What to Wear in Switzerland: Packing List For All Seasons

If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, beyond figuring your itinerary and what the best places to visit are, you’re probably wondering what to wear in Switzerland.

This Switzerland packing list is designed for all seasons, with sections for men’s and women’s clothing.

It’s designed to help you decide what to bring to Switzerland on your trip with a focus on packing light, multipurpose items and leaving unnecessary weight behind.

Switzerland Packing List: What to Pack Everything In

Personally, I prefer to carry a backpack for travel. Having seen too many of my friends struggle with enormous, unwieldy rolling suitcases, I personally recommend that you bring a well-designed travel backpack if it’s comfortable for you.

You may end up trying to roll your suitcase through the freshly laid snow, which is never fun (take it from an idiot who brought a rolling suitcase to Helsinki in winter!). As a light packer, my Tortuga Setout Backpack is usually what I bring.

This bag is 40L, making it the max-sized carry-on that fits in overhead bins on domestic and international flights, including (most) budget airlines.

Since it zips open flat, it packs like a suitcase for easy organization. Best of all, it’s built with ergonomics in mind — it has a super-comfortable padded hip belt that distributes 80% of the weight off your shoulders.

Made with durable, water-resistant CORDURA® nylon, it features tuckable straps (in case you do ever decide to check it!), multiple quick-access pockets, and a padded laptop sleeve to keep your electronics safe, as well as organized, on the go.

Check out more specs and details here.

While rolling suitcases are a no-no for most of Europe due to narrow cobblestoned streets, Switzerland is way more accessible than many other European cities. Therefore, if you’re traveling Switzerland in late spring, summer, or early fall, a rolling suitcase may be a good idea.

I prefer rolling suitcases with four wheels, like this Samsonite spinner, as you don’t have to drag them behind you as you do with a two-wheeler, but it can glide with you at the airport or train station.

What to Wear in Switzerland for Women

The clothes that I recommend be on a women’s Switzerland packing list change a bit based on season, so check my recommendations below.

Since travel in Switzerland often includes high-altitude trains and visits to glaciers—even in summer—you’ll need to pack similarly to how you would for spring or fall. On my trip, I reached elevations over 3,150 meters, where temperatures hovered just above freezing. I was glad that I had a packable down jacket to wear under my other layers to keep myself warm!

Meanwhile, winter is just straight-up cold no matter where you go in Switzerland, so you’ll want to pack really warm clothing for that.

Summer/Fall/Spring

1 rain and windproof jacket: Especially if you’re visiting mountains in Switzerland, the weather can be quite unpredictable, whether you visit in summer, spring, or fall (spring being the rainiest, generally).

I recommend bringing a durable jacket that will keep you warm against wind and dry against rain. I love my Marmot PreCip rain jacket and wear it all the time – here I am with it in Nendaz, Switzerland, in July. It came handy on a rainy summer day as we mountain biked around its trails.

3-5 tees: In the summer and on warmer days in fall and spring, you’ll be grateful that you have some lighter layers. I like these dry-fit moisture-wicking tees, as someone who can get quite sweaty when I travel!

3-5 sweaters and long sleeve tees: Thin but warm is your best bet – as Switzerland travel involves lots of mountains where the weather can be a lot cooler than down in the cities, you’ll get use out of these even in the summer! I like these long-sleeve moisture-wicking tees (same brand as above) as well as 100% merino for sweaters — this merino sweater is really slim-fitting and beautiful.

2-3 pair jeans: I was grateful I had jeans and black ponte pants even in the summer in Switzerland. You probably have jeans you already like, but I also swear my ponte pants for making your outfits look a little more pulled-together at times while still being very easily packable. This is a pair similar to the one I brought to Switzerland.

2 pairs shorts: That said, I also did get some use out of my shorts on lower-altitude hikes and sunny city days in Switzerland! For summer, I like either 100% linen shorts, or for a cheaper option, a linen-viscose blend.

1-3 pairs leggings: For cool weather days, travel days, and mountain days. I’d bring 1 pair in summer and 3 in fall or spring; I like this brand.

3+ comfortable summer dresses: For cute photos and comfortable city days. You can wear with leggings in spring/fall or without in summer. I love the silhouette of this one!

1 pair flip flops or sandals: I’m obsessed with my Birkenstock Gizeh sandals for travel (I’m actually still wearing the pair I bought several years ago as I write this post!). They last for ages and are the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn. If you plan to stay at a hostel, you’ll also want a pair of rubber flip flops for showers.

1 pair hiking boots: Hiking boots will serve you well in Switzerland, and honestly, the right pair can look quite cute. I love these ones by Columbia because they’re pretty compact for a pair of hiking boots. However, if you have a pair at home already bring those so you don’t have to break them in.

Sneakers could work in a pinch, but I much prefer boots for the ankle stability. Trust me – I fell on my ass wearing slip-on sneakers on Gornergrat about 10 seconds after this photo was taken because my dumb self didn’t bring hiking boots and broke my camera.

