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, weโve 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. Weโre a very human bunch, and we love connecting in real ways. Weโd 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 whatโs 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 itโs 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 somethingโs not right during your stay. Weโd much rather try to fix things in real time than read about them later when itโs 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 โgood, best, amazingโ 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 stayโand everyone else’sโas 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 PMโsome 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 borrowedโlike 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 indoorsโeven with the window open.
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No cooking outside the guest kitchen.
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Donโt leave windows wide open with the heating on.
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And above all: donโt be disrespectful.
Thanks for being the absolute best! Weโre glad youโre here. ๐งก
What is Balmers Hostel?
Balmers Hostel is Switzerlandโs oldest privately owned hostel, set in three charming Swiss chalets surrounded by mountain peaks waiting to be explored. Itโs 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
Checking into a hostel is never just about getting a bedโitโs about who you share the room, the kitchen, and the stories with. ๐โจ Thanks @travelerargentina for this picture.
From cooking chaotic group dinners to swapping hiking tips over a beer, hostel life is where strangers become lifelong friends in less than 24 hours. Hereโs to the late-night chats, the early-morning mountain callings, and the global family you didn`t know you needed.
๐ Your Interlaken home base since day one. ๐จ๐ญ
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
Went inside a waterfall todayโฆ that was pretty cool ๐คท๐ผ
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" www.balmers.com/activities "
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๐ท @lukeguinaldo
If you see the bright red sign, youโve made it. ๐จ๐ญ๐โ
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Welcome to Balmers. Weโve been greeting happy backpackers, mountain lovers, and professional afternoon-nappers right here in Interlaken for quite a while now. The sun is out, the mountains are waiting, and the reception team is ready to check you in. Standard Swiss summer day, really. โ๏ธ๐๏ธโ
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Drop your bags, grab a map, and letโs get started. ๐โ
" www.balmers.com "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @paliviaaroundtheworld
Finding that perfect daily balance. ๐งโโ๏ธ๐โ
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A chilly evening dip, a warm sunset, and absolute quiet. Sometimes the best itinerary for a Swiss summer day is simply having no itinerary at all. Just you, the water, and the peaks. ๐ฒ๐
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Drop a ๐ if this is your kind of evening.โ
" www.balmers.com/interlaken-lakes-waterfalls-activities "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
Snail mail is very much alive and kicking at Balmers. โ๏ธโค๏ธโ
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There`s something quite special about reading these before starting a shift. Real notes from real people who arrived as strangers and left as part of the family. If you`re looking for a proper mountain escape with a brilliant crowd, you know where to find us. ๐บ๏ธ๐ปโ
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Link in bio to secure your spot for the season. โ
" www.balmers.com/hostel "โ
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๐ท @paliviaaroundtheworld
Right foot blue, left hand yellow, and any remaining dignity out the window. ๐ฒ๐โ
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Just a standard evening at Balmers, breaking the ice the only way we know how: total, uncoordinated chaos. It turns out "left" and "right" get significantly harder to balance after a local beer. ๐จ๐ญ๐ปโ
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Tag the person who always cheats at Twister. ๐โ
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" www.balmers.com/social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
Bye, Balmers Hostel๐๐ Youโll be missed ๐ฅฒ โ
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๐๏ธ Above reception, youโll find the Hammock Room, a comfy spot to hang out. โ
" www.balmers.com/get-to-know-balmers-hostel/ " โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @paliviaaroundtheworld
Walking at the End of the World ๐ฃ๐โ
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Book this activity here ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ๐๏ธโ
" www.balmers.com/activity/via-ferrata/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @outdoorinterlaken
Save this Switzerland day itinerary ๐จ๐ญโ
Thank you for these tips @lachie_tarsh ๐ซถโ
โ
Perfect if youโre based in Interlaken and want to see Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen in one day.โ
โ
Morning: Interlaken Ost โ Grindelwaldโ
Departure: 7:30 am train from Interlaken Ostโ
Travel time: approx. 36 minutesโ
Arrival: around 8:00 amโ
โ
Late Morning: Grindelwald Firstโ
Grindelwald First cable car.โ
Cable car time: approx. 25 minutes to the topโ
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At the top, thereโs a bunch of activities to do if you like, or take in the views.โ
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Afternoon: Grindelwald โ Lauterbrunnenโ
Catch the train from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen.โ
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When you exit Lauterbrunnen train station:โ
Turn left to walk through town.โ
Turn right for the wide valley views, waterfalls, green fields, and photo spots.โ
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Hire an e-bike to explore the valley on easy mode.โ
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Finish with dinner in Lauterbrunnen before heading back to Interlaken.โ
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Last trains are often around 9:30 pm, but always check the SBB app on the day for the most up-to-date train times and timetables.โ
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" www.balmers.com/visit-grindelwald-first/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
Sunset by the lake: the unofficial Balmers meeting point. ๐๐ปโ
