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
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
Until next time, Balmers.
Some came as strangers, left as friends. Nights turned into stories, stories into memories that will travel far beyond Interlaken. From shared dinners to late talks, mountain mornings to unforgettable adventures, this is what Balmers is all about.
Our doors stay open, the lights stay warm, and your place here will always be waiting.
See you soon.
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
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📷 @_victoriaaldrich
❄️ One of the most special winter experiences you can have in Switzerland: walk on the frozen Oeschinensee! 🇨🇭
In winter, when conditions allow, they have a marked ice walk on the lake. It’s open now, so it’s time for a day trip.
To reach the lake, travel to Kandersteg, ride the gondola up, then follow the groomed snowy trail to the lakeside, about 30 mins.
Always check the safety sign at the lake before stepping on the ice. Then enjoy a stroll on the ice, keeping within the marked borders, about a 1 km loop.
⚠️ Conditions can change quickly, so always check the trail status online and info boards before heading out. They regularly check ice stability and close the ice walk if necessary.
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" www.balmers.com/the-most-beautiful-lakes-around-interlaken/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Repost from @swissfamilyfun
Join us for a day at Grindelwald-First and discover why it`s known as the Top of Adventure. You can fly above the winter wonderland on the First Flyer or sled downhill while breathing in the fresh mountain air. 🛷❄️
Have you ever been and made your own memories here? Tell us about it
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" www.balmers.com/visit-grindelwald-first/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @jungfrauregion
It`s officially Carnival season in 🇨🇭!! 🎭 dates 👇🏻
This is definitely the most vibrant & fun event in Switzerland !! 🎊 February consists of Carnival festivities happening across Switzerland, but the 2 most famous Fasnachts are:
1. 𝐋𝐮𝐳𝐞𝐫𝐧`𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐭 🎭
📅: 12 February 2026, Dirty Thursday
Big Bang / Fritschi Day Wake-up Call, 5 am
Carnival Parade, 2 pm
📅14 February 2026, Rüüdig Saturday
Various events in the city center, 12 pm to 11 pm
📅 15 February 2026, Carnival Sunday
Carnival in the Littau district
📅 16 February 2026 Güdismontag
Wey-Tagwache, 6 am
Carnival parade, 2 pm
📅 17 February 2026, Shrove Tuesday,
Children`s Monster Parade, 2:30 pm
Monster Parade, 7:30 pm
𝗧𝗶𝗽: 𝗶𝘁`𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘂𝗽!
2. 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐥`𝐬 𝐔𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐎 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐭 🎭
📅 23 February 2026, Monday
Morgenstreich, 4am
Carnival Parade 1.30pm - 6pm
📅 24 February 2026, Tuesday
Children`s Parade 12pm onwards
Guggenmusik bands 7.30pm-11pm
📅 25 February 2026, Wednesday
Carnival Parade 1.30pm-6pm
Endstreich Various events happening all night until 4am
📅 1,8,15 March 2026, Sundays
Sunday marches w/o costumes, only music!
𝗧𝗶𝗽: 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘂𝗽 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿!
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" www.balmers.com/weekly-social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @yvetteinswitzerland
Private rooms and dorms.
A proper beer garden.
Bar and on-site club nights.
Guest kitchen. Pool table. Kicker. TV room.
All right in the heart of Interlaken.
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👉 Secure your stay at " www.balmers.com/hostel "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
Switzerland is often talked about in highlights, but it’s the details that make it memorable.
The way trains arrive exactly when they should. Villages that feel lived in, not staged. Landscapes that change without asking for attention.
It’s not just about mountains and lakes, though it does those very well. It’s about how easily everything fits together: nature, cities, food, culture, and pace. ✨
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" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @journeyrouters
Warm beds. Cold beers.
Mountains outside, good times inside.
Don’t overthink it.
👉 Book your room.
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
Save this sweet travel spot for your next visit to Switzerland 🇨🇭
Don’t miss Interlaken.
You’ll probably like it.
👉 Book a room.
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" www.balmers.com/hostel/private-dorms/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Repost from @annie_gh086
Winter time in Switzerland was wonderful.
Like stepping into a fairytale ❄️☃️🌨️
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" www.balmers.com/winter-holidays-interlaken/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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Repost from @nana.farhana87
One day, someone will tell you to bring a mini chocolate fondue pot on your adventures…
and it is very important that you do 🍫❄️
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" www.balmers.com/activity/funky-chocolate-workshop/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @funkychocolateclub
Where journeys slow down.
And memories settle in.
🏔️ Balmers Hostel
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" www.balmers.com/hostel "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @allysiekerman
...heaven is a place on earth... 🚁🪂
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" www.balmers.com/activity/sky-diving/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @outdoorinterlaken
A place to drop your bags,
warm up, and stay a little longer than planned.
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" www.balmers.com/hostel/private-dorms/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
💌 Make a wish ✨This winter, something magical is waiting in Interlaken.
Walk the Winterlaken Labyrinth made from recycled Christmas trees and hang up your personal wish. 🌲
📍 Höhematte Park in Interlaken
📅 Free entry daily from 08:30 to 21:30
🎶 Weekends with music, crafts, and surprises
⏳ Open until 1 March 2026
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" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @madeinbern
Have you done any of these? 😏🇨🇭
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" www.balmers.com/winter "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @outdoorinterlaken
We did it - AGAIN!!! 🎉
We’re incredibly happy to have been named BEST HOSTEL in Switzerland by @hostelworld for the third year in a row 🏆
Big love to our amazing guests, our awesome team, and the vibrant local adventure community ❤️👏
#hoscars #hostelworld #interlaken #switzerland🇨🇭 @famoushostels
#hostel #backpackingeurope #budgettravel #meettheworld
It’s cold out there.
Come warm up with our rich whipped cream
Swiss hot chocolate.
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" www.balmers.com/activity/funky-chocolate-workshop/ "
🔗 More info in our link in bio
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📷 @funkychocolateclub
