Switzerland Packing List: Carry On Tips for What to Pack for Interlaken
Are you looking for the perfect Switzerland packing list for carry on travelers? I’ve traveled to the Bernese Oberland region (where Interlaken is located) many times over the years, and I always pack carry on only to visit this beautiful part of Switzerland. I have mostly visited in warmer months, so this is mostly a packing list for Switzerland in summer and spring.
Switzerland’s weather can vary greatly, and even though summers are usually really pleasant, you always want to be prepared for rain or cooler temperatures. The region near Interlaken is quite mountainous after all. Let’s take a look at what to pack for Switzerland, especially for carry on travelers.
Interlaken, Switzerland Packing List: Essentials for Carry-On
The Bernese Oberland region and Interlaken area of Switzerland are known for lakes, mountains, and gorgeous landscapes, and you’re likely to be doing at least some outdoor activities here. It’s also a region where you probably don’t need to get dressed up. My carry on Switzerland packing list is based on these things to help you avoid packing too much.
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Clothing
Plan your clothing choices for Switzerland so that your pieces are practical and coordinate. Comfort is key when you’re hiking, taking a boat tour on one of the lakes, or doing adventure activities. And it can rain at any time of the year, or go from sunny to rainy and back again in the same day.
I’m very open to re-wearing shirts, leggings, and jeans. In general, I don’t think one day is enough to get something so dirty that I can’t wear it another day. This is one easy way to travel carry on only. Of course this is a little different if you’re sweating a lot from serious hiking or other adventure sports you might have planned for your Interlaken, Switzerland itinerary
Short sleeved shirts: Pack one for each day of your trip, plus or minus, depending on how open you are to re-wearing a shirt. Try these from Bluffworks: women’s crew neck | women’s cowl neck | men’s crew neck
Long sleeved shirt or hoodie: Since it does sometimes get a little chilly, it’s good to have one long sleeved shirt to wear over a short sleeved shirt. Even in Switzerland in summer, I was happy to have my hoodie in the evening.
Pants: 2-3 pairs of leggings or other casual light weight pants. I also pack a pair of jeans so I can change out of my leggings in the evening.
Shorts: I didn’t feel like it was hot enough for shorts in Switzerland even in the summer. But you might experience hotter weather in the summer, so always check the weather forecast right before you leave home.
Light waterproof jacket: You never known when it might rain in this region of Switzerland, and even if the day starts out sunny, don’t leave your hotel without your jacket.
Underwear: Pack one pair of underwear and one pair of socks for each day of your trip. Ladies, pack 2 or 3 bras for a one week trip. I love ExOfficio because they’re quick dry, which is great for travel.
Sleepwear: Pajamas, t-shirt and shorts, leggings…you know what you’re comfortable sleeping in.
Bathing suit: Optional. If you plan on going swimming or doing other water activities, be sure to pack a bathing suit.
Shoes: Pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, plus one other pair of shoes depending on your itinerary. Sandals or other casual shoes will work. Leave the high heels at home.
Toiletries
Everyone has specific toiletries they like to use, but here’s my toiletries list that helps me pack carry on only.
Shampoo and conditioner: I love using solid shampoo and solid conditioner for travel and at home. But if you’re not ready to ditch your liquid versions, stay under the liquids limit by using these GoToob refillable bottles. | Read my reviews of Ethique solid shampoo for travel and Ethique solid conditioner for travel.
Shower gel or bar soap: Bar soap won’t count against the liquids limit.
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss: Keep those teeth clean! Did you know you can get solid toothpaste tabs like these to save even more space in your liquids bag? | Read my review of Hello Solid Toothpaste Tabs for Travel.
Contact solution and case: If you wear contacts, I also recommend bringing glasses as a backup.
Lotion: Always good to have on your packing list.
Deodorant: Everyone appreciates it when you don’t stink. I love this deodorant from Ethique. | Read my review of Ethique solid deodorant for travel.
Razor: If you have shaving needs, add a razor to your Switzerland travel packing list. | Learn the rules about flying with razors.
Nail clippers and nail file: Leave the nail scissors at home since some security agents might confiscate them.
Brush and hair elastics: I usually prefer to have my hair up when I’m hiking or doing outdoor activities like in Switzerland.
Makeup: Pack your must-have makeup items, but you don’t need much. | Read more about packing makeup in carry on luggage.
Sunscreen: Important if you’re spending lots of time hiking, doing water activities, or any other outdoor activities in the Interlaken area. Did you know you can get solid sunscreen? I love this one.
