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?
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
The colour of the Aare River never quite looks real.
Flowing through Interlaken with that unmistakable turquoise, it’s the kind of place you end up wandering past without much of a plan, just following the water, the mountains in the background, and the occasional stop to take it all in.
One of those quiet little spots that reminds you why travelling in Switzerland is rather special.
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" www.balmers.com/river-floating-the-ultimate-summer-adventure-guide/
🔗 More info in our link in bio "
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📷 @creator_in_switzerland
My Hostel in Interlaken:
Mountains by day, good people by night.
A few days turned into a week.
One adventure led to another: skiing, skydiving, wandering through valleys that don’t quite look real.
Some places you visit.
Some places feel like a little chapter of your trip.
Interlaken just has that effect.
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" www.balmers.com/ultimate-interlaken-travel-guide-best-itineraries-things-to-do-hidden-gems/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @brenportfolio
Interlaken was hands down one of the most beautiful places I’ve been! We explored, we ate, we jumped out of planes, we consumed lots of chocolate & fondue!!! Bigggg shoutout to Eric, my Skydive buddy, the man who drove our horse & buggy, The Balmers, every breakfast spot we tried, and my best friends for such a great weekend!!!! We WILL be back for another retreat!!!
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @romeinwithcate
Good people. Good stories.
At Balmers Hostel, the mountains might bring you here, but the atmosphere tends to make you stay.
Evenings in the garden, a pint or two at the bar, travellers swapping stories from the day’s adventures. Someone starts a game of foosball, someone else suggests a movie, and before you know it, the whole place feels like a very international living room.
Comfortable, lively, and just the right amount of chaos.
Book a bed. The rest tends to happen naturally.
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" www.balmers.com/weekly-social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
Thinking about trying skiing or snowboarding while you’re in Interlaken?
Good idea.
From complete beginners finding their balance to experienced riders who just need the gear, we’ve got different packages to get you up the mountain.
Lessons, equipment rental, lift passes — or simply a board and skis if you already know what you’re doing.
The Jungfrau region is right on the doorstep, and winter days up there tend to be rather spectacular.
All the options (and the details) are on our website. Have a look and pick what suits you best.
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" www.balmers.com/winter "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
The most beautiful summer road trip in the world 🇨🇭😍⬇️
📍 Stop 1: Appenzell Alps
• Hike to Äscher
• Seealpsee morning reflections
• Schäfler Ridge for panoramic views
📍 Stop 2: Bernese Oberland
• Oeschinensee panorama trail
• Blausee (short stop, unreal color)
• Sunset in Lauterbrunnen Valley
• Trümmelbach Falls
📍 Stop 3: Interlaken - Grindelwald Region
• First Cliff Walk
• Hike to Bachalpsee
• Cable car to First
• Sunset at Harder Kulm
📍 Stop 4: Central Switzerland
• Stoos Ridge hike
• Ride the world’s steepest funicular
• Lake views over Lake Lucerne
📍 Stop 5: Eastern Switzerland
• Sunrise at Saxer Lücke
• Scenic drives through alpine valleys
☀️ Best time to go: June–September for hiking, cable cars & clear views
Would you do this Switzerland road trip? 🥹
👇 Save this for later
👉Don’t forget to follow @vh_travelwithme for more travel guides, things to do, and road trip itineraries
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" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
One of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland in winter 🇨🇭
📍 Oeschinen Lake, Bernese Oberland
A winter hike that feels straight out of a postcard.
🥾 Kandersteg → Oeschinensee
• 9 km round trip
• 500 m elevation gain
• Snowshoes or crampons, depending on snow and ice conditions
In winter, the famous panoramic trail is closed
(reopening June 2026).
Still, the journey to the lake is absolutely worth it: frozen water, silent forests, and alpine views in every direction.
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" www.balmers.com/day-trip-to-oeschinensee/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @steffi_inswiss
Interlaken winter flying at its finest ❄️🪂
Crystal-clear skies, snow-covered peaks, and epic views over Lake Brienz 💙
This is what perfect January conditions look like in Interlaken 🇨🇭✨
Wouldn`t you want to fly here in winter?
