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, 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
Fun fact about **Balmers Hostel**:
It all started back in **1907**, when Frida and Adolf Balmer opened a small *Touristenheim* for travellers. By the 1950s, they were already hosting British school groups, so you could say the hostel spirit here has been going strong for quite some time.
In the 70s, the second generation expanded it from a modest 50 beds to one of the most iconic hostels in Switzerland.
Today, the third generation is still running the show.
So yes… when you stay at Balmers, you’re not just booking a bed, you’re joining over a century of travellers passing through Interlaken.
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Picture by @baydean
We’ve seen the debates. 🫕
Now tell us: What are the proper consequences when someone loses their bread in the fondue?
And no, “running around the table” or “paying a round” won’t cut it - we’re talking high-stakes fondue justice. 😉
👇Drop your rules in the comments - we need answers.
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" www.balmers.com/your-guide-to-eat-the-best-fondue-in-interlaken/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @switzerland
Not just a bed. A proper social life.
At Balmers, the days are for mountains and the evenings are for everyone else.
Think trivia nights that get surprisingly competitive.
Foosball battles that last far too long.
Movie nights with popcorn and a film.
Garden hangs. Bar chats. New mates by midnight.
You can come solo. You won’t stay that way.
Check in for the Alps.
Stay for the atmosphere.
Book your room and join in.
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" www.balmers.com/weekly-social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
March in Interlaken? Best of both worlds.
Snow is still up high. Spring is waking up down low.
One day, you’re carving fresh lines in the Jungfrau region. The next time you’re paragliding over two lakes. Feeling bold? Skydive it. Prefer something calmer? Kayak on Lake Brienz or wander through Lauterbrunnen while the waterfalls are showing off.
Skiing. Snowboarding. Sledging. Skydiving. Paragliding. Canyon swings. Winter hikes. Early spring lake days.
Adventure season doesn’t end here; it just gets interesting.
Base yourself at Balmers. We’ll help you plan the rest.
Book your bed and make March count.
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" www.balmers.com/activities "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @outdoorinterlaken
📍The Thrill Walk - Birg
Canton of Bern - Switzerland
🇨🇭 A walkway at 2,677 m has been built into the rock, offering breathtaking views of the three legendary peaks: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
▶️ Access:
Take the world`s steepest cable car from Stechelberg to Mürren, one of Switzerland`s most beautiful villages. Then, take a second cable car towards Birg.
Access to the walkway is free.
Note: The Schilthorn summit is open this winter.
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" www.balmers.com/schilthorn-what-to-do-what-to-see/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @steffi_inswiss
Grindelwald, Switzerland. This place ticks all the boxes for spectacular scenery, skiing, hiking, and enjoying the Alps. Grindelwald also has the longest toboggan run in the world at 15.4km. 🎿🚡⛄️⛄️
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" www.balmers.com/full-apres-ski-experience-in-grindelwald/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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🎥 Video by @mygreatescapes @mygreatescapes
Ever heard of the „Blue Mind Effect“? 🌊❄️
Science shows that being near water lowers stress hormones and slows down our thoughts. In the winter, this effect is supercharged. The silence of Lake Brienz, the crisp alpine air, and the rhythmic stroke of your paddle create the ultimate mental reset.
No summer winds, no crowds—just you and the mirror-like reflections of the Swiss Alps. It’s more than an adventure; it’s moving meditation.
Ready to clear your head? 🛶✨
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" www.balmers.com/activity/winter-kayak-tours/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @hightidekayak
My favourite trip to date! 🇨🇭 The trip I dreamed about for years, and I finally made it happen, all on my own. ✈️
Traveling solo was something I never thought I’d have the courage to do. As someone who’s always surrounded by people, stepping out of my comfort zone felt terrifying… but it was exactly what I needed. I wanted to challenge myself, to grow, to prove that I could do things for myself and by myself.
The first few days were scary, getting lost, taking the wrong train, figuring things out in a new country with a new language, but honestly, that’s what made it so beautiful. The mistakes, the laughter, the little moments of “wow, I did that.”
