Breathtaking & expensive- these are the two best words to describe Switzerland. But would it stop you from going there? It shouldn’t. If you’re coming to Switzerland and looking for a cheap place to stay, then I think you should head to Interlaken. I found Interlaken to be one of the cheapest hubs in Switzerland and based myself here for two weeks. In this blog post, you will find the 12 best cheap hotels in Interlaken.
My personal favorites are Neuhaus Golf- & Strandhotel for its lake location and golf course and Hirschen for its clean rooms and restaurant.
QUICK PICKS: MY 3 FAVORITE CHEAP HOTELS IN INTERLAKEN
Don’t have time to read my detailed breakdown of all the top cheap places to stay in Interlaken? No worries! These are my three top value picks in Interlaken, Switzerland. If you book one of these three, you are guaranteed to have a great vacation in a great location!
BEST CHEAP PLACES TO STAY IN INTERLAKEN COMPARISON TABLE
Take a look at this comparison table of all the best cheap hotels in Interlaken with the rates per night and guest ratings on display so you can compare them all in one spot.
GET A SWISS TRAVEL PASS!
Enjoy UNLIMITED train, boat, and bus rides in Switzerland for up to 15 days. Click to book a flex Swiss Travel Pass or choose the Consecutive Swiss Travel Pass.
The Swiss Travel Pass starts at $260 for 3 days. Click here to check if it’s available on your travel dates.
12 BEST CHEAP HOTELS IN INTERLAKEN
In this blog post, I have the twelve best cheap hotels in Interlaken. Not only this will help you find affordable accommodation but also guide you if these properties cater to your needs. Some of the places to stay on this list are hostels, some are guesthouses ad others are cheap hotels in Interlaken.
INTERLAKEN YOUTH HOSTEL
Interlaken Youth Hostel (Best Pick): This is by far the most popular hostel in Interlaken! A welcome retreat for travelers of all sorts. Featuring a broad range of rooms and a killer location alongside the railway station, staying here is for those who want to be close to everything such as transportation, restaurants, cafes, shops, etc.
Not to mention this youth hostel offers fun games, bike rentals, and a restaurant. I didn’t mind paying a little extra for their 3-course meals during dinner– the food was absolutely delicious! The ambiance in this place is more like a hotel than a hostel yet the price still caters to your budget. Location-wise, this is a highly recommended and cheap hostel when you’re visiting Interlaken!
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Interlaken Youth Hostel
BALMERS BACKPACKERS HOSTEL
Balmers Backpackers Hostel (Party Hostel): This hostel is the best in the area for party lovers and budget travelers alike. This is the most well-known hostel in Interlaken when it comes to partying, given that party hostels are not prevalent in Switzerland. But if you’re a type of traveler who likes a party scene, then Balmers Backpackers Hostel is your best pick! Every night, this adult hostel hosts fun activities that involved disco music and drinking games.
With great music and a beer in your hand, you’ll definitely make new friends here. So enjoy the party at night and their amenities and activities during the day. As for room options, you don’t need to worry as there are plenty to choose from. Whether you’re traveling solo or with your pals, this backpacker hostel does certainly fit your need!
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Balmers Backpackers
BACKPACKERS VILLA SONNENHOF – HOSTEL INTERLAKEN
Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof – Hostel Interlaken (Where I stayed): Nestled in the heart of the Bernese Oberland with a stunning mountain backdrop is this beautiful hostel. Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof offers backpackers a comfortable stay and amazing views from the room. This is a family-friendly hostel in Interlaken with available cots for a little charge.
What I like more about this property aside from the location are the stylish rooms that are individually decorated and the availability of tables and chairs around the hostel to relax after tiring outdoor activities. I stayed here on two occasions and really liked that it had a washing machine and each customer got a free machine coffee each day. There’s a quiet study room for digital nomads like me and a kitchen for those who like to save money by cooking a meal instead of eating out. On top of that, the staff are multilingual and are always eager to help you with anything.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof – Hostel Interlaken
WALTERS HOSTEL INTERLAKEN
Walters Hostel Interlaken (Pet-friendly): Conveniently located in a beautiful and quiet neighborhood, Walter Hostel Interlaken provides you with the comfort you deserve. Although not all rooms are equipped with a patio that offers a panoramic view of the mountains, this property features ski storage space and barbecue facilities. This is a pet-friendly place, so your furry friend can tag along with you. At Walter Hostel, guests can enjoy activities in and around Interlaken may it be hiking, skiing, or cycling.
