Sadly No Budget Hostel for Babyboomers

Ira, The Hostel mentioned by Lola is a good possibility. You could also have a look at The Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald (although they usually rent out the facilties to Ski clubs in the winter, you could check there). You could also consider Balmer's Interlaken which has rooms from €18. HI Hostels has three properties in the Berner Oberland (including Grindelwald), but availability seems to be limited at the moment, probably due to Skiers (staying there may require a Membership, which is easily obtained). They also have a property in Interlaken-Boenigen, but it appears to be fully booked. I'm also a "Babyboomer" but not really an "old Hippie". I stay in Hostels on occasion but usually prefer the budget Hotels listed in Rick's Guidebooks. Good luck!

The Valley Hostel in Lauterbrunnen has dorm beds for 28 to 30 CHF. I believe Camping Jungfrau also has dorm beds.

We stayed at the Valley Hostel in Lauterbrunnen for 6 nights....2-bed room, shared bath and kitchen. Very clean. BTW I was in my late 60's and felt comfortable.

The problem is most of the old hippies have renounced their non materialistic ways and are bunking at Hiltons these days. "Jerry Garcia, blah, blah, blah. I am so sick of this f#* story It's so boring! You've been telling it for years! Give it up!"
- Child of old hippies responding to his parents from the movie "Flirting with Disaster"

Very great replies, thanks for the laughter..

Have you thought about "couch surfing"? Lots of people doing this today, not only younger people. Also look for private rooms in apts. in many of the cities you are looking to visit. They can also be quite reasonable.

Ira, It's an interesting experience staying at a hostel and sharing a "mixed dorm room with youngsters" who are one third your age. I did that in 2009 and this summer in Vienna and München...traveling solo as you did in early 1970s, except that the HI hostel rooms back then were not mixed.

We stayed at the hostel in Lauterbrunnen and the one in Interlaken mentioned above. Lauterbrunnen was much more rustic, Interlaken was jazzy and modern but with a "zen" vibe. We would recommend both wholeheartedly. We paid about $100 a night for our family of four so I think you are in the right budget range.

Fred, I also find it interesting to stay in Hostel Dorm rooms with "youngsters" about a third my age. I've found that age isn't really an issue, as everyone seems to relate on somewhat of an "equal basis" in that regard. I've also encountered older people in some Hostels.

Yes the Valley Hostel is great in lauterbrunnen and a perfect location also.. Book early they fill up fast.