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If you’re heading to Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region, you’re in for an unforgettable trip. But packing for Switzerland, especially in the alps, can be tricky. One minute you’re sipping coffee in the sun; the next you’re walking through chilly mountain mist. Elevation, changes in weather, and varied activities mean smart packing for Switzerland in the fall really pays off.
Once you’ve decided you want to visit Switzerland, planning can be exciting. Once you know where you’re staying in the Jungfrau region and start planning your activities (like paragliding), it’s time to figure out what to bring.
Here’s your complete guide on what to pack for the Jungfrau Region in the fall, whether you’re hiking, sightseeing, or simply soaking in all that alpine charm.
Packing for Switzerland everyday essentials
If you’re not from Switzerland, or even Europe, there are things you’ll need to pack that you may not know you need. I’ve also included items that make the long travel day a little bit easier. If this is your first big international trip, I have a blog post on travel gear for first timers that may be helpful.
- Travel adapter: European to US – Energy outlets are shaped differently in other countries. If you’re coming from the US, you will definitely need a travel adapter.
- Travel face masks: BIODANCE – This may not seem high on your packing list but if you plan on hiking and being outside everyday, the wind and sun can dry your skin and these masks are so calming.
- Tripod: Kraftgeek – I upgraded to their magnetic tripod and it makes life so easy to get photos and videos with my phone. If you order this tripod, you do need a magnetic phone case too. I like the ones from Velvet Caviar
- Hydration packets: LiquidIV – You can use any hydration packets but this is good to stay hydrated with a busy itinerary.
- Bag full of medicine: Over the counter items are different outside of the USA and it’s nice to have cold medicine and Imodium on hand just in case.
- Optional: Lacrosse ball – You are going to get tight and sore from all the hiking. A lacrosse ball is a space saver trick to help your muscles roll out after a long day.
Packing list for Tops
As I said, the weather in the Jungfrau region can shift fast especially when you’re moving between the villages in the valley to high-elevation viewpoints like the Schlithorn. Even hiking Oeschinensee on a sunny day requires layers. Layers are going to be your friend!
- Base layer: Long sleeve – I’ve been loving Athleta, and this long sleeve was the perfect base for long days.
- Light jacket: Free People jacket – I rented the jacket from Nuuly (use this link for $30 off your first order), and I almost bought it because I loved it so much!
- Warmer coat: Eddie Bauer – This waterproof jacket is lightweight and can fit in your carry-on easily without compromising the warmth it provides.
- Waterproof raincoat or jacket: Northface raincoat – I’d recommend having your warmer coat be waterproof and using that as a raincoat but if not, this is the raincoat I have and love.
- Sweaters: Abercrombie Madeline Crew sweaters – I packed the tan and the yellow sweater and they were great layers for the trip.
- Misc: White tees – It was nice to have layers if the sun made it warmer.
Packing list for Bottoms
- Base layer: Leggings – At the beginning of October, regular leggings under hiking pants were fine. I packed my favorite Lulu Lemon pairs and it was perfect to only wear those on the warmer days.
- Hiking pants: Lightweight – I wore these over my leggings and they were the perfect added layer in the chilly mornings.
- Corduroy overalls: Free People – Another rental from Nuuly that was such a good find. I hiked in these and wandered the town!
- Optional: White skirt – I wanted to wear something feminine for photos around town and I wore my leggings underneath to stay warm.
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots: Merrell – These hiking boots have been on so many adventures with me. They have good grip and are lightweight.
- Hiking socks: Smartwool – Socks can make or break a hike just as much as the proper shoes.
- Optional shoes: Birkenstock clogs – My hiking shoes are so comfortable they are all I wore while here in the fall, but I did have a pair of clogs with me to walk around the camp site.
Hiking bag essentials
- Hiking bag: REI Trailmade 60 Pack – I convinced my husband to pack our hiking bag last minute and it came in clutch for our trip. We would adventure all day long without coming back to our accommodations so this bag was filled with snacks, water bottles, and whatever else we’d want for the day.
- Reusable water bottle: Owala – I personally recommend the Owala because there’s a built in straw but there’s a cover for the top so germs aren’t touching where you’re sipping from.
- Gloves or mittens: Northface – I brought my skiing mittens and would put them in the bag when it warmed up!
- Hat: Carhartt – I have this hat in multiple colors because it’s not too warm for fall and is perfect for the chillier, higher altitude temperatures.
- Portable phone charger: 2 pack – We bought the two pack off amazon and we bring this on all of our trips. You can never take enough photos or videos!
- Sunscreen: Face sunscreen – I’m acne prone and like the Natrium brand.
- Sunglasses: Goodr glasses – I personnaly love the price point on these sunglasses.
- Snacks: Switzerland is so expensive when it comes to food, we were so happy we packed oranges, sandwiches, trail mix, and granola bars on our longer hikes to avoid over paying.
- Optional, camera: Canon Rebel – Most of the photos you see on the blog are taken with the Canon!
Being prepared and packing for Switzerland wisely can make your trip to the Jungfrau Region even better. Switzerland is one of our favorite trips to date, and I hope you feel the same after your own experience.
Learn more about Switzerland…