I was lucky enough to see a close friend in Germany and then set off on my own. It felt like me vs. the world… but the world showed up for me in the best way possible. I met the most amazing people in Balmoral, Interlaken, all solo travelers who became lifelong friends. We extended our stays, shared stories, and created memories I’ll never forget. 💫
This trip was more than travel; it was a journey toward independence, confidence, and connection.�To anyone reading this: leap. Do the thing that scares you. Don’t let fear, comfort, or opinions hold you back. The world is waiting, and it’s so worth it. 🌍✨
Cheers to the memories, the people, and to always saying yes to the adventure. 🥂💛
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @michellegilmour33
Cosy corners. Fire nights in the garden. Proper chats that turn into long evenings.
At Balmers Hostel, it’s not just a bed for the night, it’s the kind of place where strangers become your hiking crew by morning.
• Fire nights under the stars
• Big garden for slow afternoons
• Lively bar when you fancy it
• Quiet nooks when you don’t
• Mountain views in every direction
Adventure all day. Proper comfort at night.
Book your room. Come to the Alps. Stay for the atmosphere.
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" www.balmers.com/adventure-hostel-interlaken/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
14,000 feet.
One deep breath.
Then absolutely nothing beneath your trainers.
Skydiving over Interlaken isn’t just a “tick the box” moment. It’s lakes on both sides, the Jungfrau in front of you, and 45 seconds of pure freefall that rearranges your perspective entirely.
Slightly civilised panic.
Utterly unreal views.
A landing you’ll never stop talking about.
Book the jump.
Sleep it off at Balmers.
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" www.balmers.com/activity/helicopter-skydiving/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @skydiveswitzerland
Lucerne → Iseltwald → Grindelwald → Lauterbrunnen → Interlaken.
Five stops. Zero regrets.
Start with cobbled streets and lake views in Lucerne. Drift through the quiet charm of Iseltwald. Let Grindelwald show off beneath the Eiger. Stand still in Lauterbrunnen while waterfalls do their thing. Finish between two lakes in Interlaken, preferably with a pint in hand.
The kind of road trip where every “quick stop” turns into an hour.
Base yourself at Balmers and make it legendary.
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Repost from @supirdieropa
When the cold sets in, the Interlaken holiday region becomes wonderfully cosy. GIide across a calm lake, slip into a warm pool or treat yourself to a delicious raclette or fondue. As if that were not enough, you can relax in a floating sauna and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Relaxing Hotpot experience in Brienz and Beatenberg Unique Hottug experience on Lake Brienz Sealander, a floating caravan on Lake Thun Floating sauna on Lake Thun with stunning view Enjoy delicious Raclette on a rafting-boat on Lake Brienz.
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" www.balmers.com/winter "
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Repost from @interlaken
Some leave with a backpack.
Some leave with a story.
And some leave us a postcard.
We’ve always liked the idea that a few lines scribbled over coffee can say more than a five-star review ever could. A thank you, a memory, a joke that only makes sense if you were there.
If you’ve stayed with us at Balmers, you’ll know — it’s never just a bed for the night. It’s the people you meet, the kitchen chats at 2am, the plans that weren’t planned.
Until next time.
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
📍Harder Kulm, Interlaken
If you’re planning a trip to Interlaken, Switzerland, don’t miss these panoramic views of Lake Brienz, Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps 🗻
How to reach 🚃
Hop on the 10 minutes Harderbahn furnicular ride from the Harderbahn base station which is just a short walk from the Interlaken Ost station.
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" www.balmers.com/hike-the-harder-kulm/ "
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Repost from wheresjasmyn
Until next snow ❄️
Sleds. Speed. Screams.
That kind of cold that bites your cheeks and makes the laughs louder.
No skills needed.
Winter hits different when you stop watching and start sliding.
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" www.balmers.com/activity/day-sledding/ "
Run, lift, fly… and WOW 😮🪂
Watch this epic takeoff as pilot and guest launch and fly straight into the mighty Jungfrau region🏔️
Moments like this = pure magic in the Swiss Alps 🇨🇭✨
Would you dare to run off this hill?
