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, 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?
No worries. If you arrive after reception closes at 10.00 pm, you can use the check-in kiosk. Please come see us in the morning to get everything you’ll need during your stay.
Get Social
#balmershostel
A little look inside Balmerβs π
Reception, living room, people coming and goingβ¦ basically where plans are made, naps accidentally happen, and βjust one nightβ somehow turns into three.
Welcome in βοΈ
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" www.balmers.com/hostel
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Video made by @worldthroughashutter
We got this feeling on a summer dayπ₯πβοΈ
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" www.balmers.com/it/portfolio/paragliding-summer/ "
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πΈ Our great pilots ursvonkaenel86 & chris.vuille
@paraglidinginterlaken
POV: you booked a hostel and somehow ended up at the end of the rainbow ππ
No pot of gold thoughβ¦ just cold beers, new best friends and adventure. π»
π Balmers Hostel, Interlaken
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
Which one? π€β
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" www.balmers.com/portfolio/bungy-jumping/ "β
π More info in our link in bioβ
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π· @outdoorinterlaken
My first solo travel adventure was a successπ¨π β
.β
" www.balmers.com/interlaken-lakes-waterfalls-activities/ "β
π More info in our link in bioβ
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π· @katie_leah171
Postcards from everywhere, stories from everyone πβ¨β
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Every little note on the wall is a guest who passed through Balmerβs, made memories, and left a piece of their trip behind.β
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Old-school vibes, new friends, and a hostel full of stories waiting to be written.β
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Leave your mark at Balmerβs ππ¨πβ
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "β
π More info in our link in bioβ
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Picture by @sadha.___
Sunset swims just hit different π
πββοΈβ¨
Lake Thun, mountain views, good people and one seriously beautiful way to end the day. π¦β°οΈ
Summer evenings at Balmers = making memories until the sun goes down ππ»
Whoβs jumping in? π
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" www.balmers.com/social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "
Holy peak π¨π
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
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π· @_kaylob05
One of my favorite hikes in Switzerland π¨πβ
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" www.balmers.com/day-trip-to-oeschinensee/ "β
π More info in our link in bioβ
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π· @sebpic_
Join us on a chocolate journey π«π β
Learn where cocoa comes from, how chocolate is made, taste different flavors, and create your own chocolate experience.β
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" www.balmers.com/portfolio/funky-chocolate-workshop/ "β
π More info in our link in bioβ
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π· @funkychocolateclub
Cow heaven, chasing waterfalls, pretty flowers, Swiss views, and a 45-minute hike that somehow became 3 hours π« πβ
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New best friends, girlies, sunsets, and never too many cows.β
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MOOOOOO from Balmerβs π¨πβ¨β
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "β
π More info in our link in bioβ
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π· @taylahramsay_
When you get to meet Erich Balmer himself, you know itβs not just a hostel; itβs a proper piece of Interlaken history.β
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Stories, smiles, and a legendary Balmerβs moment with the man behind the name.β
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Stay where the stories started.β
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" www.balmers.com/about-us/ "β
π More info in our link in bioβ
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π· @_kaylob05
Does the idea of dangling 600 meters (2000 feet) above the Lauterbrunnen Valley floor interest you?β
How about walking across a tightrope, with nothing below you except a rushing river?β
Or how about walking across a wobbly, narrow suspension bridge?β
β
If you said yes to all of these questions, then put the MΓΌrren via ferrata on your list of things to do in Switzerland.β
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The MΓΌrren via ferrata is a 2.2 km journey, part via ferrata and part hiking trail. Youβll cling to a cliff, climb down steep ladders, walk on a tightrope and a suspension bridge, and (with a guide) zip line across a ravine.β
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This is one of the most thrilling experiences to have in the Bernese Oberland.β
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ABOUT THE MΓRREN VIA FERRATAβ
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Distance:β
2.2 km (1.4 miles) one-wayβ
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Elevation Loss:β
300 metersβ
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Difficulty:β
K3 on the German scaleβ
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Length of Time:β
3 hoursβ
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Start:β
MΓΌrrenβ
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End:β
Gimmelwaldβ
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When to go:β
The via ferrata is open from June 1 to October 31, from 9 am to 6 pmβ
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Required Gear:β
Harness, via ferrata set, helmet, hiking shoesβ
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Cost:β
Freeβ
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Official website:β
Klettersteig MΓΌrrenβ
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Important Note: You cannot climb the via ferrata in the rain or if rain is in the forecast. The metal steps are very slippery when wet. During our visit, we had to wait several days for the forecast to be clear before we could climb the MΓΌrren via ferrata.β
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Follow @swiss.routes for daily Swiss Content π¨πβ
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" www.balmers.com/via-ferrata-around-interlaken-complete-guide/ "β
π More info in our link in bio
Game night, cold beers, questionable strategies, and everyone pretending they definitely understood the rules π»π²β
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Proper good vibes, big laughs, and another very happy night at Balmerβs.β
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Join the next one β bring your best game face; weβll bring the chaos.β
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" www.balmers.com/social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "β
π More info in our link in bio
Splish splash π¦ The LΓΌtschine hasnβt disappointed this summer πβ
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" www.balmers.com/portfolio/rafting/ "β
π More info in our link in bioβ
.β
πΈ by pernikphoto @outdoorinterlaken
ποΈ This Lake in Switzerland Looks Like the Maldives
Lake Brienz is one of the most unique lakes in Switzerland β known for its bright turquoise color caused by glacier minerals.
