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
The most up-to-date availability for the cheapest rates! The oldest and most famous hostel in Switzerland - Book activities, enjoy Interlaken.
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FAQs
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Who is Balmers Hostel ?
We are the oldest and most fun hostel in Switzerland! We are situated in three traditional Swiss wooden chalets that surround a courtyard, terras, and garden. The look and feel of our accommodation can best be described as playful, comfy, and unique.
What time is check in and check out?
Check out is normally at 10:00
Check in normally starts from 16:00
But these times are just an indication! We try to be flexible and adjust to what you need or when you arrive. If you arrive at noon and your room is ready, than you can check-in! If you need some more sleep on your departure day, just ask reception to stay a little longer.
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.
How do I get to the hostel from the train station / bus station?
By bus:
From the Interlaken West station take the bus number 105 and get off at the stop Hotel Sonne. This takes 5 minutes
From the Ost Station take the bus number 104 and get off at the stop Hotel Sonne. This takes 5 minutes
We are about 30 meters from both stops. Bus fare is Sfr 3.80 per person. Busses start running from 07.00am till about 20:30pm.once you arrive at the hostel we will provide you with a free bus pass for your convenience and for the remainder of your stay
Walking:
It takes about 20 minutes from both stations
From Interlaken West station – turn left out of the station and follow the main street, turn right at the traffic circle just after Mc Donalds all the way down. Stay on the left hand side of the road and walk straight until you see brown signs pointing to Balmers. Follow these signs
From Interlaken Ost station – exit straight out of station, between the bank and the Coop shopping Centre, straight through two traffic circles, and follow brown signs to Balmers.
You can also get a taxi for about 15 chf from either train station.
From the airport:
We have three major airports, Zurich, Geneva and Basel
Click on the following link to see the time schedules, no need to book a seat in Switzerland and you can purchase your tickets on arrival.
https://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html
Do you offer breakfast?
Unfortunately not! But we do have a guest kitchen and a bakery + supermarket which are on less than 2 min walk from the hostel. Read more about breakfast
Get Social
#balmershostel
GIESSBACH FALLS HIKE: A HALF-DAY ADVENTURE FROM ISELTWALD
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, you’ll 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.
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🔗 More info in our link in bio
" www.balmers.com/hike-to-giessbach-falls/ "
DISCOVER THE AUGSTMATTHORN SUMMIT
Augstmatthorn is the highest peak along the Hardergrat ridge and can be reached in about 3 hours (or 9 km) from Harder Kulm. This hike is challenging but rewards you with some stunning views over Lake Brienz and the Swiss Alps.
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🔗 More info in our link in bio
" www.balmers.com/augstmatthorn-hike/ "
Best hostel I’ve stayed in. The rooms were clean and comfortable. Lots of bathrooms and showers. All really clean. Big kitchen. Cozy eating and chilling area. Great location and has great people. I’m definitely staying here again.
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🔗 More info in our link in bio
" www.balmers.com/hostel "
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📷 @amandakim546
📍 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland 🇨🇭
Lauterbrunnen is a really beautiful municipality in the Swiss alps. It has a picturesque valley and a stunning Swiss-style village just next to Interlaken. It is often referred to as the Valley of 72 Waterfalls.
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🔗 More info in our link in bio
" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-in-lauterbrunnen/ "
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🎥 @swisswoow
🌄 Hostel Life at Balmers: The Ultimate Base for Hikers in Interlaken! 🌄
If you love hiking, Balmers Hostel in Interlaken is the perfect place for you! Nestled between two stunning lakes and surrounded by towering peaks, Interlaken is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails for every level—from easy scenic walks to challenging alpine treks.
At Balmers, we’re not just about the cozy hostel vibes and social life (though that’s amazing too!). We’re your gateway to some of the most breathtaking hikes in Switzerland. Start your day with a hearty breakfast, gear up, and head out to explore iconic routes like Harder Kulm, Augstmatthorn, and the picturesque trails around Lauterbrunnen Valley. 🌲🥾
After a day of hiking, come back to the hostel to relax and swap stories with fellow adventurers. Unwind by the bonfire, join in on a Beer Pong game, or grab a Glühwein as the sun sets over the mountains. There’s no better place to recharge and connect with other hikers who are as passionate about the outdoors as you are!
For hikers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers—Interlaken is your dream destination, and Balmers is your home base. 🏞️🌍
Ready to hit the trails? Pack your boots and we’ll see you on the mountain! 🥾💪
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🔗 More info in our link in bio
" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming/ "
🎉 There’s always something happening at Balmers Hostel! 🎉
From epic Beer Pong tournaments and scenic group hikes to fun Trivia nights, cozy Glühwein evenings, and unforgettable Karaoke sessions, we’ve got daily social activities to keep the good vibes going. And don’t miss our Bonfire nights—perfect for relaxing and making new friends! 🔥🍻
Whether you`re looking for adventure, a laugh, or just a chill evening, we’ve got you covered! 🙌
Ready to join the fun? Check out our activities board at reception and make the most of your stay! 🌟
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🔗 More info in our link in bio
" www.balmers.com/social-activities-get-together/ "
Travel Guide: The Cliff walk in Grindelwald First- one of the MOST picturesque destination nestled in the Swiss Alps.
