the swiss alps hostel.
Balmers is the first private hostel in Switzerland!
Your home away from home in Interlaken...
Balmers Hostel
& the Social vibe
Are you Ready to
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, weβve 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. Weβre a very human bunch, and we love connecting in real ways.Weβd 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 whatβs 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 itβs 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 somethingβs not right during your stay. Weβd much rather try to fix things in real time than read about them later when itβs 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 βgood, best, amazingβ 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 stayβand everyone else’sβas 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 PMβsome 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 borrowedβlike 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 indoorsβeven with the window open.
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No cooking outside the guest kitchen.
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Donβt leave windows wide open with the heating on.
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And above all: donβt be disrespectful.
Thanks for being the absolute best! Weβre glad youβre here. π§‘
What is Balmers Hostel?
Balmers Hostel is Switzerlandβs oldest privately owned hostel, set in three charming Swiss chalets surrounded by mountain peaks waiting to be explored. Itβs 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
Mirror-calm water and the glow of the Swiss Alps. ποΈβ¨β
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There is no better way to experience Lake Brienz than from a kayak. Weβve teamed up with the legends at @hightidekayak to get you out on the turquoise water for the ultimate sunset session. Itβs peaceful, itβs magical, and itβs a perspective of Interlaken youβll never forget. πΆπ
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" www.balmers.com/activity/kayak/ "β
Book your spot on the water! πβ
π More info in our link in bio
POV: You just experienced the ultimate Balmers night. ππΈβ¨β
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From the first sizzle on the BBQ to the last chord on the guitar, thereβs a reason people never want to leave our garden. Good food, legendary people, and that specific Interlaken magic that turns a group of travelers into a family.β
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Whether you`re here for the games, the tunes, or the burgers, thereβs always a seat at the table for you! π»πβ
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Drop a βπβ if you want to be here right now!β
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "β
π More info in our link in bio
You have to add Switzerland to your bucket list if you havenβt already ποΈ Thanks @lachie_tarsh for sharing this bucket list.β
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We spent 7 days here and got a really good spread of all the different types of places. β
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π Zurichβ
π Interlakenβ
π Grindelwaldβ
π Lauterbrunnenβ
π Gimmelwaldβ
π Murren β
π Zermattβ
πKleine Scheideggβ
πJungfrau β
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" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming/ "β
π More info in our link in bio
Welcome to Lauterbrunnen β where water writes the soundtrack of the Alpsπ¨πβ
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In this hidden Swiss valley, summer doesnβt just look beautifulβ¦ it sounds magical. Rivers whisper through the landscape, waterfalls fall like slow-motion poetry, and every corner feels alive with natureβs rhythm.β
π§ Turn up the volume. Let the water take you there.β
πLauterbrunnen, Switzerlandπ¨πβ
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" www.balmers.com/hiking-in-lauterbrunnen/ "β
π More info in our link in bioβ
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π₯ @___denny85___
Flying over the Swiss Alps on the Grindelwald First Glider was one of the most thrilling adventures of my trip to Switzerland. The ride gives you panoramic views of the Jungfrau region, snow-capped mountains, and lush alpine valleys. Itβs the perfect mix of adrenaline and scenery. If youβre looking for unique things to do in Grindelwald, this experience should be at the top of your Switzerland bucket list.β
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" www.balmers.com/visit-grindelwald-first/ "β
π More info in our link in bioβ
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π· @dian_the_explorer
The best travel stories aren`t told in books; they`re told around a fire pit. πͺ΅π β
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When the sun goes down, our garden turns into the ultimate cozy hangout. Whether youβre exhausted from a hike or just looking for a good chat, thereβs always a spot on a log for you.β
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Save this post for your "Interlaken Bucket List"! ποΈβ
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" www.balmers.com/adventure-hostel-interlaken/ "β
π More info in our link in bio
No matter the camera angle, this feeling is just π€―β
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" www.balmers.com/activity/canyon-swing/ "β
π More info in our link in bioβ
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π· @outdoorinterlaken
POV: This is your afternoon at Balmers. ποΈβ¨β
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Thereβs always a game happening in our backyard. No experience needed, just good vibes and a bit of "garden courage." Itβs the easiest way to make friends from around the world without even trying. ππ€β
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Coming to Interlaken soon? Save this post to remind yourself where the best pre-party vibes are! πβ
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "β
π More info in our link in bio
Casually free-falling over the Alps πͺποΈβ
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Who are you trying this with?β
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" www.balmers.com/activity/sky-diving/ "β
π More info in our link in bioβ
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Repost from @travelflextrip
Who else is still buzzing from that sunset swim? ππ
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Huge shoutout to the brave souls who took the plunge with us this week! Thereβs nothing quite like that "lake courage" to bond a group of travelers together.β
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Missed out? Donβt worry! We organize free social activities for our guests all the time. Check the board at reception and join the family for the next one. Adventure is always better when itβs shared. πβ¨β
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Morning hike or sunset swim? Tell us your favorite way to explore Interlaken below! πβ
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" www.balmers.com/weekly-social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "β
π More info in our link in bioβ
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Pictures by Ivan
Life in a few months
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" www.balmers.com/spring "
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π· @lazyset_up
What makes you happy?βοΈπͺ Certainly days with paragliding in it! Would you try it?πβ
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COME FLY! πͺπ¨πβ
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Discover Paragliding in Switzerland with breathtaking views of Interlaken and the Jungfrau region. Your adventure awaits!β
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" www.balmers.com/activity/paragliding-summer/ "β
π More info in our link in bioβ
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π· @paraglidinginterlaken
A proper Interlaken stay
Garden, bar & good company
Alps on the doorstep
Book direct
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
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Picture by @kushal_malhotra
Nestled above the village of Grindelwald, the breathtaking Bachalpsee is one of Switzerlandβs most iconic alpine lakes, especially in summer.
