You are going to be as impressed as we are! The new 5 Star Hostel in Interlaken ticks all the boxes of an outstanding place to stay on a budget.
Read: all of the best hostels in Interlaken & things to do in Interlaken.
We like to say “it does not rain water in Interlaken, it rains para-gliders”.
Just keep your heads up, with a camera in the hand.
Here you can find all official 5 Star Hostels. Backpackers Villa is one of the top hostels in the country.
Here is a full list of all the best hostels in Switzerland.
Here’s our guide to best hostels in Zurich. And last but not least, make sure you check out the top hostels in Geneva.
The building runs on nature-made water power and features a modern-traditional design. They will help you to try out the most Adrenalin-filled activities throughout the world, whilst you can look forward to and enjoy a calm, relaxed stay at the hostel itself.
The rooms at this Youth hostel in Interlaken range between 2 and 7 beds, in different categories
Read: overview of the different room types at hostels
As a basic, every 5 Star Hostel offers free WiFi, a self-catering kitchen plus private accommodation as well.
The WiFi at the best hostel in Interlaken is SUPER fast. Seriously, it may be the fastest internet connection we’ve experienced at any hostel in the world.
Whether you prefer a private room, or a shared dormitory, the Villa have got you covered.
Interlaken is one of the most exciting, Adrenalin-packed areas in Europe, and possibly even the world. The smallish town of Interlaken is known as the sports capital of Europe.
Why?
You can do basically every sports activity out there:
- Hang-gliding
- Paragliding
- Sky Diving
- Ice Climbing
- Rafting
- Canyoning
- Bungee Jumping
- Canyon Jump
- large ropes course
Fact is, there is only 1 other city in the world which has just a few more options.
And guess what, it is at the other end of the world; New Zealand.
Before we start, pack smart…
Remember to pack accordingly for staying in a hostel – yet, do not overpack.
Here’s our full packing list, including Noise-Cancelling ear plugs and your padlocks.
Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof in a Review
We visited the hostel. This is our genuine experience we had personally.
So, join our walk through the Backpackers Villa.
We will introduce you to the different areas and the tranquil vibe and we will show you why this hostel-typed accommodation is the perfect spot for you.
The Hostel Description – How green is it?
We at Hostelgeeks always have a close look at the sustainable efforts at all 5 Star Hostels.
It is a crucial criteria. Of course, the level of sustainability has a different meaning in different countries. Switzerland is a country known for its stunning nature.
In order to preserve the incredible natural landscape, Switzerland is a country with one of the highest levels in sustainability. So, no wonder, we are expecting big actions.
We were and are impressed. Since the very start, the Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof aims to be sustainable and as eco-friendly as possible.
In fact, the Villa is a hostel to be certified with the 100% climate neutral label of myclimate.
The Villa produces 0% emissions. For a hostel this size, this is a big contribution to climate protection.
How do they do that? The 5 Star Hostel runs on nature-made water power. The hostel has the finest technology in order to avoid emissions and keep track of the saved energy.
Although it goes most of the time unnoticed, these water saving tab installations are an efficient energy-saving installation.
Powerful solar panels are used for warm water and heating.
The Mountain Hostel Tarter in Andorra uses the same technique to ensure you a hot shower! (one of the best hostels in Andorra).
For their new, modern building they even have a comfortable airing system.
Have you experienced stifling air in a dorm?
Well, you won‘t at Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof. The airing system enables a constant exchange of air without opening the windows or doors.
Okay, you may not care about this right now.
But it is seriously a relief once you are there and experience it in person.
With the all-you-can-eat breakfast, you are enjoying local, Swiss products, produced right around the corner. The coffee comes from a local roasting house, and all the foods including dairy come from Switzerland.
The breakfast is included and a good idea before starting your day of Adrenalin-fueled adventures.
On top of all the technology part, the social part is also important.
The accommodation supports charities.
Back in 2011, they donated their old (yet good) mattresses to charity, and these are now being used in hospitals and children shelters in Romania.
The Design: Classic meets Modern
A good hostel design reflects the local environment.
The design of the 5 Star Hostel is a quiet combination of classic and modern.
The main building is the Chalet, and it is more than 200 years old. It is a big Swiss cottage, a classic, beautiful piece of old architecture, giving you a classic vibe. The stucco in the hallways is also a wonderful small classic touch.
On the other hand you have the very new and modern building.
The new building is directly connected with the cottage.
