Switzerland Summer Packing List
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Our Switzerland Summer Packing List

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Headed to Switzerland this summer? From sunny lakesides to chilly mountain hikes, the weather can shift fast—sometimes all in one day! In our personal Switzerland summer packing list, we’ll walk you through exactly what to bring so you’re ready for every adventure—rain or shine.

What Clothes to Wear in Switzerland 

Temperatures can vary a lot in Switzerland depending on the time of day and altitude. Hikes in the Swiss Alps can also be very windy and rain is also a real possibility during Swiss summers, so having appropriate layers for all conditions is important!

What to Wear in Switzerland
The Alps can get windy. A hair tie or hat will help!

Base Layers

  • Moisture-wicking T-shirts
  • Lightweight long-sleeve shirt – for protection from the sun, which can be more brutal than you think at high altitude.

Mid Layers

  • Fleece or lightweight sweater
  • Packable insulated jacket – nights/mountain hikes can be cold.

Outer Layers

  • Raincoat –
  • Windbreaker – ideally a windbreaker that is waterproof so you only have to pack one.

Bottoms

  • Hiking pants – we highly recommend the durable and extremely comfortable hiking pants made by Kuhl.
  • Quick-dry shorts
  • Casual pants or jeans for towns
  • Leggings – for hiking or lounging.

Other Clothing and Accessories

  • Swimsuit
  • Lightweight travel dress or romper
  • Hiking socks
  • Sunhat or baseball cap
  • Neck gaiter – for sun, wind, or sudden chill.
  • Sunglasses
  • Hair ties – The Alps can get windy!

Should You Pack a Heavy Jacket? A heavy jacket isn’t necessary in summer unless you’re heading on a high-altitude glacier tour like Jungfrau, where it’s freezing year-round.

What to Wear on your Feet

Switzerland is all about exploring the beautiful outdoors, which means you will be walking a lot! Comfortable and proper footwear is super important!

What to pack for Switzerland
  • Hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes with a tread designed for hiking trails
  • Walking shoes or sneakers – We absolutely love trail shoes made by Altra and Topo Athletic!
  • Sandals or flip flops (for towns, spa days, or relaxing at the hotel)

Hiking and Outdoor Gear

If you plan to hike and explore the outdoors, here are the essentials we recommend bringing along for your Swiss adventure.

The Atlas Athlete hiking-camera backpack is amazing!
  • Reusable water bottle – Bottled water is expensive and produces unnecessary garbage. Plus, tap water in Switzerland is great!
  • Hiking backpack – Large enough to pack a lightweight jacket, snacks, and first aid kit
  • Camera backpack – If you are a photographer we highly recommend the hiking camera packs by Atlas Packs. Read our review of the Atlas Athlete!
  • Trekking poles – We recommend ones that are collapsible for easier transport
  • Flashlight or headlamp – nights can be very dark away from the cities and towns
  • Dry bag if you plan on venturing out onto lakes or around waterfalls

Electronics and Travel Essentials

  • Power adapter (Switzerland uses type C and J plugs)
  • Power bank
  • Phone + charging cables (bring extra cables!)
  • Packing cubes or compression bags
  • Camera + extra SD cards/batteries
  • Offline maps app if you are hiking (like Maps.me or Gaia GPS)
  • Swiss Half Fare Card or travel pass – Read our in-depth guide on all travel pass options in Switzerland!
  • Passport – In addition to your actual passport, we recommend bringing copies (paper and digital)
  • Travel insurance documents

Toiletries and Personal Care

  • Sunscreen -high SPF – the alpine sun is fierce!
  • Lip balm – your lips will get chapped in the dry alpine air.
  • Travel-size shampoo + conditioner + body wash
  • Toothbrush + toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Face moisturizer – the alpine air can be dry
  • Razor + travel hair brush
  • Travel towel – Primarily if you are staying in a hostel as towels are usually not provided for free. Some will rent a towel to you
  • First-aid kit (blister pads, band-aids, ibuprofen, etc.)
  • Snacks + trail food – We purchased protein bars and packages of healthy snack items in bulk. Great for the trails and travel
Zurich

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