balmers is home of an
authentic swiss experience
Balmers is the first private hostel in Switzerland and truly is a home away from home for travellers from all over the world! With friendly and knowlegable staff, we continue to strive towards providing travellers everything they wish for in a hostel and more!
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General Information
Got questions? We've got answers.
Checkin: generally 4pm
Checkout: 10am
We provide free high speed wifi
Check out all services that are included at Balmers Hostel
Visa, Mastercard, Maestro cards and Paypal are accepted.
For directions, click how to get here, then scroll to Balmers Hostel
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.ย 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
You're one step away from an adventure of a lifetime
Check Availabilitydifferent rooms, for different travel styles
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Join the love of our great travel community
Get Social at #balmershostel
Canโt think of a more unique way to spend your evening in townโSwiss cheese and wine, a cozy atmosphere on a lake, surrounded by the Alps. ๐จ๐ญ๐ซโ
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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com/activity/raclette-rafting-on-lake-brienz/ "โ
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๐ท @outdoorinterlaken
So beautiful โค๏ธ โ
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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming/ "โ
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Repost from @saint.annettโ
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The beauty of the Swiss lakes and their autumn colours ๐ oeschinensee, interlaken, iseltwald.โ
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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com/the-most-beautiful-lakes-around-interlaken/ "โ
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Repost from @lr_lucile_
Shared Female Dormsโ
The 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room, rest assured that these ladies will be up to make the most out of their time in Interlaken.โ
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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com/hostel/shared-female-dorms/ "
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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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com/hike-to-giessbach-falls/ "
โ From this exact moment, there is no turning back, just smile and enjoy the best experience of your life!! ๐คฏ๐ชโ
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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com/activity/sky-diving/ "โ
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๐ท @skydiveswitzerland
DISCOVER THE AUGSTMATTHORN SUMMITโ
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.โ
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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com/augstmatthorn-hike/ "
Best hostel Iโve 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. Iโm definitely staying here again.โ
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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com/hostel "โ
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๐ท @amandakim546
๐ Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland ๐จ๐ญโ
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.โ
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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-in-lauterbrunnen/ "โ
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๐ฅ @swisswoow
The cowgirls ๐ง who won our last Trivia night!!โ
Make sure to check our activity board at reception to not miss any of our social events.โ
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
#vibe
Harder Kulm ๐จ๐ญ: Mountain near to Interlaken, Switzerland, offering stunning views of the Alps at 1,322 meters altitude. Accessible via the Harderbahn funicular. A must-visit experience! ๐๏ธ โ
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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 @soaresxvi
๐ Hostel Life at Balmers: The Ultimate Base for Hikers in Interlaken! ๐โ
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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 hikerโs paradise, offering trails for every levelโfrom easy scenic walks to challenging alpine treks.โ
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At Balmers, weโre not just about the cozy hostel vibes and social life (though thatโs amazing too!). Weโre 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. ๐ฒ๐ฅพโ
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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 Glรผhwein as the sun sets over the mountains. Thereโs no better place to recharge and connect with other hikers who are as passionate about the outdoors as you are!โ
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For hikers, nature lovers, and adventure seekersโInterlaken is your dream destination, and Balmers is your home base. ๐๏ธ๐โ
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Ready to hit the trails? Pack your boots and weโll see you on the mountain! ๐ฅพ๐ชโ
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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming/ "
And I would say winter jetboat rides can be even more scenic once snow covers all the surrounding peaks โ๏ธ๐โ
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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com/activity/jet-boat-winter/ "โ
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๐ท @outdoorinterlaken
๐ Thereโs always something happening at Balmers Hostel! ๐โ
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From epic Beer Pong tournaments and scenic group hikes to fun Trivia nights, cozy Glรผhwein evenings, and unforgettable Karaoke sessions, weโve got daily social activities to keep the good vibes going. And donโt miss our Bonfire nightsโperfect for relaxing and making new friends! ๐ฅ๐ปโ
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Whether you`re looking for adventure, a laugh, or just a chill evening, weโve got you covered! ๐โ
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Ready to join the fun? Check out our activities board at reception and make the most of your stay! ๐โ
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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com/social-activities-get-together/ "
Top of Interlaken๐โ
Top 5 reasons to visit Interlaken in fallโ
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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com/the-top-5-reasons-to-visit-interlaken-in-autumn/ "โ
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Repost from @pangjee_s
Travel Guide: The Cliff walk in Grindelwald First- one of the MOST picturesque destination nestled in the Swiss Alps.โ
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๐๐ป How to get to the First Cliff Walk:โ