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" www.balmers.com/activity/paragliding "
📸 captured for PGI by kaufmannmike
@paraglidinginterlaken
Until next time, Balmers.
Some came as strangers, left as friends. Nights turned into stories, stories into memories that will travel far beyond Interlaken. From shared dinners to late talks, mountain mornings to unforgettable adventures, this is what Balmers is all about.
Our doors stay open, the lights stay warm, and your place here will always be waiting.
See you soon.
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
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📷 @_victoriaaldrich
❄️ One of the most special winter experiences you can have in Switzerland: walk on the frozen Oeschinensee! 🇨🇭
In winter, when conditions allow, they have a marked ice walk on the lake. It’s open now, so it’s time for a day trip.
To reach the lake, travel to Kandersteg, ride the gondola up, then follow the groomed snowy trail to the lakeside, about 30 mins.
Always check the safety sign at the lake before stepping on the ice. Then enjoy a stroll on the ice, keeping within the marked borders, about a 1 km loop.
⚠️ Conditions can change quickly, so always check the trail status online and info boards before heading out. They regularly check ice stability and close the ice walk if necessary.
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" www.balmers.com/the-most-beautiful-lakes-around-interlaken/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Repost from @swissfamilyfun
Join us for a day at Grindelwald-First and discover why it`s known as the Top of Adventure. You can fly above the winter wonderland on the First Flyer or sled downhill while breathing in the fresh mountain air. 🛷❄️
Have you ever been and made your own memories here? Tell us about it
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" www.balmers.com/visit-grindelwald-first/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @jungfrauregion
It`s officially Carnival season in 🇨🇭!! 🎭 dates 👇🏻
This is definitely the most vibrant & fun event in Switzerland !! 🎊 February consists of Carnival festivities happening across Switzerland, but the 2 most famous Fasnachts are:
1. 𝐋𝐮𝐳𝐞𝐫𝐧`𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐭 🎭
📅: 12 February 2026, Dirty Thursday
Big Bang / Fritschi Day Wake-up Call, 5 am
Carnival Parade, 2 pm
📅14 February 2026, Rüüdig Saturday
Various events in the city center, 12 pm to 11 pm
📅 15 February 2026, Carnival Sunday
Carnival in the Littau district
📅 16 February 2026 Güdismontag
Wey-Tagwache, 6 am
Carnival parade, 2 pm
📅 17 February 2026, Shrove Tuesday,
Children`s Monster Parade, 2:30 pm
Monster Parade, 7:30 pm
𝗧𝗶𝗽: 𝗶𝘁`𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘂𝗽!
2. 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐥`𝐬 𝐔𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐎 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐭 🎭
📅 23 February 2026, Monday
Morgenstreich, 4am
Carnival Parade 1.30pm - 6pm
📅 24 February 2026, Tuesday
Children`s Parade 12pm onwards
Guggenmusik bands 7.30pm-11pm
📅 25 February 2026, Wednesday
Carnival Parade 1.30pm-6pm
Endstreich Various events happening all night until 4am
📅 1,8,15 March 2026, Sundays
Sunday marches w/o costumes, only music!
𝗧𝗶𝗽: 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘂𝗽 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿!
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" www.balmers.com/weekly-social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @yvetteinswitzerland
Private rooms and dorms.
A proper beer garden.
Bar and on-site club nights.
Guest kitchen. Pool table. Kicker. TV room.
All right in the heart of Interlaken.
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👉 Secure your stay at " www.balmers.com/hostel "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
Switzerland is often talked about in highlights, but it’s the details that make it memorable.
The way trains arrive exactly when they should. Villages that feel lived in, not staged. Landscapes that change without asking for attention.
It’s not just about mountains and lakes, though it does those very well. It’s about how easily everything fits together: nature, cities, food, culture, and pace. ✨
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" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @journeyrouters
Warm beds. Cold beers.
Mountains outside, good times inside.
Don’t overthink it.
👉 Book your room.
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
Save this sweet travel spot for your next visit to Switzerland 🇨🇭
Don’t miss Interlaken.
You’ll probably like it.
👉 Book a room.
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" www.balmers.com/hostel/private-dorms/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Repost from @annie_gh086