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Thereโs no better way to end the day than with your feet in the water and new friends by your side. Grab a drink, find a spot on the shore, and watch the sky put on a show. This is what the Swiss summer is all about! ๐จ๐ญ๐
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Tag the person youโd share this sunset with! ๐โ
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" www.balmers.com/the-best-swimming-spots-in-interlaken/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
Enjoying an evening at Balmers. ๐๏ธ If youโre in Interlaken, grab a drink and join us in the garden. The fire is warm, and the vibes are even better! ๐ปโ๏ธโ
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" www.balmers.com/social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
Not the first activity that comes to mind in spring, but probably the most exciting one at this time of year! Imagine having the canyon all to yourself and your friend - smaller groups, less waiting, more action. No gear, no experience, no equipment, and no transportation needed - everything is provided. All you have to do is meet us in Interlaken and bring a towel.โ
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" www.balmers.com/activity/canyoning/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @outdoorinterlaken
More than just a place to crash. ๐๐คโ
โ
Whether you love the energy of a shared dorm or the quiet charm of our wooden private rooms, weโve designed every corner to make you feel right at home. Authentic Swiss chalet vibes included! ๐จ๐ญ๐ชตโ
โ
Rest up, recharge, and get ready for tomorrowโs mountain adventure. Your bed is waiting!โ
โ
" www.balmers.com/hostel " to explore all our room types and book your stay! ๐ฒ๐๏ธโ
๐ More info in our link in bio
Mirror-calm water and the glow of the Swiss Alps. ๐๏ธโจโ
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There is no better way to experience Lake Brienz than from a kayak. Weโve teamed up with the legends at @hightidekayak to get you out on the turquoise water for the ultimate sunset session. Itโs peaceful, itโs magical, and itโs a perspective of Interlaken youโll never forget. ๐ถ๐
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" www.balmers.com/activity/kayak/ "โ
Book your spot on the water! ๐โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
POV: You just experienced the ultimate Balmers night. ๐๐ธโจโ
โ
From the first sizzle on the BBQ to the last chord on the guitar, thereโs 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.โ
โ
Whether you`re here for the games, the tunes, or the burgers, thereโs always a seat at the table for you! ๐ป๐โ
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Drop a โ๐โ if you want to be here right now!โ
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
You have to add Switzerland to your bucket list if you havenโt already ๐๏ธ Thanks @lachie_tarsh for sharing this bucket list.โ
โ
We spent 7 days here and got a really good spread of all the different types of places. โ
โ
๐ Zurichโ
๐ Interlakenโ
๐ Grindelwaldโ
๐ Lauterbrunnenโ
๐ Gimmelwaldโ
๐ Murren โ
๐ Zermattโ
๐Kleine Scheideggโ
๐Jungfrau โ
โ
" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
Welcome to Lauterbrunnen โ where water writes the soundtrack of the Alps๐จ๐ญโ
โ
In this hidden Swiss valley, summer doesnโt just look beautifulโฆ it sounds magical. Rivers whisper through the landscape, waterfalls fall like slow-motion poetry, and every corner feels alive with natureโs rhythm.โ
๐ง Turn up the volume. Let the water take you there.โ
๐Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland๐จ๐ญโ
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" www.balmers.com/hiking-in-lauterbrunnen/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ฅ @___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. Itโs the perfect mix of adrenaline and scenery. If youโre looking for unique things to do in Grindelwald, this experience should be at the top of your Switzerland bucket list.โ
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" www.balmers.com/visit-grindelwald-first/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @dian_the_explorer
The best travel stories aren`t told in books; they`re told around a fire pit. ๐ชต๐ โ
โ
When the sun goes down, our garden turns into the ultimate cozy hangout. Whether youโre exhausted from a hike or just looking for a good chat, thereโs always a spot on a log for you.โ
โ
Save this post for your "Interlaken Bucket List"! ๐๏ธโ
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" www.balmers.com/adventure-hostel-interlaken/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
No matter the camera angle, this feeling is just ๐คฏโ
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" www.balmers.com/activity/canyon-swing/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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๐ท @outdoorinterlaken
POV: This is your afternoon at Balmers. ๐๏ธโจโ
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Thereโs always a game happening in our backyard. No experience needed, just good vibes and a bit of "garden courage." Itโs the easiest way to make friends from around the world without even trying. ๐๐คโ
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Coming to Interlaken soon? Save this post to remind yourself where the best pre-party vibes are! ๐โ
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
Casually free-falling over the Alps ๐ช๐๏ธโ
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Who are you trying this with?โ
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" www.balmers.com/activity/sky-diving/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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Repost from @travelflextrip
Who else is still buzzing from that sunset swim? ๐๐
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Huge shoutout to the brave souls who took the plunge with us this week! Thereโs nothing quite like that "lake courage" to bond a group of travelers together.โ
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Missed out? Donโt 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 itโs shared. ๐โจโ
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Morning hike or sunset swim? Tell us your favorite way to explore Interlaken below! ๐โ
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" www.balmers.com/weekly-social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
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Pictures by Ivan
Life in a few months
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" www.balmers.com/spring "
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๐ท @lazyset_up