👉🏻 How to get to the First Cliff Walk:
Take a Cable car ride: 25min of panoramic view. Price: normal 68.- / half fare 34.-
✅ Tip: purchase your ticket online to skip the line & take the earliest gondola to skip the crowd!
Follow the well-marked signs to the starting point of the thrill Cliff Walk & the suspended bridge at 2000m height.
Activities to do here: hiking, First Glider, restaurant, zip liner, Mountain cart, Trottbike scooter, picnic & a loop hike of 2 hours to the alpine lake Bachalpsee.
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🔗 More info in our link in bio
" www.balmers.com/visit-grindelwald-first/ "
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📷 @jasminea.decker
SWITZERLAND WINTER ITINERARY🇨🇭❄️
📌Day 1 - Zürich
👉🏻 Arrive into Zürich
👉🏻 Go for a walk and explore the city - make sure to head up to Lindehof Hill for amazing views over the city
👉🏻 Round off the day at the Hürlimann Thermal Bath and Spa, there is a rooftop pool with incredible views.
📌Day 2 Interlaken
👉🏻 Get the train from Zurich to Interlaken, and go via Luzerne to catch the scenic Interlaken Express
👉🏻 Hike up Harder Kulm from town, this should take 3-5 hours depending on your hiking ability.
📌Day 3 - Grindelwald
👉🏻 Get the train from Interlaken to Grindelwald for the day
👉🏻 If you’re not on a tight budget, the main attraction in the area is to get the gondola up to Jungfraujoch for panoramic views of the Bernese Alps
👉🏻 If you’re trying to keep costs down, hike up to the First Cliff Walk, this should take 2-4 hours. Once there you can walk across a suspending bridge on the side of the mountain. You can get a gondola if you don’t want to hike!
📌Day 4 - Mürren
👉🏻 Get the train from Interlaken to Mürren
👉🏻 Similarly to Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn is the main attraction here, you can get a cable car to the top of this mountain for panoramic views (one of the James bonds was filmed here)
👉🏻 If on a budget, hike from Mürren to the Grütschalp station and back for views of Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger
📌Day 5 - Mürren
👉🏻 Rent a sled from Intersport or one of the other rental places in town
👉🏻 Either get the ski lift or hike up to Schiltgrat, from here you can sled down the Apollo run!
* If you have more time I would add in Zermatt here for a few days and then catch the famous slow scenic train the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz*
📌Day 6 - St Moritz
👉🏻 Get the train from Mürren to St Moritz - make sure to get the train that changes through Chur - St Moritz, it goes along a UNESCO heritage line (this is a regular train, not an expensive ‘scenic’ one)
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" www.balmers.com/travel-by-train-in-switzerland/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @teetravels_
After a long hike, I stand before the endless beauty of Oeschinensee. The Swiss Alps stretch beyond as if painted by nature’s hand. Lauterbrunnen’s waterfalls whisper from afar, Zermatt’s peaks stand tall, and Grindelwald’s valleys echo with stories of old. The Jungfrau watches over, and Interlaken’s lakes reflect the sky. Each place is a chapter in Switzerland’s tale, and each moment is a reminder of nature’s grace.
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" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Repost from @alpinelens
🎃 Spooky vibes are in the air! 🎃
We’re all set for a night of chills, thrills, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re here for the costumes, the treats, or just a bit of Halloween magic, join us for an evening that’ll be hauntingly fun! 👻✨
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" www.balmers.com/social-activities-get-together/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
🎃 Yesterday’s pumpkin carving was a smash! 🎃
We saw some amazing creativity, from spooky faces to quirky designs—everyone brought their A-game! Thanks to all who joined and made it a hauntingly fun evening. Until tomorrow for Halloween! 👻✨
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🔗 More info in our link in bio
" www.balmers.com "
We had some very unique conditions on Lake Brienz. Thin vapor clouds hovered over the lake`s surface, blown along by the prevailing wind. Guests on the morning tour were lucky to catch the moment when the sun came over the ridge and illuminated the clouds.
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🔗 More info in our link in bio
" www.balmers.com/activity/winter-kayak-tours/ "
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📷 @hightidekayak
I’m living in my dream 👇🏻
Summary of an incredible trip to Switzerland 🇨🇭
Breathtaking places, food, walks, and landscapes 🗻🍫🫕🧀
And many other little gems and magnificent places were part of this trip that will mark us forever, I`m sure!
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Waking up early and walking were the mottos of the trip but this is the only way we managed to do so much in so little time. Even so, there is a feeling that we have seen very little and that there will be much more to see!
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It is to return. Until next time 👊🏻
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🔗 More info in our link in bio
" www.balmers.com/activities/ "
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Repost from @ricardomasousa