What is good about this property is its strategic location which is close to Interlaken East Port, Harder Kulm, and Interlaken Ost. On top of it, Walter Hostel is enjoying a high rating. For $67 a night, you can get a private room with a shared bathroom and kitchen, plus free use of Wi-fi.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Walters Hostel Interlaken
BED & BAR NO.8 -ADULTS ONLY
Bed & Bar No.8 -Adults Only (Budget): A property like no other! Aside from its recently renovated rooms and facilities, this place is surrounded by an amazing landscape of mountains and lakes. Breathe that mountain fresh air from their terrace while enjoying the picturesque views. What’s more to like about this property is an excellent location and easy access to the train station.
A very convenient location yet just far enough from the hustle and bustle of the touristy part of the city. There is a wide range of rooms to choose from and like any other hostels in town, they provide a communal kitchen so you cook or store food in the fridge.
Absolutely, you can have a homey feeling while meeting other guests. Everything is perfect from facilities to room rates. I believe they have one of the cheapest mixed dorm rates in town for as low as $24.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Bed & Bar No.8 -Adults Only
DOWNTOWN HOSTEL INTERLAKEN
Downtown Hostel Interlaken (Location): The name speaks for itself! Downtown Hostel Interlaken is nestled in the very heart of Interlaken making it an ideal camp for backpackers who want to try numerous activities in the Jungfrau region. It is technically set a few meters away from Interlaken West Train Station so if you need a place that is so close to the train station, then this is your best pick.
This hostel is cozy and most of the interior is pleasantly decorated in the old Swiss-style so it adds to the feeling of being in Switzerland. Sleep in their cozy room and wake up either with a city or a mountain view from the window. Relax in the excellent facilities they provide indoor and outdoor.
If you are not that picky about whoever your dorm mates will be, this place is good as they have one of the cheapest accommodations in town with high ratings. Definitely a recommended hostel among solo wanderers!
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Downtown Hostel Interlaken
CHALET HOSTEL @ BACKPACKERS VILLA INTERLAKEN
Chalet Hostel @ Backpackers Villa Interlaken (Staff): Pick this place without hesitation! Aside from being centrally located like any other accommodations in town, Chalet Hostel takes its pride in the services they provide to all guests. From the very welcoming staff who are always ready to assist you in any possible way to a stunning view of the surroundings and lively vibe, your stay will definitely be a memorable one.
You don’t have to worry about the safety of your belongings as the property provides every guest with a locker. Access to rooms is card operated, you can sleep at ease knowing that you are in safe hands. Solo or group travelers love this place, especially the serenity it gives as there are no children accepted here. Where else can you find a property that has a decent rate with superb reviews?
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Chalet Hostel @ Backpackers Villa Interlaken
ALPLODGE
Alplodge (Budget): Alplodge is beautifully located in the center of Interlaken and situated within a walking distance of all stores and restaurants. If you don’t feel like going out, then you can cook your own meal in the clean common kitchen.
Aside from its convenient location, guests can enjoy walks along the Aare River or outdoor activities like canoeing, river rafting, and many more activities designed for outdoor enthusiasts. This is what I love the most in this property aside from the cute floral decorations in the rooms. But backpackers love the entire service this property provides.
Luggage storage is available here so you don’t worry about leaving your things while you are having a time of your life outside. Overall, a commendable place and better than what you pay for.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Alplodge
HAPPY INN LODGE
Happy Inn Lodge (Budget): This cozy and friendly hostel-style lodge is a perfect base for pro skiers and for those who want to experience skiing. Featuring huge rooms fitted with lockers, twin beds, and bunk beds, this inn is suitable for budget group travelers. For $26 a night, you can get a comfy bed in a 6-bed mixed dorm room.
If you want some privacy, the property also provides a twin room which is great for couples. Family traveling with kids is also welcome and even your four-legged friend! The atmosphere is very casual and you’ll get all the basic accommodation you need.
The highlight is the bar and restaurant on-site- where guests can easily grab something to eat and chill at the same time! Definitely one of the best hostels in Interlaken!
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Happy Inn Lodge
ADVENTURE HOSTEL INTERLAKEN
Adventure Hostel Interlaken (Family-pick): Probably one of the friendliest and most accommodating hostels in Interlaken! Adventure Hostel Interlaken welcomes guests of all ages. It is amazing that they even provide cribs to guests with infants and families can choose a family room. Not only that, but pets are also welcome here so you don’t need to worry about leaving your pets behind.
Location wise, it is close to restaurants and shops. After that tiring yet fun adventure, relax in their rustic-style rooms with super comfy beds. Brilliant views from all angles can be admired from every window is a plus factor of this property.
