Quick answer
Pack layers even in summer, because Jungfraujoch (3,454 m) and Titlis (3,020 m) sit near or below freezing all year. Carry a waterproof jacket, a fleece, gloves, sunglasses and SPF 50, plus walking shoes with grip. Add a Type J or slim two-pin adapter, ready-to-eat Indian meals to offset CHF 25–40 restaurant mains, and a mid-size suitcase you can lift onto trains.
Documents & money
- Passport and Schengen visa — Switzerland is in Schengen but not the EU; a Schengen visa covers it.
- Printed hotel vouchers and return ticket
- Travel insurance certificate — At least EUR 30,000 of medical cover for the whole stay.
- Swiss Travel Pass or tickets in the SBB Mobile app — Passes are digital; keep your phone charged.
- Summit e-tickets — Jungfraujoch trains need seat reservations in peak season.
- Swiss francs and a forex card — Euros are taken in many shops, but change comes back in francs at poor rates.
- International Driving Permit (if driving)
Clothing
- Thermal top and leggings — Needed for summit days even in July.
- Fleece jacket
- Waterproof, windproof jacket — Rain is possible in any month.
- Down jacket (October–April)
- Comfortable trousers
- T-shirts and shirts for valley days
- Woollen cap and gloves — For Jungfraujoch, Titlis and Gornergrat.
- Scarf
- Swimwear — For lakes and thermal baths.
Footwear & accessories
- Walking shoes with grip — Summit terraces and paths are icy; smooth sneakers slip.
- Light hiking shoes for trails
- Waterproof winter boots (November–March)
- Wool socks
- UV400 sunglasses — Snow glare at the summits is harsh.
- Compact umbrella
- Daypack
Health & toiletries
- Prescription medicines with the prescription
- Paracetamol — Move slowly at Jungfraujoch; the thin air leaves many people breathless or headachy for a while.
- Motion-sickness tablets — For lake boats and winding mountain buses.
- Sunscreen SPF 50 and lip balm — Snow reflects strong UV at altitude.
- Heavy moisturiser
- Refillable water bottle — Tap and fountain water is drinkable unless marked 'kein Trinkwasser' or 'eau non potable'.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and slippers — Many Swiss hotels don't supply them.
- Blister plasters
Electronics
- Type J adapter or slim two-pin (Type C) plug adapter — Indian three-pin plugs don't fit Swiss sockets.
- Power bank
- eSIM that includes Switzerland — Switzerland is outside the EU, so some Europe packs exclude it.
- Phone with SBB and weather apps — Check summit webcams before buying excursion tickets.
- Camera with spare batteries
- Earphones
Food & snacks
- Dairy-free ready-to-eat meals — Dal, rajma or chhole packs make cheap hotel-room dinners.
- Instant poha, upma or noodle cups
- Khakhra, thepla and namkeen
- Tea bags and masala sachets — Ask your hotel for a kettle if the room doesn't have one.
- Reusable lunch box and zip bags — For supermarket picnics on train days.
- Swiss chocolate (buy locally) — Coop and Migros supermarkets charge far less than station souvenir shops.
- Leave behind: ghee, paneer and milk sweets — Switzerland bars personal imports of meat and dairy from outside the EU.
Why pack layers even in July?
Summer days in Interlaken, Lucerne and Zurich run at 22–27°C, but Jungfraujoch (3,454 m) and Titlis (3,020 m) sit near or below freezing all year, often with wind and snow underfoot. From November to March, valleys hover around -2°C to 6°C. Pack a thermal top, a fleece, a waterproof shell, gloves and a cap for every summit day, plus shoes with grip, because viewing terraces get icy. Mountain weather turns within an hour, so check the summit webcams before you buy tickets.
Luggage and Swiss trains
Swiss trains have racks, not porters, and changes at Interlaken Ost or Lucerne can be tight. One medium suitcase per person is manageable; two large ones are not. SBB's luggage service can forward bags between stations for a fee per bag, which frees you to travel light between hotels. Long-haul economy fares from India usually include 23–30 kg of checked baggage; check your ticket.
Plan your lunches
A restaurant main course costs about CHF 25–40 (₹2,750–4,400). Coop and Migros supermarkets sell salads, bread, fruit and chocolate for far less, and Indian restaurants operate in Interlaken, Lucerne and Zurich. Ready-to-eat dal or rajma packs and instant poha cups make cheap hotel-room dinners.
Customs and power
Switzerland bars personal imports of meat and dairy from outside the EU, so leave ghee and paneer at home. It runs on 230 V like India, so your chargers and hair dryer work with a Type J or slim two-pin adapter.
Buy Swiss chocolate at Coop or Migros rather than in souvenir shops near the stations.
See the Swiss visa guide, plan around Switzerland's seasons, add travel insurance that meets Schengen rules, and browse other packing lists.
Frequently asked questions
What plug is used in Switzerland?
Do I need warm clothes in Switzerland in summer?
Can I carry Indian food to Switzerland?
How do I manage big suitcases on Swiss trains?
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Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.