Surrounded by lush green meadows and framed by the dramatic peaks of the Bernese Alps, Bachalpsee offers crystal-clear waters that perfectly reflect mountains like the Wetterhorn and Schreckhorn.
Easily accessible via scenic hiking trails from First Cliff Walk, this destination is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking unforgettable panoramic views.
Summer at Bachalpsee means vibrant wildflowers, fresh mountain air, and serene landscapesβmaking it a must-visit spot for hiking in Switzerland and alpine photography.
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" www.balmers.com/interlaken-lakes-waterfalls-activities/ "
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πBachalpsee, Switzerlandπ¨π
π₯ by @___denny85___
Iseltwald, Switzerland: Nestled along the shores of Lake Brienz, Iseltwald is a picturesque Swiss village that offers stunning lake and mountain views. Known for its charming wooden chalets and serene atmosphere, itβs a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. β
Fun fact: Iseltwald is often called the βGateway to the Bernese Oberlandβ and is a popular spot for hiking and boating. ποΈποΈπ¨π β
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" www.balmers.com/your-first-trip-to-switzerland-discover-interlaken-like-a-pro/ "β
π More info in our link in bioβ
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πΉ @thirdplanetwanderer β
@insiderexplorers βοΈ
More than just a bed. A vibe you won`t find anywhere else. ποΈβ¨β
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Communal BBQ nightsβ
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Live music in the gardenβ
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Game tournamentsβ
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A lifetime of memoriesβ
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Your Interlaken story starts here. Are you ready to join the circle? π¨ππ₯β
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "β
π More info in our link in bio
Planning your Swiss escape? π¨π We highly recommend checking out the travel guides by norwegiantravelcouple. Theyβve covered every detail you need: from pricing and opening hours to parking tips and lessons learned from their own mistakes.β
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Grab their guide to plan your route, and book your stay at Balmers Hostel to be in the heart of the action.β
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" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming/ "β
π More info in our link in bioβ
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Repost from @norwegiantravelcouple
Step 1: Drop the heavy bag. πβ
Step 2: Find your bunk. ποΈβ
Step 3: Make your bed and make yourself at home.β
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Whoβs ready to call the top bunk? πββοΈβ
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" www.balmers.com/hostel/ "β
π More info in our link in bio
Visit the Giessbach Waterfalls in style! Our jetboats can travel up to 60 km/h and even perform 360-degree spins. If that doesnβt entertain you, youβll also cross Switzerlandβs deepest lake, Lake Brienz, surrounded by the Swiss Alps, with captains who will share fascinating stories about the region.β
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" www.balmers.com/activity/jet-boat-interlaken/ "β
π More info in our link in bioβ
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π· @outdoorinterlaken
Dinner tastes better when shared with friends from all over the globe. πΈ BBQ on the grill, a guitar in hand, and stories that last all nightβthis is what Balmers is all about.β
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Our long table is waiting for you. Grab a seat and join the family! πβ¨β
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" www.balmers.com/weekly-social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "β
π More info in our link in bio
Golden hour goals at Balmers. β½οΈπ
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Thereβs no better way to end a day in Interlaken than a kickabout in the garden while the sun dips behind the mountains. Skills, snacks, and sunset vibes.β
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Whoβs got the best touch in your travel crew? Tag them below! πβ
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" https://www.balmers.com/category/promotion/ "β
π More info in our link in bio
π Magical moments at Oeschinensee by @havwildπΏβ
β¨ Pure hiking bliss surrounded by Switzerlandβs breathtaking natural beauty. Crystal-clear alpine waters, towering peaks, and peaceful trails that make you slow down and truly enjoy the moment ποΈπβ
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" www.balmers.com/day-trip-to-oeschinensee/ "β
π More info in our link in bio
Checking into Balmers = instantly gaining a new group of friends. πβ¨β
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Thereβs something about the veranda and a few drinks that turns strangers into travel buddies. Whether you`re sharing stories from the road or planning tomorrow`s hike, this is where the magic happens.β
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Tag the friends you met while traveling! πβ
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" www.balmers.com/weekly-social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "β
π More info in our link in bio
Some of the top places you need to visit in Switzerland, given to you by @whereisjanee_ !ππ¨πβ
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Which spot is at the top of your list? Let us know below!ππβ
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" www.balmers.com/best-time-to-visit-interlaken-a-season-by-season-guide/ "β
π More info in our link in bioβ
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π· @switzerland.explores