With all the exceptional facilities and services, it is a highly recommendable place to stay. Of course, it’s also a great value for money!
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Adventure Hostel Interlaken
HIRSCHEN
Hirschen (Value): Hirschen proves that price doesn’t command taste. This Swiss-style accommodation features 18 rooms ranging from single to triple rooms, each room is sparkly clean fitted with a modern bathroom and TV. The property has a garden terrace that provides spectacular views of Mount Virgin. The host really does a great job of helping guests to have a comfortable stay.
It’s a perfect place to stay if you want to treat yourself but also limited to a budget. Breakfast is included in your stay and I can assure you it won’t disappoint! There’s a playground for kids, a BBQ facility, and a wine cellar. This is one of the highest quality yet one of the best cheap hotels in Interlaken.
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hirschen
NEUHAUS GOLF- & STRANDHOTEL
Neuhaus Golf- & Strandhotel (Tranquil): I know that staying in a hotel in Switzerland costs a fortune but don’t freak out! Neuhaus Golf & Strandhotel got your back! This 3-star hotel offers a selection of rooms and is located just right on Lake Thun. A tad away from the heart of Interlaken which means away from the hustle and bustle but great enough to enjoy some water sports activities and a golf course. Yes!
Despite the serene location you definitely won’t get bored here. This place serves vegetarian and international cuisines. Plus the complimentary shuttle service to Interlaken center is an extra bonus. Here you can book a single room for $80. Surely other cheap hotels in Interlaken can’t beat that!
Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Neuhaus Golf- & Strandhotel
I hope this blog post helped you to choose a cheap hotel in Interlaken that will give you a great base for adventures while in Switzerland.
SWISS TRAVEL PASS or HALF-FARE CARD
OPTION 1: Buy the Swiss Half Fare Card: Switzerland trains, buses, and cable cars are EXPENSIVE! I found the best way to get around cheaply was to buy the Swiss Half-Fare Card before I arrived. It gives you 50% off every regular train, bus, and even many cable cars. It only costs $150 USD but pays itself off in just a few days with many train tickets in Switzerland costing close to $100 alone. If you are staying for more than 5 days, I suggest buying the Swiss Half-Fare Card.
OPTION 2: Buy the Swiss Travel Pass: The second option is to get the Swiss Travel Pass, which gives you unlimited train, bus, and (many) cable car rides but it’s pretty expensive at around $100 USD per day so if you don’t travel each day it isn’t worth it.
OPTION 3: Buy the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass: The final (BEST) option is to get the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass, which allows you to buy 8 days’ worth of transit but you can choose the night before if you want to activate the next day. That way you don’t need to travel every day to get your money’s worth, you can just activate the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass on the days when you are doing sizeable transits. My advice is to book the Swiss Half-Fare Card or the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass in advance before your trip so it’s ready to go when you arrive.
GET A SWISS TRAVEL PASS!
Enjoy UNLIMITED train, boat, and bus rides in Switzerland for up to 15 days. Click to book a flex Swiss Travel Pass or choose the Consecutive Swiss Travel Pass.
The Swiss Travel Pass starts at $260 for 3 days. Click here to check if it’s available on your travel dates.
BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY SWITZERLAND
When you book your Switzerland Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use Discover Cars to find the best deals from local and international companies. I wrote an entire Guide to Renting a Car in Switzerland which has lots of helpful tips!
MY SWITZERLAND HIKING GUIDES
I spent 100 days hiking in Switzerland and created a guide for different regions around the country. You can click on one of my Switzerland hiking guides below to help you plan your trip.
- The Complete Guide: 50 AWESOME HIKES IN IN SWITZERLAND
- The Via Ferrata Guide: 4 EPIC SWITZERLAND VIA FERRATA COURSES
- Lauterbrunnen Guide: 10 AWESOME HIKES NEAR LAUTERBRUNNEN
- Interlaken Guide: 15 AWESOME HIKES IN INTERLAKEN
- Grindelwald Guide: 12 AWESOME HIKES NEAR GRINDELWALD:
- Mürren Guide: 7 AWESOME HIKES IN MURREN
- Appenzell Guide: 9 AWESOME HIKES NEAR APPENZELL
- Chur Guide: 7 AWESOME HIKES NEAR CHUR
MY SWITZERLAND TRAVEL TIPS
- For Backpackers: SWITZERLAND BUDGET BACKPACKING GUIDE
- Travel Tips: 20 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING SWITZERLAND
- Transport Tips: RENTING AND DRIVING A CAR IN SWITZERLAND
- Accommodation Guide: 30 BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SWITZERLAND