π Location: Lake Brienz (near Interlaken)
πΈ Best places to visit:
β’ Iseltwald (famous pier and village views)
β’ Lakeside viewpoints along the road
β’ Boat rides across the lake
β° Best time to visit:
Midday on a sunny day for the strongest color
π° Cost:
β’ Walking along the lake β free
β’ Boat ride β approx. CHF 30β50 depending on route
π‘ Tips:
β’ Avoid cloudy days β the color looks much less vibrant
β’ Go early morning or later in the evening for fewer people in Iseltwald
π¨βπ©βπ§ Perfect for:
Couples, photographers, and anyone visiting the Jungfrau region for the first time
πΎ Save this for your Switzerland trip π¨π
βοΈ Share with someone youβd travel with
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" www.balmers.com/activities "
π₯ BBQ NIGHT AT BALMERβS π₯
You bring the meat, we bring the vibes ππ₯©
Grab whatever you want to throw on the grill, meet us in the garden, and letβs eat together. Good food, cold drinks, new friends & that Balmerβs summer energy. π»π
Simple rule: bring your meat, share the moment. β€οΈβπ₯
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
Isn`t Switzerland beautiful β€οΈ ??
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" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming "
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repost from @naturalspy_
Giessbach kind of day π¦πΏβ°οΈ
Waterfalls, mountain views, a refreshing swim and a pretty solid crew to share it all with. π₯Ύπ
Just another day at Balmerβs making Switzerland look unreal π¨πβ¨
Whoβs joining the next adventure? π
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" www.balmers.com/activities "
Nothing compares to the beauty of Switzerlandπ¨π
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" www.balmers.com/activities "
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π· @mark_burstein
August 1st, you were something special π¨πβ€οΈ
What a day! From good vibes and sunshine to games, drinks, laughs and one hell of a party π₯π»
Hereβs a little recap of an unforgettable Swiss National Day at Balmerβs π¨πβ¨
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who celebrated with us and made this day as amazing as it was. This is what summer in Interlaken is all about! ποΈβ€οΈ
See you next year? ππ₯
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
Sunset at the lake just hits different π
ποΈπ¦
Golden skies, mountain reflections, a swim before the sun disappearsβ¦ just another summer evening in Interlaken. β¨
Grab your hostel crew, head to the lake and enjoy the show. This is what Swiss summer is all about. π¨ππ
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" www.balmers.com/activities "
Ready to take the leap? π¦πͺ¨
Cliff jumping is one of those unforgettable Interlaken experiences. Crystal-clear water, epic scenery, and just the right amount of adrenaline. Whether you`re sending it from the highest jump or cheering your mates on, it`s guaranteed to be a day to remember.
Who`s brave enough? π
π‘ Stay at Balmer`s, play in Interlaken.
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" www.balmers.com/cliff-jumping-interlaken/ "
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π· @sup_brienzersee
π² Game Night at Balmer`s Hostel! π
Good vibes, new friends, and a little friendly competition. Whether you`re a board game champion, a card shark, or just here for the laughs, Game Night is the perfect excuse to meet fellow travellers from around the world.
Grab a drink, pick a game, and let the fun begin. Who knows... you might leave with a new best friend (or a dramatic Uno rivalry π).
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
