Switzerland has become one of my favorite countries in Europe to explore. As avid hikers and lovers of everything outdoors, there are few places in the world that I’ve found comparable to the scenery here! One of the hardest parts about planning a trip to Switzerland is deciding what to add to your packing list. Here’s some fun ideas for the summer, with tips, and Switzerland outfits I actually wore on our road trip!
Our Summer Trip to Switzerland
Most of the year we spend in Spain on the beautiful Costa Blanca. However, every summer Jake and I venture out on the road and explore a new area of Europe.
This is important to mention, as I wasn’t really restricted to one suitcase for my Switzerland outfits. Having a car allowed me to bring multiple bags of clothing that I used over the course of the summer.
After a month in the Moselle Valley in Germany, we decided to head south on a two week Switzerland adventure. Even after visiting over 60 countries around the world, this was an absolute dream trip of ours!
We made sure to do it all, from sipping cocktails in Zurich to camping in Iseltwald on Lake Brienz, and seeing snow at the Top of Europe in Jungfraujoch! In between all the excitement, we even made time for some luxury spa resorts like Deltapark Vital Resort and Hotel Vitznauerhof.
Needless to say, I needed some very different Switzerland outfits for each part of my trip. There were really five styles that I wore for the entire summer, and my choices were extremely practical based on what we were doing each day.
6 Cute Switzerland Outfit Ideas
1. Big City Exploring
Most likely, you will either be starting or ending your trip in one of the large cities of Switzerland. We had a short Zurich layover a couple of years ago, but since have been able experience all the best things to do in Zurich over multiple visits.
As you can see from the photos, I went for a Switzerland outfit with neutral colors (no crazy patterns) and something that was also comfortable. One thing that surprised us is that can get chilly in Switzerland in the summertime.
Not to say it’s down right cold, but the Alps do bring cooler weather at high altitudes. I was happy to be in a long sleeve shirt in the middle of August on a bright sunny day.
Obviously, the weather can be very different for each visitor. Just don’t assume because you are visiting in summer you should only pack shorts and light clothing.
2. Road Trip Adventure
One of the best ways to see the country is on a road trip! I stuck to lightweight shorts and sweaters on travel days where I was jumping in and out of the car
Something you might not know before visiting Switzerland is there are MASSIVE tunnels that cut through the vast mountain ranges. You can always take the scenic routes, but those usually come with endless twists and turns.
For someone who’s prone to getting car sick, I never let it stop me from seeing everything on longer road trips. It does mean I planned my Switzerland outfits to be more comfortable to help prevent feeling woozy.
Loose linen shorts, casual tank top (or t-shirt), and a sweater were my go-to road trip clothes. Also, I stuck to sneakers or something similar for long rides. You never know when you’re going to stop for a hike or epic viewpoint in the Swiss Alps!
3. Switzerland Outfits For All Day Hikes
Speaking of hiking, this is what Switzerland’s all about! This country is blessed with some of the most unbelievable nature trails in the world.
Almost every day of our summer road trip was based around a different hike. This meant a large part of my Switzerland packing list was to be up in the mountains.
Again, it can get COLD up high in the Alps in the summer months. This is especially true if you wake up early like we did to beat the crowds during peak season.
I had my normal hiking shorts and a t-shirt, as well as boots that I wore on the trails. I also still made sure to bring layers for the mornings to stay warm.
Grindelwald-First had some absolutely incredible trails, including the majestic 2 hour loop to Lake Bachalpsee. Yet, even in mid-August, we felt the temperature drop already on the gondola ride up.
After taking many New England Fall road trips growing up in the United States, I would compare the temperatures to a brisk autumn morning. It then warmed up the later it got into the afternoon when we could shed our layers.
Keep in mind, the weather can change quickly up in the mountains! Make sure your outfits for Switzerland include something waterproof in case of rain.
4. Out On the Swiss Lakes
If we weren’t hiking during the summer, then you could always find us by the lake! Most of our trip, we were staying either on the water or very close to it in Interlaken, Switzerland. It was easy enough to throw on a swimsuit, grab a towel, and hop right in.
Don’t forget to pack a sunhat and glasses to go with your Switzerland summer outfit. The water is super reflective and can be quite bright.
