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, we’ve 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. We’re a very human bunch, and we love connecting in real ways. We’d 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 what’s 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 it’s 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 something’s not right during your stay. We’d much rather try to fix things in real time than read about them later when it’s 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 “good, best, amazing” 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 stay—and everyone else’s—as 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 PM—some 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 borrowed—like 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 indoors—even with the window open.
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No cooking outside the guest kitchen.
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Don’t leave windows wide open with the heating on.
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And above all: don’t be disrespectful.
Thanks for being the absolute best! We’re glad you’re here. 🧡
What is Balmers Hostel?
Balmers Hostel is Switzerland’s oldest privately owned hostel, set in three charming Swiss chalets surrounded by mountain peaks waiting to be explored. It’s 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
Sunset at the lake just hits different 🌅🏔️💦
Golden skies, mountain reflections, a swim before the sun disappears… just another summer evening in Interlaken. ✨
Grab your hostel crew, head to the lake and enjoy the show. This is what Swiss summer is all about. 🇨🇭💛
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" www.balmers.com/activities "
Ready to take the leap? 💦🪨
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? 😏
🏡 Stay at Balmer`s, play in Interlaken.
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" www.balmers.com/cliff-jumping-interlaken/ "
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📷 @sup_brienzersee
🎲 Game Night at Balmer`s Hostel! 🎉
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 😄).
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
Running above Interlaken 🇨🇭 by @scottrunning
Fav trail #1: Hardergrat Ridge!
The Hardergrat Ridge just hits different.
Started this run from the Interlaken Ost train station, going up the Hardergrat Kulm and then running the full ridge all the way to Rothorn, then descending to Brienz for a well-deserved dip in the lake. A total of 35km and 3100 D+ in 7 hours… with insane views along the way!
⚠️ The Hardergrat ridge has several exposed spots and I would not recommend it if you are not very comfortable moving theough technical, exposed terrain. You got to be careful while hiking there, let alone running. Bring shoes with good grip and avoid it on (or after) rainy days. You can get the view without doing the whole ridge, by just hiking up or taking the train up to Harder Kulm, and keep hiking for roughly an hour.
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" www.balmers.com/ultimate-guide-to-hiking-in-the-interlaken-region-trails-tips-scenic-routes "
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Swiss National Day celebrations! 🇨🇭❤️
Our annual 1st of August group picture was once again one of the highlights of the day. Seeing so many smiling faces together is what makes Balmer`s so special.
A huge thank you to everyone who came along, brought the great vibes, and made this tradition another unforgettable memory. We couldn`t do it without you!
See you next year! 🥂
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" www.balmera.com/hostel "
🇨🇭 Happy Swiss National Day! ❤️🤍
Today we celebrate the mountains, the lakes, the chocolate... and, of course, the brilliant people who make Switzerland such a special place.
If you`re staying at Balmer`s, don`t miss one of our favourite traditions: 📸 The famous Swiss National Day group picture at 7:00 PM!
Come along, wear your best red and white (if you`ve got it), bring your biggest smile, and be part of this year`s Balmer`s memory.
See you at 7 PM – let`s make it our biggest group photo yet! 🇨🇭✨
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" www.balmers.com/activities "
🇨🇭 Swiss National Day at Balmer`s! ❤️
Join us on 1 August as we celebrate Switzerland`s biggest day of the year! From traditional folklore and the famous parade to an evening BBQ, games and our annual Balmer`s family photo – it`s one of the highlights of the summer. 🎉
Here`s what`s happening:
🍻 6 PM – Free drink for all guests + games & BYO BBQ
📸 7 PM – The traditional Balmer`s group photo (don`t miss it!)
🎲 7:30–9:30 PM – More fun at the hostel
✨ 10 PM – Head into town together for the spectacular drone light show over the Höhematte.
Whether you`re staying for one night or a week, come celebrate with travellers from all over the world and make some unforgettable memories.
See you in the photo! 🇨🇭❤️
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
Fresh mountain water, straight from our brand-new fountain, installed by Erich Balmer. 💧
Known as "the best drinking water", it`s the perfect place to refill your bottle before heading out to explore Interlaken – whether you`re off hiking, paragliding, rafting or simply wandering the town.
Small touches like this are part of what makes Balmer`s feel like home. Stop by, take a sip, and taste the Swiss Alps at their finest.
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" www.balmers.com "
Some places are simply somewhere to sleep. Others become part of the journey.
At Balmer`s, it`s the little moments that make the difference – chatting over a drink, swapping travel stories by the fire, meeting new mates from every corner of the world, and feeling at home the moment you walk through the door.
Come for the Alps. Stay for the atmosphere. 💚🏔️
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
The best way to experience summer in Interlaken? Make Balmer`s your home base. 🌿
Wake up in the heart of the Swiss Alps, spend your days chasing waterfalls, swimming in turquoise lakes, hiking epic trails or soaring through the skies – then come back to great food, good company and the legendary Balmer`s atmosphere.
