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?
Weโre stoked you made it! To help make your stayโand everyone elseโsโas 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 youโre 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 youโll have to check in online.
Weโll then prepare your keys so that you can get to your room after reception closes.
Get Social
#balmershostel
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. ๐ทโ๏ธโ
โ
Have you ever been and made your own memories here? Tell us about it โ
.โ
" www.balmers.com/visit-grindelwald-first/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
.โ
๐ท @jungfrauregion
It`s officially Carnival season in ๐จ๐ญ!! ๐ญ dates ๐๐ปโ
โ
This is definitely the most vibrant & fun event in Switzerland !! ๐ February consists of Carnival festivities happening across Switzerland, but the 2 most famous Fasnachts are:โ
โ
1. ๐๐ฎ๐ณ๐๐ซ๐ง`๐ฌ ๐
๐๐ฌ๐ง๐๐๐ก๐ญ ๐ญ โ
โ
๐
: 12 February 2026, Dirty Thursdayโ
Big Bang / Fritschi Day Wake-up Call, 5 amโ
Carnival Parade, 2 pmโ
โ
๐
14 February 2026, Rรผรผdig Saturdayโ
Various events in the city center, 12 pm to 11 pmโ
โ
๐
15 February 2026, Carnival Sundayโ
Carnival in the Littau districtโ
โ
๐
16 February 2026 Gรผdismontagโ
Wey-Tagwache, 6 amโ
Carnival parade, 2 pmโ
โ
๐
17 February 2026, Shrove Tuesday, โ
Children`s Monster Parade, 2:30 pmโ
Monster Parade, 7:30 pmโ
โ
๐ง๐ถ๐ฝ: ๐ถ๐`๐ ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ป๐๐ฝ๐ผ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ป ๐ฟ๐๐น๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ผ ๐ฑ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐ฝ!โ
โ
2. ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ฅ`๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ ๐
๐๐ฌ๐ง๐๐๐ก๐ญ ๐ญโ
โ
๐
23 February 2026, Mondayโ
Morgenstreich, 4amโ
Carnival Parade 1.30pm - 6pmโ
โ
๐
24 February 2026, Tuesdayโ
Children`s Parade 12pm onwardsโ
Guggenmusik bands 7.30pm-11pmโ
โ
๐
25 February 2026, Wednesdayโ
Carnival Parade 1.30pm-6pmโ
Endstreich Various events happening all night until 4amโ
โ
๐
1,8,15 March 2026, Sundaysโ
Sunday marches w/o costumes, only music!โ
โ
๐ง๐ถ๐ฝ: ๐ฑ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ ๐๐ฝ ๐ถ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฏ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฎ ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ฟ!โ
.โ
" www.balmers.com/weekly-social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
.โ
๐ท @yvetteinswitzerland
Private rooms and dorms.โ
A proper beer garden.โ
Bar and on-site club nights.โ
Guest kitchen. Pool table. Kicker. TV room.โ
โ
All right in the heart of Interlaken.โ
.โ
๐ Secure your stay at " www.balmers.com/hostel "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
Switzerland is often talked about in highlights, but itโs the details that make it memorable.โ
โ
The way trains arrive exactly when they should. Villages that feel lived in, not staged. Landscapes that change without asking for attention.โ
โ
Itโs not just about mountains and lakes, though it does those very well. Itโs about how easily everything fits together: nature, cities, food, culture, and pace. โจโ
.โ
" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
.โ
๐ท @journeyrouters
Warm beds. Cold beers.โ
Mountains outside, good times inside.โ
โ
Donโt overthink it.โ
๐ Book your room.โ
.โ
" www.balmers.com/hostel "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
Save this sweet travel spot for your next visit to Switzerland ๐จ๐ญโ
Donโt miss Interlaken.โ
โ
Youโll probably like it.โ
๐ Book a room.โ
.โ
" www.balmers.com/hostel/private-dorms/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
.โ
Repost from @annie_gh086โ
Winter time in Switzerland was wonderful.โ
Like stepping into a fairytale โ๏ธโ๏ธ๐จ๏ธโ
.โ
" www.balmers.com/winter-holidays-interlaken/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
.โ
Repost from @nana.farhana87
One day, someone will tell you to bring a mini chocolate fondue pot on your adventuresโฆโ
and it is very important that you do ๐ซโ๏ธโ
.โ
" www.balmers.com/activity/funky-chocolate-workshop/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
.โ
๐ท @funkychocolateclub
Where journeys slow down.โ
And memories settle in.โ
๐๏ธ Balmers Hostelโ
.โ
" www.balmers.com/hostel "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
.โ
๐ท @allysiekerman
...heaven is a place on earth... ๐๐ชโ
.โ
" www.balmers.com/activity/sky-diving/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
.โ
๐ท @outdoorinterlaken
A place to drop your bags,โ
warm up, and stay a little longer than planned.โ
.โ
" www.balmers.com/hostel/private-dorms/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
๐ Make a wish โจThis winter, something magical is waiting in Interlaken.โ