1 thin down jacket: Nights and even days on the mountaintops can get really cold, so a small packable down like the UNIQLO ultra-light down (cheaper version available here) would be a great but tiny addition to your Switzerland packing list. I got use out of mine even in July when I went up to the Gornergrat as it’s 3,000 meters above sea level.

Cute travel daypack : I prefer using a daypack to a purse when I travel and I always bring the same backpack with me on literally every single trip. I am completely obsessed with the PacSafe Citysafe backpack.

It’s cute, functional, slash-proof, and with locking zippers that make it virtually impossible for a pickpocket to get into your bag without you noticing. Switzerland is generally rather safe, but it’s still great for peace of mind, especially if you continue your trip onto countries where pickpocketing is more of an issue, like Italy.

Winter

Thermal layers: I used to wear fleece layers, but I recently discovered the magic of 100% merino wool, especially from my favorite brand, Kari Traa (women’s only). I love this thermal top and this bottom layer. They’re a tad expensive, I admit, but you’ll have them for a lifetime.

3 warm sweaters to layer on top: I love 100% merino for sweaters — this merino sweater is beautiful and it’s inexpensive enough that you can buy a few. If you have a wool underlayer and a wool layer on top, you’ll be as warm as can be!

2 pairs jeans or waterproof pants for snow: Wear these over your leggings for extra warmth! This won’t work if your jeans are super tight, so I’d bring jeans with a bit of give.

1 heavy jacket: I recommend my beloved North Face parka, but any warm jacket — preferably down, if you can wear it — will work. Look for something that is lined with down, has a hood, and is waterproof and windproof.

2 bras: Regular or sports bra – it doesn’t matter under all the layers.

7+ pairs of underwear: However much you think you’ll need for your trip, so you don’t have to do laundry at your hotel, which would inevitably be INSANELY expensive in Switzerland.

Bathing suit: Many hotels in the mountains of Switzerland have saunas and steam rooms. Don’t forget your bathing suit or you’ll feel left out!

Sandals/flip flops: For the sauna or walking around in your hotel if you don’t want to put on your proper boots

1 or 2 knit hats: I love Carhartt beanies. They say they are men’s beanies but I find them very unisex.

2 pairs gloves: I recommend having two pairs, one lightweight pair of touchscreen-friendly gloves (I like these North Face ones) and one more heavy pair of waterproof gloves like these ones from Carhartt for things like playing in the snow.

1 super-warm wool scarf: I love an extra-warm scarf to really seal in my warmth, like this gorgeous 100% Irish lambswool scarf.

Waterproof boots: Waterproof boots that are also snow-friendly are a necessity in winter in Switzerland. I love Sorel snow boots and this pair is really inexpensive!

Warm socks: no matter how insulated your shoe is, it won’t do much good if you are wearing thin, crappy cotton socks. I invested in a few pairs of Smartwool socks after some initial hemming and hawing about the price and I’m so glad I did.

You don’t need that many pairs because you can actually re-wear them a few times before they get smelly because wool is so odor-absorbent and magical. And even though I generally can’t tolerate wool because of itchiness, I don’t mind them on my feet.

Cute travel daypack: While traveling in Switzerland is generally safe, you won’t be immune from opportunity theft which can occur anywhere, anytime – especially in busy or crowded places.

Especially if you’re checking out the busy Christmas markets, I recommend having a secure backpack. I use this PacSafe Citysafe backpack, which is an anti-theft bag that is actually aesthetically pleasing and not horrendous to look at. It’s also surprisingly spacious!

What to Wear in Switzerland for Men

Granted, I’m not a man, but here’s what I’d recommend based off what I *think* men would need on a trip to Switzerland.

Summer/Fall/Spring

• 5 short sleeve Ts
• 3-5 long sleeve Ts or light sweaters (more in fall/spring)
• 2-3 pair jeans and pants
• 2 pairs shorts (summer only)
• 7+ pairs underwear, 1 for each day of your trip
• flip flops or comfortable walking sandals
• sneakers
• hiking boots
• waterproof rain jacket
• swim trunks
• 2 thicker-weight sweaters
• ultra-light down jacket
• 5+ pairs of socks
• hat, gloves, scarves if you think you’ll need them for mountain/glacier visits

Winter

• 5 thick-weight sweaters, wool or similar fabric
• 3 thermal long-sleeve shirts for an underlayer
• 3 pairs thermal underwear
• 2-3 pairs jeans or other similar heavy-weight pants
• snow or hiking boots
• flip-flops for hotel/hostel use only
• waterproof, windproof parka
• 5+ pairs of warm wool socks
• swim trunks
• scarf
• hat
• gloves

What to Pack for Switzerland (Toiletries)

Women

Hanging Toiletry Bag: After struggling to find a good way to organize my toiletries, I stumbled across this hanging toiletry bag and purchased it on a whim to give it a try… and I promptly became a product evangelist.

