
โฌ๏ธ Elevation: 576 metersโ
๐ช๐ผ Difficulty: Easyโ
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DISCOVER THE AUGSTMATTHORN SUMMITโ
Augstamatthorn is one of the best hikes you will ever do near Interlaken.โ
" www.balmers.com/augstmatthorn-hike/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @themanduls

Skydiving in the Swiss Alps is a must for your bucket list! โญโ
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" www.balmers.com/activity/sky-diving/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @outdoorinterlaken

GIESSBACH FALLS HIKE: A HALF-DAY ADVENTURE FROM ISELTWALDโ
Looking for a relaxed, scenic hike near Interlaken? The Giessbach Falls trail is a great choice. Just a 20-minute bus ride from Interlaken Ost, youโll arrive in Iseltwald, a charming Swiss village nestled on the shore of Lake Brienz. This easy trail follows the shoreline to the stunning Giessbach Falls- perfect for anyone craving a laid-back adventure.โ
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" www.balmers.com/hike-to-giessbach-falls/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio

๐๐จ Say hello to our vintage Balmers car, an iconic piece of hostel history! Parked out front and full of stories, itโs the perfect selfie spot and a symbol of all the epic adventures that start here.โ
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๐ธ Snap a pic with it and tag us, we might just feature you!โ
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio

One for the bucket list in Switzerland, the views are breathtaking! There is some phenomenal hiking in the Jungfrau region; this has to be one of the prettiest parts of the country!โ
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PS. The Cliff Walk is free, but the gondola up isnโt.โ
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" www.balmers.com/5-must-do-hikes-in-interlaken/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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Repost from @calsnape