Adventure out. Relax in. Repeat.
📍 Stay at Balmer`s and make the most of your Interlaken summer.
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
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Picture by @willpuckett
💦 Ready to turn up the adrenaline? Join us for an unforgettable day of rafting through stunning alpine scenery, wild rapids, and plenty of laughs along the way! 🌊🚣
Whether you`re chasing thrills or just looking for a unique way to explore the Swiss outdoors, this is an adventure you won`t forget.
Book your rafting experience at Balmer`s and make your Interlaken trip legendary! 🤙
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" www.balmers.com/activity/rafting "
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@outdoorinterlaken
Good morning everyone ☀️
For those *checking out today*, just a friendly reminder that check-out is by *10:00 am*.
Before you leave, please return the following items:
• Key card
• Grey mattress cover
• Red pillow cover
• Red duvet cover
• Towel
• Any borrowed adapters
Thank you for being part of the Balmers family over the last few days ❤️ We hope you’ve had a great stay and made some wonderful memories along the way.
Have a safe onward journey, and hopefully we’ll see you again someday!
🙏👋
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
🍻 Cheers to unforgettable views!
Nothing beats an ice-cold beer with the Alps stretching out in front of you. 💙🏔️ Whether you`re chasing adventures or simply soaking in the moment, this is what Interlaken is all about.
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" www.balmers.com/best-things-to-do-in-interlaken/ "
Hey! 🪂
Let`s turn up the heat a bit with those summer posts.🔥🔥
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" www.balmers.com/activity/sky-diving/ "
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Repost from @skydiveswitzerland
When you go to the Top of Interlaken...
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" www.balmers.com/activity/harder-kulm/ "
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Repost from @fryerursula
There’s a rather lovely bit of magic to how this place works. It’s the buzz of the morning kitchen, maps sprawled across the tables, and that collective sigh of exhaustion when everyone stumbles back from the mountains. 🧗♂️🌲
At Balmers, we don`t just give you a bunk after a massive day exploring Interlaken—we give you a proper global living room. Come for the spectacular Swiss Alps, stay for the family. Absolute quality. 🖤
Link in the bio to sort your next adventure. 🔗
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
Picture by @willpuckett
Golden hour, good people, and a lake that looks straight out of a postcard. 🌅🏔️
Some of the best memories aren`t planned—they just happen when you meet the right people at the right place. Grab a blanket, bring your new hostel friends, and let the sunset do the rest. 💙
📍 Interlaken, Switzerland
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" www.balmers.com/activities "
What a spot in Switzerland 🇨🇭
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" www.balmers.com/the-most-beautiful-lakes-around-interlaken/ "
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📷 @sebpic_
Good vibes, great people, unforgettable nights. 🍻✨
Whether you`re here for one night or one week, Balmer`s is where strangers become travel buddies. Grab a drink, join the conversation, and make memories that last long after checkout.
📍 Balmer`s Hostel, Interlaken
🌍 Meet travelers from all over the world
🍺 Good drinks • Great atmosphere • Amazing people.
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
Grindelwald First Cliff Walk features a suspension bridge that lets people cross to enjoy amazing views of the mountains.
📍First 2, 3818 Grindelwald, Switzerland
🚗 To get to the place, take the gondola from the Grindelwald Firstbahn gondola lift station.
💰 No admission fee to visit, just tickets for the cable car to get to Firstbahn & back to Grindelwald Village.
⏰️ Opening & closing hours depend on the season. Check their website for the times.
⁉️ Would you visit Grindelwald First Cliff Walk?! Comment below 👇.
💖 Follow @joyfulloftravels for more travel tips & how to save money on your next trip.
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" www.balmers.com/visit-grindelwald-first/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
Dreaming of Switzerlaaaand🇨🇭
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" www.balmers.com/hostel/shared-dorms/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @addiesavleyyy
Indescribable feeling! 🦋
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" www.balmers.com/activity/bungy-jumping/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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🎥 @outdoorinterlaken
🎧 The Balmers Club. 🍻
The club is open for our guests, and the tables are set for the evening. We’ve got beer pong tournaments lined up, the music sorted, and the dance floor ready.
It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink, have a proper dance, and catch up with everyone. No fuss, just a brilliant night out right under the hostel.
👇 Fancy a game? Grab your partner, head down to the club, and let’s see who’s actually got any aim. 👇
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" www.balmers.com/club-nights/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
It feels like jumping out of a car driving at 200 km/h and never hitting the ground. 🚗💨
But getting to the exit of the plane and realizing you have to fall out of it, trusting all the gear, equipment, and skills of the tandem instructors, can be daunting.
The landing might feel tense for your nerves, but after you land, you’ll feel relieved and accomplished for overcoming your fear. It’s a must for everyone at least once in a lifetime!
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" www.balmers.com/activity/sky-diving/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @outdoorinterlaken
