What to Pack for Switzerland: Complete Packing List

What to Pack for Switzerland 2026: Complete Packing List

Switzerland packing varies wildly by season + altitude — alpine layers year-round, sturdy hiking boots, and waterproof gear. Cities require smart-casual.

Quick Pack List Summary

Switzerland packing varies wildly by season + altitude — alpine layers year-round, sturdy hiking boots, and waterproof gear. Cities require smart-casual.

Switzerland Packing List by Category

Essentials

Swiss Type J/EU Type C plug adapter (Type J is unique to Switzerland)

Passport + photocopies

CHF 150-200 cash (Swiss are still partly cash culture)

Reusable water bottle (tap water is glacier-fresh)

Crossbody bag

Swiss Travel Pass holder (if purchasing pass)

Clothing (Summer Jun-Sep)

Layered hiking outfit — temperatures drop 6°C per 1,000m elevation

Quick-dry hiking pants + 2-3 t-shirts

Lightweight waterproof rain jacket (sudden mountain storms)

Sturdy hiking boots (broken in)

Wool socks (essential in Alps)

Swimsuit for lake swimming (Geneva, Zurich, Luzern)

Sun hat + UV-protective sunglasses (intense at altitude)

Clothing (Winter Dec-Mar)

Ski/snowboard gear if skiing (or rent in resort)

Down jacket + thermal base layers

Wool hat + scarf + gloves

Waterproof boots

Sunscreen + lip balm (mountain sun + cold burn)

Goggles for skiing

City Wear

Smart casual — Swiss dress up for dinner

Closed leather shoes (no sneakers at restaurants)

One blazer + clean jeans combo

Tech

Phone with Swiss Topo or SwitzerlandMobility hiking apps

Power bank (mountain trains)

SIM/eSIM (Swisscom CHF 30/month) — coverage even at remote alpine huts

What NOT to Pack

Standard US plug adapter alone — Switzerland uses unique Type J (3-pin triangular)

Cotton hiking shirts (cling when wet, dangerous)

Excess cash (cards widely accepted; ATMs everywhere)

Pro Tip: Switzerland uses Type J plug (3-pin triangular) — UNIQUE in Europe. Type C (2-pin) fits but Type F (3-pin German) does NOT. Buy Swiss-specific adapter or universal travel adapter before arrival.

Planning your Switzerland trip? See our Switzerland travel guide, best time to visit, destinations index, or our Ultimate Bucket List.

Switzerland Packing FAQ

What plug adapter do you need in Switzerland?

Type J (Swiss-specific 3-pin triangular). Type C 2-pin works too. Type F (German 3-pin) does NOT fit. Buy universal adapter ($10-15).

What shoes for Switzerland?

Sturdy hiking boots if doing trails (Jungfrau, Matterhorn, Zermatt). Comfortable walking shoes for cities. Both broken-in.

How layered should you dress in the Swiss Alps?

3 layers: base (merino wool), mid (fleece), outer (waterproof shell). Temperature drops 6°C per 1,000m — Zermatt valley vs. Gornergrat is 15°C swing.

Do you need cash in Switzerland?

Yes — Swiss still partly cash. Mountain huts, public toilets, some restaurants cash-only. CHF 150-200 in small bills useful.

Is sunscreen necessary at Swiss altitude?

Critical — UV is 50%+ stronger above 2,000m. Glaciers reflect another 80%. SPF 50+ + lip balm essential year-round.