Walk the Winterlaken Labyrinth made from recycled Christmas trees and hang up your personal wish. ๐ฒโ
โ
๐ Hรถhematte Park in Interlakenโ
๐
Free entry daily from 08:30 to 21:30โ
๐ถ Weekends with music, crafts, and surprisesโ
โณ Open until 1 March 2026โ
.โ
" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
.โ
๐ท @madeinbern
Have you done any of these? ๐๐จ๐ญโ
.โ
" www.balmers.com/winter "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
.โ
๐ท @outdoorinterlaken
We did it - AGAIN!!! ๐
Weโre incredibly happy to have been named BEST HOSTEL in Switzerland by @hostelworld for the third year in a row ๐
Big love to our amazing guests, our awesome team, and the vibrant local adventure community โค๏ธ๐
#hoscars #hostelworld #interlaken #switzerland๐จ๐ญ @famoushostels
#hostel #backpackingeurope #budgettravel #meettheworld
Itโs cold out there.โ
Come warm up with our rich whipped cream โ
Swiss hot chocolate.โ
.โ
" www.balmers.com/activity/funky-chocolate-workshop/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
.โ
๐ท @funkychocolateclub
With the Saver Day Pass + Half-Fare Card, you can travel across the country for as low as CHF 29/day โ if you plan smart and book early. โ
โ
Itโs an SBB day ticket that gives unlimited public transport for an entire day.โ
โ
Valid on trains, buses, boats, trams โ nearly the full Swiss public transport network.โ
โ
How to Get the CHF 29 Price โ
โ
Spartageskarte (Saver Day Pass)โ
โ
This is a โSaver Day Passโ offered by SBB. Prices start at CHF 29, depending on availability.โ
โ
You need to book this in advance (up to 6 months ahead) because โSaverโ tickets are limited.โ
โ
The pass allows โunrestricted travelโ on public transport (trains, buses, trams, boats) on the chosen day. โ
โ
How to Buy It:โ
โ
SBB Website or App โ
.โ
" www.balmers.com/save-money-in-switzerland/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
.โ
Thanks @swisslenabasel for the great tips
Game Night at Balmers hits different.โ
Trivia, laughs, a bit of chaos, and a room full of competitive spirits.โ
โ
One winner, plenty of bragging rights, and stories thatโll travel way further than the prize.โ
Missed it? No worries, the next round is coming.โ
.โ
" www.balmers.com/weekly-social-activities-at-balmers-hostel-and-social-events/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
The Thun Carnival 2026 - Thuner Fasnacht ๐ญโ
From January 29 to February 1.โ
Event Highlights:โ
โฃ๏ธSaturday, 31 January: the childrenโs parade, Beizenfasnacht with small Guggen bands and non-stop music in tents until early Sunday. โ
โฃ๏ธSunday, 1st of February, main highlight: the grand Umzug parade through Bรคlliz and Hauptgasse at around 13:59, drawing 20,000-30,000 visitors amid Thunโs castle backdrop!โ
๐นThuner Fasnacht is a special event in the Swiss carnival calendar. It stands out due to its early date and special atmosphere. The picturesque town of Thun, with its impressive castle, charming alleyways, and panoramic views of the Alps, attracts Guggenmusik bands and carnival enthusiasts from all over Switzerland.โค๏ธโจโ
.โ
Don`t miss itโ
" www.balmers.com/what-to-do-interlaken-upcoming/"โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
.โ
๐ท @impressive.switzerland
Our Wall of Fame says it all.โ
Postcards from everyone, a few kind words about a stay, a moment, a night that turned into a memory.โ
Add a note, grab a Balmer smiley sticker, and leave your mark before you go.โ
โ
Some walls hold bricks.โ
This one holds stories.โ
.โ
" www.balmers.com/hostel "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
Interlaken winter flying at its finest โ๏ธ๐ชโ
โ
Crystal-clear skies, snow-covered peaks, and epic views over Lake Brienz ๐โ
This is what perfect January conditions look like in Interlaken ๐จ๐ญโจโ
โ
Wouldn`t you want to fly here in winter?โ
.โ
" www.balmers.com/activity/paragliding/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
.โ
๐ฅ captured for PGI by sonsibar โ
๐ท @paraglidinginterlaken
An evolved look doesnโt change what makes Interlaken unforgettableโจ.โ
โ
ยซWhere once in a lifetime happens every dayยปโ
.โ
" www.balmers.com/activities/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
.โ
๐ท @interlaken
Frozen air, warm heart.โ
Mรผrren, youโre magic ๐คโ
.โ
" www.balmers.com/2-days-trip-in-murren-switzerland/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
๐B l a u s e e ๐จ๐ญโ
Winterwonderland in Blausee, Switzerland. Such a stunning place. Every season is wonderful. Sunday walk feels like a fairytale. โจโ
.โ
" www.balmers.com/the-most-beautiful-lakes-around-interlaken/ "โ
๐ More info in our link in bio
The beautiful town of Interlaken, Switzerland ๐จ๐ญ<โ 3
.โ
" www.balmers.com/hostel "โ
๐ More info in our link in bioโ
.โ
๐ท @jacobs.photo.blog
