Nestled in the Swiss Alps, Interlaken sits snugly between the stunning Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, surrounded by jaw-dropping mountains and, you guessed it, more lakes. This traditional resort town in the Bernese Oberland region of central Switzerland draws crowds year-round, and it’s not hard to see why.
But Interlaken isn’t just about soaking in natural beauty; this town has earned its reputation as Switzerland’s adventure capital! Whether you want to paraglide over the peaks, kayak on oh-so-blue waters, or hike through lush trails year-round, there’s something for every adventurer here.
But with all of that adventure comes with a hefty price tag. Sure, there are plenty of historic 19th-century hotels, but what about the options that won’t break your backpacker budget in this notoriously pricey country?
Fear not – that’s where I come in! I’ve scoured every corner to bring you the ultimate guide to the best hostels in Interlaken.
Whether you are trying to get your hike on, unwind in style, sleep cheap, or find a comfy spot to call your office, this list will sort you out.
Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Interlaken
- Best Overall Hostel in Interlaken – Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof
- Best Hostel in Interlaken for Solo Travellers – Lake Lodge Iseltwald
- Best Cheap Hostel in Interlaken – Funny Farm
- Best Party Hostel in Interlaken – Balmers Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Interlaken – Interlaken Youth Hostel
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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The 5 Best Hostels in Interlaken
Here it is – the crème de la crème of Interlaken’s hostels, neatly split into travel niches just for you. Picking a place has never been easier, so you can get out exploring this beautiful Swiss town ASAP.
1. Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof – Best Overall Hostel in Interlaken
- Dorm (mixed): From $72
- Private Room: From $484
- Address: Alpenstrasse 16, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
This place has won best hostel in Switzerland a few times. Honestly, I’m not surprised. I’ve travelled extensively, and let me tell you, this hostel is banging. Its location in Interlaken is perfect, right between both Interlaken Ost train station and West Station, so you’re in the heart of the best places to visit in Interlaken.
This Interlaken backpackers hostel isn’t just any old villa – it’s a massive chalet tucked away in the mountains. This place seriously offers a classy experience on a budget. But what does that even mean exactly?
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Social Atmosphere
- Central Location
- Lots of Freebies
Well, let me break it down for you. It means impeccable cleanliness. It means top-notch facilities. It means a lively and welcoming atmosphere. It means that they’ll give you that “upmarket hotel” feel (their words, not mine). Think speciality coffees, free laundry, and expert tips for the best hikes in Switzerland – all included. With all these perks, it’s no wonder this is hands down the best Interlaken hostel.
2. Lake Lodge Iseltwald – Best Hostel in Interlaken for Solo Travellers
- Private Room: From $264
- Address: Im Feld 17, 3807 Iseltwald, Switzerland
If you’re a sociable backpacker who wants to make friends and chat with a load of different people from all over the world, then this is the hostel for you. A comfortable hostel surrounded by breathtaking scenery always makes for a good icebreaker. Honestly – the views here of Lake Brienz are insane, I genuinely could’ve stayed forever.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Views of Lake Brienz
- Friendly Staff
- Lots of Common Areas
The bar and restaurant area in the garden has fantastic food and drinks if you want to stay in for dinner and take in the amazing views. It also makes for a great social area to meet some fellow travellers backpacking Switzerland too.
The staff here are also very warm and welcoming (always good when you’re by yourself). And when you’ve made friends, lace up your boots and get your hike on! Feeling lazy? There’s also direct access to their own private beach too. Honestly, you get the best of both worlds here.
3. Funny Farm – Best Cheap Hostel in Interlaken
- Dorm (mixed): From $39
- Private Room: From $163
- Address: Hauptstrasse 36, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
HUGE. It’s like a resort for backpackers. This place has a swimming pool, tennis courts, volleyball courts, basketball courts (probably all the same ‘court’ tbh), space for bonfires and barbecues, a big garden, and if you’re into late nights, there’s a bar and a nightclub. If you’re a solo traveller, you won’t struggle to make friends here – just dive in and get involved.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Lots of Activities Offered
- On-Site Nightclub
- Old Heritage Building
The old architecture of the hotel is stunning; you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back a century. It’s got those old luxurious hotel vibes, not your typical hostel! The on-site bar and restaurant are great too. Plus, the location is perfect for exploring Interlaken and the surrounding areas. You even get a free bus travel card when you arrive at the hostel, making getting around a breeze!
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI4. Balmers Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Interlaken
- Dorm (mixed): From $68
- Private Room: From $237
- Address: Hauptstrasse 23 – 33, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
Looking to party amidst the mountains of Interlaken? Look no further. This is a seriously cool European party hostel. With its lively vibe, friendly crowd, and a bar that turns into a full-on club where the party doesn’t stop till dawn.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- On-site Bar and Nightclub
- Social Vibes
- Hot Tub
Sure, it’s the best party hostel in Interlaken but gone are the days of dirty party hostels. Who wants to stay in a dive just because they want to party? Oh no, this place is CLEAN. Like, really clean. They’ve got fancy amenities like a hot tub where you can kick back with a cold one. And it’s all set between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. That’s quite literally Interlaken.
5. Interlaken Youth Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Interlaken
- Dorm (mixed): From $72
- Private Room: From $321
- Address: Am Bahnhof Ost, Untere Bönigstr. 3, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
This hostel in Interlaken feels more like one of those boutique hotels you find scattered throughout this stunning Bernese Oberland region. Seriously, it’s one of the coolest spots in Switzerland. Step inside and you’ll think you’ve walked into an arthouse film or the pages of a design magazine. Think minimalism, clean lines, cosy open fireplaces, and just the right mood lighting. And get this – it’s actually one of the more affordable options in Interlaken.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wifi
- Beautifully Designed
- Plethora of Working Spaces
But it’s not just one of the coolest Interlaken hostels around; it’s also a haven for digital nomads. There’s plenty of space to spread out and get work done, all while feeling like a Bond villain or a high roller. With free Wi-Fi and a slew of cafes nearby, you’ve got everything you need to stay connected and productive. The security here is great too, with big lockers and card access, you’ll feel super safe in Switzerland here.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Interlaken Hostels
So, now that I’ve talked about the best, let’s talk about the rest! (Of the best). These are some more picks from the top hostels to rest your weary head when exploring Interlaken.