You might be wondering about swimming in the Alpine water. We can’t sugarcoat it… the lakes are absolutely freezing! However, it felt nice and refreshing when the sun was out in the mid-afternoon.
→ 8 Unforgettable Things to do in Lugano Switzerland
5. Summer Sundress
By now you can tell that Switzerland has it all. When I wasn’t hiking or strolling the city streets, I would just throw on a cute sundress.
This was perfect for going out to dinner, relaxing at the hotel, or wandering through small villages. Some of our favorite memories were day trips we took to Varenna, or visiting towns like Morcote and Gandria on Lake Lugano. Here’s a few of my favorite Lake Como outfits if you’re planning your own trip to this magical area of Italy!
Thinking back on it now, I guess there are two very different sides to the Switzerland outfits I packed. Hardcore all day hikes and mountain adventure and girly relaxing dresses. The style in Switzerland (when you’re not in the mountains) isn’t super formal or high-end fashion like you would see in Milan and Florence, Italy.
With that said, everyone is dressed very nice and classy to go out. Remember that Switzerland is a very modern and expensive country to live and travel to, and the fashion tends to reflect that.
→ 10 Perfect Italy Outfits to Pack For Every Season
6. Chilly Wonderland
We’ve mentioned several times now that Switzerland isn’t your average summer destination. Still, can you believe that the photo below was taken in August!?
That’s right! You may even encounter snow if you go high enough into the mountains during summer. The days we went to Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn Peak I wore the warmest Switzerland outfits I could. Leggings, sweater, hat, and gloves.
We were lucky enough to get bright sunny days for both of these excursions. I did have an extra fleece with me, which is not photographed. If I had a bigger winter jacket, I definitely would have brought it though!
Double check the elevation of not only the town you are staying in, but the day trips and hikes you plan to do.
Essentials to Go With Your Switzerland Outfits
There are a few things that I used every single day that aren’t necessarily outfit related. First, a small backpack for hiking is a must. We bought ours from Decathlon, but you can also use something like this that’s comparable.
Another must have with your Switzerland summer outfit is proper hiking shoes. These are not the trails you can get by on with your daily walking sneakers. Merrell is a great brand that I’ve been using for many years now.
We each had a big refillable water bottle that we would top up whenever we got the chance. It’s even smart to pack a hat and gloves with you in the summertime.
The additional layers you need will be based on what hikes you’re planning for. Also, a rain jacket is super important as you never know when the weather will change.
For example, we had a complete white out during a long hike at Schynige Platte! We actually had to stop and wait at one point because we couldn’t see the trail. Thankfully, we were prepared and the clouds moved quickly.
Planning Your Visit to Switzerland
🚙 The best way to get around is by renting a car when you fly in. We always use this company to get the best deals in Europe. Switzerland isn’t massive, so plan your road trip itinerary as a loop to avoid an additional drop off fee.
🚠 Using the Gondolas in Switzerland are the best way to get to the hikes and viewpoints. Just know that they aren’t cheap!
Luckily, you can score deals like with the Jungfrau travel pass if you’re visiting multiple mountains. This will save you some money compared to buying tickets individually. Here’s some fun examples of ideas for your Swiss Alps adventure.
- Mount Titlis Admission Ticket
- Kriens: Mt. Pilatus by Panoramic Gondola and Aerial Cableway
- Grindelwald Gondola Ride to Mount First
- Swiss Travel Pass: Swiss All-in-One Pass on Train, Bus, Boat
💰Yes, Switzerland is expensive. You can do anywhere one a budget, but know that the prices of accommodations and activities will add up fast. This is definitely a country to save up for so you can truly enjoy it!
🧀 Can you really go to Switzerland and not eat fondu or raclette? Consider joining an awesome food tour like Interlaken Chocolate Fondue Float or this Night Sledding Adventure & Swiss Cheese Fondue. Also, don’t miss a trip to the famous Lindt Chocolate Museum in Zurich.
♥️ Remember to book travel insurance after you’ve picked out all your Switzerland outfits. We’ve been happy to have coverage with Safetywing on several occasions over the last few years.
Have any questions on this article or want to share more fun Switzerland outfit ideas? Let us know in the comments below.
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