Laundry soap: If you plan on packing carry on only for Switzerland, you might need to wash a few things along the way. I travel with this laundry soap, or if my liquids bag is really tight on space, I’ll use these laundry detergent sheets.
First aid items
Of course Switzerland has pharmacies and other stores where you can buy basic first aid items. But it’s always easier if you have a few things with you, plus if you’re hiking or sightseeing, you might be a couple hours away from a store.
- Headache/Pain meds
- Bandaids and wound cream
- Immodium (hopefully you won’t need this)
- Allergy meds
- Prescription medications (always worth packing a few days extra)
- Bug repellent (try this solid one)
Electronics
The Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland really is the perfect place to unplug and relax. Enjoy nature, go for a hike, and take lots of photos. But hopefully you can leave the laptop at home.
Camera and accessories: These days I mostly use my iPhone to take pictures, but sometimes I’ll pack my Canon Rebel DSLR and zoom lens when I know I really want some good photos. There are so many gorgeous landscapes in Switzerland to photograph, and I feel like my iPhone isn’t the best for distances, especially when it’s cloudy or overcast.
Kindle: Great for bringing as many books as you want to read on the flight to Switzerland.
Smart phone: This works well for photos if you don’t want to bring a camera.
European SIM card: Rather than deal with the hassles of trying to buy a local sim card when you arrive, get one ahead of time. Orange SIM cards work throughout the EU and Switzerland. Choose between a normal SIM or an eSIM.
Chargers, cords, batteries: Make sure you pack any chargers, cords, and batteries you need for your electronics.
Plug adapters: If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll need a plug adapter like this one to make your devices fit.
Most electronics do not need a voltage converter unless you’re traveling with a hair dryer, curling iron, or hair straightener. Even then, I highly recommend buying a dual voltage hair appliance before your trip because it’ll work better.
Can you bring a hair dryer on a plane?
Can you bring a curling iron on a plane?
Can you take a hair straightener on a plane?
Documents
Passport: US citizens do not need a tourist visa to visit Switzerland, but if you carry a passport from somewhere else, please check the embassy website for requirements.
It’s always a good idea to scan a copy of your passport and email it to yourself and to your emergency contact at home. Print a copy to have with you in case there’s an internet issue and you can’t access your scanned copy. Hopefully you’ll never need these backups, but you’ll be grateful to have them if your passport gets lots or stolen. It’s also worth getting a passport holder to protect your passport from bending, water damage, etc.
Credit and debit cards: I was able to use my credit card to pay for almost everything in Switzerland. If a credit card machine or ATM asks if you want to use their exchange rate or let your bank choose it, or if it asks if you want to be charged in euros or your home currency, ALWAYS let your bank choose the exchange rate, and ALWAYS choose to pay in Swiss francs.
Driver’s license: I didn’t rent a car in Switzerland, but if you want to drive there, it’s a great way to explore. Get a quote for a rental car here.
Other essential items to add to your Switzerland packing list
Umbrella: You never known when it might rain in Switzerland, so packing a light weight travel umbrella is a good idea. But if it’s windy, a rain jacket will be even more useful.
Sunglasses: When the sun comes out, you’ll be happy to have your sunglasses.
Water bottle: The tap water in Switzerland is safe to drink, so bring your own water bottle to refill to save money and be kind to the environment. Get a collapsible one like this that will take up less space in your bag.
Tissues: I always travel with a few packs of tissues.
Sleep mask and ear plugs: If you’re a light sleeper or you’re staying in hostels, a sleep mask and ear plugs will come in handy.
Snacks: Knowing I’d be out all day exploring, I brought a handful of granola bars with me to snack on. I’m a bit of an anxious person, so knowing I have a snack helps if lunch ends up being later than I’d like. But sometimes when you’re hiking in Switzerland, you might come across a vending machine selling cheese. Always fun.
Tours from Interlaken
Interlaken is a great base for your trip to Switzerland, and there are lots of options for tours that will help you enjoy this region. Here are a few we recommend:
- Harder Kulm cog railway: Take this epic cog railway for some fantastic views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, as well as the two lakes that give Interlaken its name.
- Schilthorn: Take a series of gondolas to the top of this peak made famous by a James Bond movie.
- Tandem Paragliding Experience from Interlaken: Interlaken is the adventure capital of Switzerland, and what better way to enjoy the Alps than paragliding.
Hopefully my Switzerland packing list will help you prepare for a trip to the Bernese Oberland region and Interlaken. And don’t forget, pack a rain jacket for any season in Switzerland.
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