Take a Cable car ride: 25min of panoramic view. Price: normal 68.- / half fare 34.-โ
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Tip: purchase your ticket online to skip the line & take the earliest gondola to skip the crowd!โ
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Follow the well-marked signs to the starting point of the thrill Cliff Walk & the suspended bridge at 2000m height.โ
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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.โ
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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com/visit-grindelwald-first/ "โ
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๐ท @jasminea.decker
SWITZERLAND WINTER ITINERARY๐จ๐ญโ๏ธโ
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๐Day 1 - Zรผrichโ
๐๐ป Arrive into Zรผrichโ
๐๐ป Go for a walk and explore the city - make sure to head up to Lindehof Hill for amazing views over the city โ
๐๐ป Round off the day at the Hรผrlimann Thermal Bath and Spa, there is a rooftop pool with incredible views. โ
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๐Day 2 Interlakenโ
๐๐ป Get the train from Zurich to Interlaken, and go via Luzerne to catch the scenic Interlaken Expressโ
๐๐ป Hike up Harder Kulm from town, this should take 3-5 hours depending on your hiking ability.โ
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๐Day 3 - Grindelwaldโ
๐๐ป Get the train from Interlaken to Grindelwald for the dayโ
๐๐ป If youโre 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 Alpsโ
๐๐ป If youโre 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 donโt want to hike! โ
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๐Day 4 - Mรผrrenโ
๐๐ป Get the train from Interlaken to Mรผrrenโ
๐๐ป 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) โ
๐๐ป If on a budget, hike from Mรผrren to the Grรผtschalp station and back for views of Jungfrau, Mรถnch, and Eiger โ
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๐Day 5 - Mรผrrenโ
๐๐ป Rent a sled from Intersport or one of the other rental places in town โ
๐๐ป Either get the ski lift or hike up to Schiltgrat, from here you can sled down the Apollo run!โ
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* 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* โ
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๐Day 6 - St Moritzโ
๐๐ป Get the train from Mรผrren 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 โscenicโ one)โ
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" www.balmers.com/travel-by-train-in-switzerland/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @teetravels_
After a long hike, I stand before the endless beauty of Oeschinensee. The Swiss Alps stretch beyond as if painted by natureโs hand. Lauterbrunnenโs waterfalls whisper from afar, Zermattโs peaks stand tall, and Grindelwaldโs valleys echo with stories of old. The Jungfrau watches over, and Interlakenโs lakes reflect the sky. Each place is a chapter in Switzerlandโs tale, and each moment is a reminder of natureโs grace.โ
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" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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Repost from @alpinelensโ
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Dreams come true๐จ๐ญ๐ซถ๐ฝ โ
What is your best memory about your stay at Balmers Hostel ?โ
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @andrine_ns11
๐ Spooky vibes are in the air! ๐โ
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Weโre all set for a night of chills, thrills, and unforgettable memories. Whether youโre here for the costumes, the treats, or just a bit of Halloween magic, join us for an evening thatโll be hauntingly fun! ๐ปโจโ
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" www.balmers.com/social-activities-get-together/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
๐ Yesterdayโs pumpkin carving was a smash! ๐โ
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We saw some amazing creativity, from spooky faces to quirky designsโeveryone brought their A-game! Thanks to all who joined and made it a hauntingly fun evening. Until tomorrow for Halloween! ๐ปโจโ
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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com "
Private concert at Balmers Hostel ๐ We are so lucky to have such amazing guests.โ
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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com/adventure-hostel-interlaken/ "โ
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๐ท @itsabirider
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.โ
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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com/activity/winter-kayak-tours/ "โ
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๐ท @hightidekayak
Iโm living in my dream ๐๐ปโ
Summary of an incredible trip to Switzerland ๐จ๐ญโ
Breathtaking places, food, walks, and landscapes ๐ป๐ซ๐ซ๐งโ
And many other little gems and magnificent places were part of this trip that will mark us forever, I`m sure!โ
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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!โ
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It is to return. Until next time ๐๐ปโ
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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com/activities/ "โ
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Repost from @ricardomasousaโ
The most beautiful Sundays โ๏ธโฅ๏ธ๐จ๐ญ๐โ
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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com/activity/harder-kulm/ "โ
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Repost from @angelikagimel
Where travelers become friends! ๐โจ Our common area at Balmers Hostel is the heart of the hostel โ a cozy space to relax, meet new people, share stories, and plan your next adventure. Whether you`re jamming on the guitar, playing games, or just chilling, there`s always something happening here. ๐ธ๐๏ธโ
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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com/adventure-hostel-interlaken/ "
Autumnal colors right next to Lake Brienz ๐๐. Enjoy the diversity of autumn nature at the Burgseeli and the surrounding mountain panorama of the region.โ
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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com/the-most-beautiful-lakes-around-interlaken/ "โ
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๐Burgseeliโ
Repost from @interlaken
At Balmers Hostel, shared dorms mean shared adventures! ๐โจ Make new friends, swap travel stories, and create memories that last a lifetime. Our cozy dorms are the perfect place to connect with fellow travelers from around the world. ๐๏ธ๐ฌโ
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๐ More info in our link in bioโ
" www.balmers.com/hostel/shared-dorms/ "