Whilst walking around inside it is possible that you will lose track of which building you are in! The new, anthracite colored building was constructed in 2009.
The combination of both modern and traditional makes it a special hostel. As for the facilities, they match the highest standards. You can hang out in the chill out lounge, on the terrace overlooking the green garden, and enjoy pure nature. There are many different corners to simply relax.
The accommodation is certainly a mix of homely and ‚chill out‘ hostel.
Find an overview of all 7 types of hostels here.
Summer and Winter Sports
The uniqueness of the hostel is its combination. Every day you can join nearby Adrenalin-filled activities: Jump out of a plane, fly over a canyon, and slide down the flume. Whether it is summer or winter, there are numerous of activities you can join!
No wonder, we even see is as the top winter destination in Europe!
Once you arrive back at the hostel, it is time to relax and kick-back. It is a great place to recharge your battery. You can meditate in the extra meditation room, catch some rays on the terrace or swing your ping-pong racket.
Read: best hostels in Switzerland – with itinerary and map
What about the social vibes?
This is important.
There are no organized social activities at the youth hostel. Sounds odd? Actually not really.
The people come to Interlaken to enjoy nature at its fullest, and to try out sports activities you won’t find anywhere else.
When it’s time to slow down and to get back to the hostel, the easy-going, tranquil vibe of the hostel is very much appreciated. That does not mean it is boring. In fact, the hostel kitchen is always busy. Join in the cooking sessions, try out the board games or ping-pong table, and hang out at the terrace.
Read: 46 signs for awesome hostels
This is a lovely opportunity to talk with your fellow travelers, and exchange your experiences about the things you’ve done in Interlaken over the day. Who has the craziest experience of the day? You will listen to many great stories for sure and it’s a perfect opportunity to share your own ones.
The hostel is especially popular among Asian travelers as well as solo-travelers from USA and Europe.
Our recommendation:
Stay here and mingle. If you are looking for some party-time, head over to Balmers Hostel.
It is only a short 5-10 min walk away. Here you have a full bar, good prices and more party-ish atmosphere.
Head back to the Backpackers Villa for a tranquil, relaxing night.
Is this hostel family-friendly?
Yes, no doubt! It is high-quality hostel.
They offer as well family rooms. As it is also a tranquil accommodation with NO parties, many families love to come here. There is even a special kids-room to play – loaded with plenty of toys.
That is not to say there won’t be drinking and a bit of party going on. For the ones looking to party a night out, find your party-buddy at the backpackers villa and then hop over to the nearby party hostels.
This is the best combination ever to have a night out.
Find more family-friendly hostels here.
Is this hostel for solo-travelers?
Yes, absolutely!
As mentioned, it is NOT a party hostel. You sleep super tranquil in fantastic mattresses. It is super clean and the staff is just outstanding.
For a solo-traveler it is easy to connect – just a simple hi does the trick. However, we went for a drink to the Balmers Hostel around the corner.
Here you can find more hostels for solo-travelers.
Ask the staff: Things to do in Interlaken
For the Villa, good staff is key to a great hostel. And we agree.
The staff are handpicked and very well educated. Every staff member has a vocational degree in business administration and is well experienced in giving you the best advice.
“Great staff is key to a great hostel”
– Catherin, Manager
It is worth mentioning, as we are talking about hostels, where it is very common to find volunteers working there.
Talking about experience. Every member of the staff knows the area and activities you can join in Interlaken. In fact, everyone has tried out those activities themselves, which is especially good to know as the staff can give you recommendations based on first-hand experience.
On Get Your Guide you can also find plenty of things to do in Interlaken.
The hostel is able to keep their staff for a long time (2 to 5 years which is very long term when talking hostels). We are sure this is one of the reasons why they manage to keep up their top ratings and reviews about the staff.
The hostel in a video
Find more hostel videos here and join us on Youtube.
How many days to stay in Interlaken?
We recommend to stay at the very least 2 nights in Interlaken.
Pack your best sports wear and jump out of a plane. Highly recommended is seriously the hand-gliding as well as the Canyoning.
In a nutshell
Everything is up to a top standard. Especially for Interlaken, this hostel is the perfect choice. It is super clean, friendly, professional staff, plenty of facilities, top location … this list could be endless!
As for the activities, ask the staff once you arrive.
The activities depend a lot on the weather. You can get ideas on things to do in Interlaken here.