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" www.balmers.com/activity/paragliding/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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🎥 captured @sonsibar @paraglidinginterlaken
Fun fact about **Balmers Hostel**:
It all started back in **1907**, when Frida and Adolf Balmer opened a small *Touristenheim* for travellers. By the 1950s, they were already hosting British school groups, so you could say the hostel spirit here has been going strong for quite some time.
In the 70s, the second generation expanded it from a modest 50 beds to one of the most iconic hostels in Switzerland.
Today, the third generation is still running the show.
So yes… when you stay at Balmers, you’re not just booking a bed, you’re joining over a century of travellers passing through Interlaken.
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Picture by @baydean
We’ve seen the debates. 🫕
Now tell us: What are the proper consequences when someone loses their bread in the fondue?
And no, “running around the table” or “paying a round” won’t cut it - we’re talking high-stakes fondue justice. 😉
👇Drop your rules in the comments - we need answers.
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" www.balmers.com/your-guide-to-eat-the-best-fondue-in-interlaken/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @switzerland
Not just a bed. A proper social life.
At Balmers, the days are for mountains and the evenings are for everyone else.
Think trivia nights that get surprisingly competitive.
Foosball battles that last far too long.
Movie nights with popcorn and a film.
Garden hangs. Bar chats. New mates by midnight.
You can come solo. You won’t stay that way.
Check in for the Alps.
Stay for the atmosphere.
Book your room and join in.
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" www.balmers.com/weekly-social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
March in Interlaken? Best of both worlds.
Snow is still up high. Spring is waking up down low.
One day, you’re carving fresh lines in the Jungfrau region. The next time you’re paragliding over two lakes. Feeling bold? Skydive it. Prefer something calmer? Kayak on Lake Brienz or wander through Lauterbrunnen while the waterfalls are showing off.
Skiing. Snowboarding. Sledging. Skydiving. Paragliding. Canyon swings. Winter hikes. Early spring lake days.
Adventure season doesn’t end here; it just gets interesting.
Base yourself at Balmers. We’ll help you plan the rest.
Book your bed and make March count.
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" www.balmers.com/activities "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @outdoorinterlaken
📍The Thrill Walk - Birg
Canton of Bern - Switzerland
🇨🇭 A walkway at 2,677 m has been built into the rock, offering breathtaking views of the three legendary peaks: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
▶️ Access:
Take the world`s steepest cable car from Stechelberg to Mürren, one of Switzerland`s most beautiful villages. Then, take a second cable car towards Birg.
Access to the walkway is free.
Note: The Schilthorn summit is open this winter.
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" www.balmers.com/schilthorn-what-to-do-what-to-see/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @steffi_inswiss
Grindelwald, Switzerland. This place ticks all the boxes for spectacular scenery, skiing, hiking, and enjoying the Alps. Grindelwald also has the longest toboggan run in the world at 15.4km. 🎿🚡⛄️⛄️
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" www.balmers.com/full-apres-ski-experience-in-grindelwald/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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🎥 Video by @mygreatescapes @mygreatescapes
Ever heard of the „Blue Mind Effect“? 🌊❄️
Science shows that being near water lowers stress hormones and slows down our thoughts. In the winter, this effect is supercharged. The silence of Lake Brienz, the crisp alpine air, and the rhythmic stroke of your paddle create the ultimate mental reset.
No summer winds, no crowds—just you and the mirror-like reflections of the Swiss Alps. It’s more than an adventure; it’s moving meditation.
Ready to clear your head? 🛶✨
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" www.balmers.com/activity/winter-kayak-tours/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @hightidekayak
My favourite trip to date! 🇨🇭 The trip I dreamed about for years, and I finally made it happen, all on my own. ✈️
Traveling solo was something I never thought I’d have the courage to do. As someone who’s always surrounded by people, stepping out of my comfort zone felt terrifying… but it was exactly what I needed. I wanted to challenge myself, to grow, to prove that I could do things for myself and by myself.
The first few days were scary, getting lost, taking the wrong train, figuring things out in a new country with a new language, but honestly, that’s what made it so beautiful. The mistakes, the laughter, the little moments of “wow, I did that.”