Are you looking to stay in a specific neighbourhood? Check out my guide to Interlaken’s best areas to stay.
6. Happy Inn Lodge
- Dorm (mixed): From $39
- Private Room: From $284
- Address: Rosenstrasse 17, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
Happy Inn by name, Happy Inn by nature, this Interlaken hostel is a great spot for backpackers who want a relaxed but fun vibe. You can definitely find that here. There’s also a bar downstairs, meaning there’s a good place to party if you need it, too. Other than that this place has a great location – close to the West train station (very handy) and Interlaken Ost railway station – making it a pretty good Interlaken backpackers hostel to explore the area from.
7. Alplodge
- Dorm (mixed): From $60
- Address: Marktgasse 59, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
This Interlakem hostel really does have a great selection of pretty dang cool dorms and private rooms. Well, not cool, but very nice. They’re warm, have big beds and windows that look out over the town – and they’ve got en-suite bathrooms, too. And considering this is one of the cheapest places to travel to in Switzerland, you’ll be getting a steal for the level of quality here.
The hostel comes complete with a rooftop terrace and a common room, meaning you’ll still be able to meet and mingle with people before retiring to your palace of a room. Fancy adventuring? The staff can arrange pretty much everything/anything for you. And a free breakfast sets you up for those adventures.
8. Walters Hostel Interlaken
- Private Room: From $100
- Address: Oelestrasse 35, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
Nestled right next to Interlaken Ost railway station, Walters Hostel Interlaken is your go-to spot for a comfy, no-nonsense stay. The rooms are big, spotless, and packed with everything you need to chill out and recharge. The shared kitchen is always squeaky clean and ready for your midnight snack perusing, stocked with all the gear you’ll need 24/7.
But what really sells this place is the HUGE balconies with epic mountain views. Like, seriously, one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland level of beauty. Plus, there’s a big, cosy bed and more plug sockets than you’ll know what to do with. The owner is an absolute gem – he’s always around to share his top-secret tips and local gems, making sure you get the most out of your stay.
9. Adventure Hostel Interlaken
- Dorm (mixed): From $81
- Private Room: From $235
- Address: 44 Seestrasse, 3800 Interlaken, Switzerland
If you want an adventure (I mean, the clue’s in the name, isn’t it) then you should stay at this pretty damn special hostel in Interlaken. For starters, it’s in a cool old villa built in 1901, meaning this heritage building just OOZES the old-world charm you look for when backpacking Interlaken.
Sure, it’s a couple of minutes out of town, but who cares when you’re staying in a place with high ceilings and all that vintage jazz? The rooms are huge, and there’s a MASSIVE and delicious breakfast included in the price too. Plus, the views are top-notch. Even the dorms boast some of the best views around. It’s definitely one of my favourite Swiss hostels that I’ve been to.
10. Downtownhostel Interlaken
Need a convenient location? Check out this Interlaken hostel. It’s right by the West train station, so you can practically roll out of bed and onto a train. This place used to be an old-school train station hotel, but now it’s been revamped and is buzzing with a cool crowd of backpackers.
One of the coolest hostels in Interlaken, it features well-designed dorms, modern furniture, and an overall vibe of good taste. Nice, right? But if you’re in the mood to party, you’ll love the actual nightclub in the basement, fittingly called Hangover. Perfect for those nights when you want to dance until dawn and don’t have to stagger far to get into bed.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Interlaken
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Hostels in Interlaken
Here are some questions backpackers ask about Interlaken hostels.
What to Pack for your Interlaken Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Interlaken?
On average, hostel prices are always changing ESPECIALLY in Europe, but you can generally expect the average price to start from $43 and $45+ per night. Of course, this can be cheaper if you’re travelling in low season.
What are the best Interlaken hostels for couples?
The Adventure Hostel Interlaken is an epic hostel for couples who want an adventure. It has massive rooms, delicious breakfasts, and good views.
What are the best Interlaken hostels near Interlaken Ost Railway Station?
I recommend Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof, Walters Hostel Interlaken and Happy Inn Lodge all for their central location to Interlaken Ost train station. All of the main attractions in Interlaken aren’t far from Interlaken Ost railway station, so it’s important to base yourself close to there.
Final Thoughts on Interlaken’s Hostels
Whether you’re here to conquer the peaks, dive into the lakes, or simply soak in the stunning Swiss scenery, there’s a perfect hostel waiting for you. I hope my ultimate guide to the best Interlaken hostels has helped you find that ideal spot.
If you’re still stuck on where to stay, I’d definitely recommend Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof. It’s got that boujee feel on a backpacker budget, plus you’ll meet tons of fellow travellers. What more could you want?
The mountains are calling you – don’t wait any longer!! Ps: make sure you go paragliding when you’re here, it’s serious bucket list stuff.
So strap on those hiking boots, sling on your backpack, and prepare for an unforgettable stay in one of Interlaken’s best hostels. The mountains are calling, the beer is cold, and the memories made are so. Damn. Good.
And hey, if you discover any hidden gems or must-try spots along the way, drop me a comment – I’m always looking for the best new spot in this beautiful Swiss corner of the world.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Switzerland for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Interlaken covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Switzerland if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Interlaken before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Europe to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
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