the swiss alps hostel.
Balmers is the first private hostel in Switzerland!
Your home away from home in Interlaken...
Balmers Hostel
& the Social vibe
Are you Ready to
MAKE INTERLAKEN YOUR NEXT BEST HOLIDAY DESTINATION
Book through us directly to ensure the best rates and up to date availability.
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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
From the bottom of the sea to the incredible Grindelwald Glacier, to the beginnings of tourism in Grindelwald, and now one of the craziest canyon swings in the world, this glacier canyon has seen it all.
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" www.balmers.com/visit-grindelwald-first/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @outdoorinterlaken
Made it out to the Alps! 🏔️🇨🇭🏔️
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At Balmers, we’ve created a variety of spaces where you can kick back, meet fellow travelers, and unwind after a day of adventures. Whether you’re in the mood to cook, relax, or play, we’ve got the perfect spot for you.
" https://www.balmers.com/get-to-know-balmers-hostel/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @kate._moores
Steal my 1-week Switzerland Itinerary!!🇨🇭
Switzerland is an amazing destination for backpackers, as there is so much to do and see, and you can make it more budget-friendly. Here are all my recommendations for what to do, where to eat, and where to stay in Switzerland 👀
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" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @madyson_mykel
10 years ago, I stayed at my first-ever hostel, and still probably my favorite one of all time, Balmers Interlaken. This was during my college semester abroad in Barcelona. I had never traveled without my parents and didn’t know what a hostel was. That semester and weekend trip to Switzerland with some of my exchange student friends really set into motion my thrill of travel and meeting people. Little did I know that 10 years later (and about 50° warmer) I would be back!
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" www.balmers.com/hostel/private-dorms/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @_madmay
Not your average walk in the mountains 🧗♀️⛰️
Climb, scramble, question your life choices for a second… then look around and realise it was 100% worth it. 😎
Via Ferrata in Interlaken = big views, shaky legs & one hell of a story for the hostel bar afterwards 🍻
Who’s brave enough? 👀
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" www.balmers.com/portfolio/via-ferrata/ "
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📍 Stay at Balmers Hostel & add a little adventure to your Swiss trip 🇨🇭
Video madr by @Chaitya_Amber
Take a seat, have a little wander, and let Interlaken do its thing ❤️
Whether you’re here for the mountains, the mates, or just a cracking place to rest your legs — Balmer’s has a spot waiting for you.
Come on then, pull up a bench.
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" www.balmers.com "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Picture by @jasmineeva_
Most people visit Interlaken and never hike up here 👀
�It’s one of the best viewpoints in the region—and way less crowded than other popular spots.
✅ No cable car needed (but there’s an option)�✅ Ideal for sunrise (still beautiful anytime)�✅ It’s a short and scenic 3-hour round trip
💡Tip: bring layers—it gets windy at the top, even in summer!
Thanks @themanduls for this amazing video
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" www.balmers.com/activities "
Come for the mountains, stay for the people 🍻
A beer turns into a game, a game turns into a night out, and the stranger you met five minutes ago somehow ends up in tomorrow’s plans.
That’s hostel life at Balmers. Easy to meet, easy to stay, hard to leave.
📍 Interlaken, Switzerland
👉 Book your bed and come say hi.
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
5.5 hours round trip from Interlaken 🇨🇭
1.5 - 2 hours in the canyon
50m rappel
Stunning alpine scenery
Ziplining, jumps and slides
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" www.balmers.com/portfolio/canyoning-grimsel/ "
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@outdoorinterlaken
A little look inside Balmer’s 👀
Reception, living room, people coming and going… basically where plans are made, naps accidentally happen, and “just one night” somehow turns into three.
Welcome in ✌️
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" www.balmers.com/hostel
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Video made by @worldthroughashutter
We got this feeling on a summer day💥😁☀️
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" www.balmers.com/it/portfolio/paragliding-summer/ "
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📸 Our great pilots ursvonkaenel86 & chris.vuille
@paraglidinginterlaken
POV: you booked a hostel and somehow ended up at the end of the rainbow 🌈🍀
No pot of gold though… just cold beers, new best friends and adventure. 🍻
📍 Balmers Hostel, Interlaken
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
Which one? 🤔
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" www.balmers.com/portfolio/bungy-jumping/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @outdoorinterlaken
My first solo travel adventure was a success🇨🇭
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" www.balmers.com/interlaken-lakes-waterfalls-activities/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @katie_leah171
Postcards from everywhere, stories from everyone 🌍✨
Every little note on the wall is a guest who passed through Balmer’s, made memories, and left a piece of their trip behind.
Old-school vibes, new friends, and a hostel full of stories waiting to be written.
Leave your mark at Balmer’s 📝🇨🇭
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Picture by @sadha.___
Sunset swims just hit different 🌅🏊♀️✨
Lake Thun, mountain views, good people and one seriously beautiful way to end the day. 💦⛰️
Summer evenings at Balmers = making memories until the sun goes down 😎🍻
Who’s jumping in? 👀
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" www.balmers.com/social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "
Holy peak 🇨🇭
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
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📷 @_kaylob05
One of my favorite hikes in Switzerland 🇨🇭
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" www.balmers.com/day-trip-to-oeschinensee/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @sebpic_
Join us on a chocolate journey 🍫🌍
Learn where cocoa comes from, how chocolate is made, taste different flavors, and create your own chocolate experience.
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" www.balmers.com/portfolio/funky-chocolate-workshop/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @funkychocolateclub
Cow heaven, chasing waterfalls, pretty flowers, Swiss views, and a 45-minute hike that somehow became 3 hours 🫠🐄
New best friends, girlies, sunsets, and never too many cows.
MOOOOOO from Balmer’s 🇨🇭✨
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @taylahramsay_
When you get to meet Erich Balmer himself, you know it’s not just a hostel; it’s a proper piece of Interlaken history.
Stories, smiles, and a legendary Balmer’s moment with the man behind the name.
Stay where the stories started.
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" www.balmers.com/about-us/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @_kaylob05
Does the idea of dangling 600 meters (2000 feet) above the Lauterbrunnen Valley floor interest you?
How about walking across a tightrope, with nothing below you except a rushing river?
Or how about walking across a wobbly, narrow suspension bridge?
If you said yes to all of these questions, then put the Mürren via ferrata on your list of things to do in Switzerland.
The Mürren via ferrata is a 2.2 km journey, part via ferrata and part hiking trail. You’ll 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.
This is one of the most thrilling experiences to have in the Bernese Oberland.
ABOUT THE MÜRREN VIA FERRATA
Distance:
2.2 km (1.4 miles) one-way
Elevation Loss:
300 meters
Difficulty:
K3 on the German scale
Length of Time:
3 hours
Start:
Mürren
End:
Gimmelwald
When to go:
The via ferrata is open from June 1 to October 31, from 9 am to 6 pm
Required Gear:
Harness, via ferrata set, helmet, hiking shoes
Cost:
Free
Official website:
Klettersteig Mürren
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 Mürren via ferrata.
Follow @swiss.routes for daily Swiss Content 🇨🇭
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" www.balmers.com/via-ferrata-around-interlaken-complete-guide/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
Game night, cold beers, questionable strategies, and everyone pretending they definitely understood the rules 🍻🎲
Proper good vibes, big laughs, and another very happy night at Balmer’s.
Join the next one — bring your best game face; we’ll bring the chaos.
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" www.balmers.com/social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
Splish splash 💦 The Lütschine hasn’t disappointed this summer 🌊
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" www.balmers.com/portfolio/rafting/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📸 by pernikphoto @outdoorinterlaken
