Eco-Friendly Travel: Sustainability Initiatives at Balmers
At Balmers, sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s something we’re truly passionate about. Many of us moved here specifically because we love the natural beauty that surrounds us. We love playing in the outdoors—snowboard, climbing, or hiking—so we do what we can to protect this beautiful world around us.
We love seeing more travellers become aware of their impact on the planet, and we’re stoked to be part of this movement.
Did you know that just by choosing to stay at a hostel instead of a hotel, you’re already making a difference?
Sharing rooms and facilities not only helps build a sense of community and keeps travel affordable, but it also significantly reduces carbon emissions. A 2023 study by Bureau Veritas found that staying in a hostel generates 82% less carbon emissions compared to a hotel - pretty cool, right?
What We’re Doing at Balmers
We’re always looking for ways to reduce our environmental footprint while making your stay as enjoyable as possible. Here are some of the steps we’re taking:
🌱 Eco-Friendly Facilities & Resources
- Large common areas and shared facilities, including a fully equipped guest kitchen and mostly newly renovated showers
- Drinkable tap water - you could even drink while showering!
- Recycling bins are placed all around the property to encourage proper waste sorting
- Energy-efficient lighting installed in most rooms
- Sun awnings to keep buildings cool instead of using energy-intensive air conditioning
🌿 Smart Resource Use
- Upcycled and repurposed furniture, décor, and signage to reduce waste
- Wood burners in common areas are fuelled by fallen trees from past storms in the "Balmers woods"
🚆 Encouraging Sustainable Travel
- The Interlaken Guest Card gives you free access to local public buses - Como aproveitar ao máximo seu cartão de convidado Interlaken
- We offer discounts on accommodation for travellers arriving by train and Flixbus, thanks to the Eco Wanderer campaign. - Economize até 20% quando você viaja de trem ou ônibus
🐼 Support a global NGO
- At Balmers, we care deeply about nature, especially the breathtaking Alpine landscapes surrounding us. That’s why we are proud sponsors of the WWF Alpenpatenschaft programme, supporting the protection of Alpine wildlife and ecosystems. Supporting Alpine Wildlife – Our Partnership with WWF
Our Future Sustainability Goals
We know there’s always more we can do, and here’s what we’re working towards:
🌻 Green Roofs & Re-greening – Increasing green spaces to create an insect-friendly environment while naturally lowering indoor temperatures in summer, reducing the need for air conditioning.
☀️ Solar Panels & Energy Upgrades – Investing in solar energy and modernising our heating systems to be even more sustainable.
♻️ Ongoing Improvements – We’re constantly researching and implementing new ways to reduce our impact and help our guests travel more sustainably.
Sustainability is a journey, and we’re grateful to have conscious travellers like you be part of it.