I was lucky enough to see a close friend in Germany and then set off on my own. It felt like me vs. the world… but the world showed up for me in the best way possible. I met the most amazing people in Balmoral, Interlaken, all solo travelers who became lifelong friends. We extended our stays, shared stories, and created memories I’ll never forget. 💫
This trip was more than travel; it was a journey toward independence, confidence, and connection.�To anyone reading this: leap. Do the thing that scares you. Don’t let fear, comfort, or opinions hold you back. The world is waiting, and it’s so worth it. 🌍✨
Cheers to the memories, the people, and to always saying yes to the adventure. 🥂💛
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @michellegilmour33
Cosy corners. Fire nights in the garden. Proper chats that turn into long evenings.
At Balmers Hostel, it’s not just a bed for the night, it’s the kind of place where strangers become your hiking crew by morning.
• Fire nights under the stars
• Big garden for slow afternoons
• Lively bar when you fancy it
• Quiet nooks when you don’t
• Mountain views in every direction
Adventure all day. Proper comfort at night.
Book your room. Come to the Alps. Stay for the atmosphere.
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" www.balmers.com/adventure-hostel-interlaken/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
14,000 feet.
One deep breath.
Then absolutely nothing beneath your trainers.
Skydiving over Interlaken isn’t just a “tick the box” moment. It’s lakes on both sides, the Jungfrau in front of you, and 45 seconds of pure freefall that rearranges your perspective entirely.
Slightly civilised panic.
Utterly unreal views.
A landing you’ll never stop talking about.
Book the jump.
Sleep it off at Balmers.
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" www.balmers.com/activity/helicopter-skydiving/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @skydiveswitzerland
Lucerne → Iseltwald → Grindelwald → Lauterbrunnen → Interlaken.
Five stops. Zero regrets.
Start with cobbled streets and lake views in Lucerne. Drift through the quiet charm of Iseltwald. Let Grindelwald show off beneath the Eiger. Stand still in Lauterbrunnen while waterfalls do their thing. Finish between two lakes in Interlaken, preferably with a pint in hand.
The kind of road trip where every “quick stop” turns into an hour.
Base yourself at Balmers and make it legendary.
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Repost from @supirdieropa
When the cold sets in, the Interlaken holiday region becomes wonderfully cosy. GIide across a calm lake, slip into a warm pool or treat yourself to a delicious raclette or fondue. As if that were not enough, you can relax in a floating sauna and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Relaxing Hotpot experience in Brienz and Beatenberg Unique Hottug experience on Lake Brienz Sealander, a floating caravan on Lake Thun Floating sauna on Lake Thun with stunning view Enjoy delicious Raclette on a rafting-boat on Lake Brienz.
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" www.balmers.com/winter "
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Repost from @interlaken
Some leave with a backpack.
Some leave with a story.
And some leave us a postcard.
We’ve always liked the idea that a few lines scribbled over coffee can say more than a five-star review ever could. A thank you, a memory, a joke that only makes sense if you were there.
If you’ve stayed with us at Balmers, you’ll know — it’s never just a bed for the night. It’s the people you meet, the kitchen chats at 2am, the plans that weren’t planned.
Until next time.
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
📍Harder Kulm, Interlaken
If you’re planning a trip to Interlaken, Switzerland, don’t miss these panoramic views of Lake Brienz, Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps 🗻
How to reach 🚃
Hop on the 10 minutes Harderbahn furnicular ride from the Harderbahn base station which is just a short walk from the Interlaken Ost station.
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" www.balmers.com/hike-the-harder-kulm/ "
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Repost from wheresjasmyn
Until next snow ❄️
Sleds. Speed. Screams.
That kind of cold that bites your cheeks and makes the laughs louder.
No skills needed.
Winter hits different when you stop watching and start sliding.
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" www.balmers.com/activity/day-sledding/ "
Run, lift, fly… and WOW 😮🪂
Watch this epic takeoff as pilot and guest launch and fly straight into the mighty Jungfrau region🏔️
Moments like this = pure magic in the Swiss Alps 🇨🇭✨
Would you dare to run off this hill?
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" www.balmers.com/activity/paragliding "
📸 captured for PGI by kaufmannmike
@paraglidinginterlaken