It’s perfect for organizing your travel toiletries like shampoo, moisturizer, make-up, hairbrushes, tweezers, etc. It has a lot of organizers and separators so you can really maximize your organization without taking up much excess space.

Sunscreen: My skin is really sensitive on my face, so I use this fancy Unseen Suncreen by Supergoop which helps me prevent acne while also protecting my skin from the sun. Don’t forget this, especially on mountain days – I actually got a really bad sunburn in Switzerland one day because of the altitude and the sun reflecting off the snow!

Moisturizer: The wind and the sun did a number on my skin in Switzerland and I felt like my skin got quite dry due to the sun exposure in the mountains. I’m a big Kiehl’s fan for moisturizer — it actually soaks into my skin and properly hydrates it rather than feeling like a greasy layer. It’s a little pricy, but just a dab goes a long way.

Hand sanitizer: In case of a lack of soap in train stations or restaurant bathrooms, I like having hand sanitizer just in case. I also bring Kleenex packets for similar reasons!

Solid shampoo: If you struggle with toiletry allowances, let me introduce you to solid shampoos! I love these for travel, and they’re way less messy than regular shampoo bottles, which always seem to manage to explode in my bag.

Face wipes: Great for nights when you’re too exhausted to take your make-up off properly or for a quick face clean up after a  dusty hike — I like this brand.

Menstrual cup or your favorite tampon/pad brand (if applicable): If you have a specific brand allegiance, you may not find it in Switzerland. Personally, I love the Flex reusable period disc — it’s more comfortable than cups for me.

Deodorant: I can’t rant enough about how much European deodorant sucks, plus I absolutely hate the smell of the aerosol deodorants that are so popular in Europe. Do yourself and everyone around you and buy some decent deodorant from home. I love Secret Clinical Strength and stash up on it every time I’m home in the US, but then again, I am sweatier than most people are.

Travel-sized liquid toiletries: If you want to bring your favorite toiletries from home, I recommend these awesome reusable silicone GoToobs.

Razor + shaving cream if necessary

Lip balm with SPF: Don’t skip this as your lips can easily burn in the snowy mountain tops!

Toothbrush & toothpaste

Body wash, conditioner, lotion – anything else you usually bring!

Hair brush

Makeup, if you want

Men

• shampoo (and conditioner if you use it!)
• body wash
• deodorant (please)
• razor and shaving cream, if applicable
• toothbrush & toothpaste
• sunscreen & lip balm with SPF
• hand sanitizer & Kleenex

What to Pack for Switzerland (Electronics & Random)

Laptop, if necessary: I bring my MacBook Air everywhere but other people may prefer a tablet or an inexpensive netbook or iPad. I work on the road so a user-friendly, lightweight laptop is a must for me.

Kindle: I love having a Kindle Paperwhite for travel but if you don’t think you’ll be doing much reading on your Switzerland trip or your flight over than you can give this a skip

Travel camera: I use a Sony A7R because it’s lightweight for a professional caliber camera, inexpensive, and a HUGE step up from a smartphone.

Extra camera batteries: Trust me, you’ll use plenty of battery taking photos in Switzerland (and your batteries will get sapped in the cold up on the mountains as well)!

Portable hard drive: You’ll want to back up your photos to keep your memory cards uncluttered and protect your precious photos. I trust SanDisk with my memory cards and my hard drive storage (and I have trust issues after a previous brand failed me!)

Travel tripod: If you are serious about your photography you should invest in a sturdier tripod as wind on the mountains in Switzerland can be strong. There were some days I didn’t use my tripod because it didn’t feel steady enough in the gusts.

I have a cheap tripod from Amazon but a sturdy tripod with a hook so that you can use that to hang your camera bag on and balance the camera would be your friend on windy days.

GoPro or similar camera for video: If you plan on doing anything adventurous like paragliding, canyon swinging, or rafting — or if you just want some easy-to-take video of your trip — then I recommend bringing something like a GoPro

Portable charger: You’ll use your phone battery more than you thought in Switzerland – whether it’s using it to take photos or videos, or to check train schedules, hotel bookings, etc.

Bring a portable charger to save yourself many headaches! Anker is a reliable brand and what I personally use – make sure you get one that can hold several charges at once so you don’t have to charge it every single night.

Adaptor: Switzerland uses a slightly different adaptor, type J (sometimes C will work, but not always). I had trouble in some of my accommodations with my standard EU plug. This is the one you want.

Headphones: I use Bose noise canceling headphones and can’t recommend them more highly if you are noise-sensitive or neurodivergent like me.

Reusable water bottle: The tap water in Switzerland is drinkable everywhere and of the highest quality. If you don’t carry a reusable bottle, you will spend a ton of unnecessary money on bottled water, and you’ll waste a lot of plastic in the process as well.

Allison Green

Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016, visiting 75+ countries in total. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. As a former educator, she merges her writing and educational experience to encourage ethical, sustainable travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and TBEX. Her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. When she’s not on the road, she lives in Bangkok, Thailand.