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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Central Switzerland And Berner Oberland, Switzerland

Clothing for Summer June-August

Lightweight, breathable clothing works well. Bring a swimsuit for lake activities or hotel pools.

Summer Layers

  • Base Layer: T-shirts and quick-drying shorts or convertible pants. Natural fibers like cotton or merino wool blends work well.
  • Mid-Layer: A fleece jacket or light sweater for cooler evenings or higher altitudes. Mountain summits are cold.
  • Outer Layer: A waterproof and windproof jacket. Look for something packable that guards from sudden rain showers or strong winds.

Clothing for Spring/Autumn Apr-May, Sep-Oct

A light hat and gloves are useful, notably for cooler mornings, evenings, or when visiting mountain areas.

Spring/Autumn Layers

  • Base Layer: Long-sleeved shirts and comfortable travel pants. Thermal base layers for cold sensitivity, especially at higher elevations.
  • Mid-Layers: More substantial fleece jackets or wool sweaters. Pack a couple to adjust to varying temperatures.
  • Outer Layer: A warm, waterproof, and windproof outer jacket. Rain can be frequent, and temperatures drop quickly.

Footwear Recommendations

Hiking Boots

Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are needed for mountain trails. Select boots that are well broken-in before your trip.

Sturdy support

General Walking Shoes

Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are handy for exploring the town, short walks, and easier trails.

Town walks

Winter Boots

Waterproof, insulated winter boots with good grip are needed for snowy or icy conditions.

Snow conditions

Essential Documents for Travel

Critical Travel Papers

Always carry original documents. Digital copies stored securely on your phone or in cloud storage are a wise backup.

  • Passport and Visa Documentation: Carry original passport and any necessary visas. Confirm they remain valid for your trip and beyond, according to Schengen requirements.
  • Travel Insurance Policy Information: Have a printed and digital copy of your policy number, emergency contacts, and coverage summary. This is for unexpected medical needs or trip disruptions.
  • International Driving Permit (if applicable): If renting a car and your domestic license is not in English, German, French, or Italian, an IDP is needed. Obtain this in your home country.
  • Vaccination Records and Health Documentation: While not needed for entry, a record of routine vaccinations is handy. If you have specific medical conditions, carry a doctor's letter or medical alert card.
  • Printed and Digital Copies of Reservations: Keep copies of flight tickets, accommodation bookings, train tickets (Swiss Travel Pass details), and any tour reservations.
  • Emergency Contact Information: A list of emergency contacts, including family members, and the contact details for your country's embassy or consulate in Switzerland.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs for Discounts (if applicable): If you qualify for student (e.g., ISIC card), senior, or press discounts, carry the relevant identification cards. These grant savings on attractions or transportation.
  • Camera Equipment Recommendations: For Interlaken's landscapes, a camera with a wide-angle lens is useful. Bring extra batteries, as cold temperatures at high altitudes shorten battery life.

Technology & Electronics

Connectivity & Power

Switzerland uses 230V at 50Hz. Most modern electronics are dual voltage, but check your devices.

Tech Essentials

  • Power Adapter and Voltage: Switzerland uses Type J (three-round pin plug). A universal travel adapter with Type J compatibility is recommended for a stable connection.
  • Mobile Phone Compatibility and SIM Card Options: Most international mobile phones are compatible. Purchasing a local prepaid SIM card is often cost-effective. ESIM options are also available.
  • Portable Chargers and Power Banks: Needed for keeping devices charged during long days of exploring or relying on your phone for navigation and photos. A high-capacity power bank is a smart item.

Photography & Apps

For capturing Interlaken's stunning landscapes, a camera with a wide-angle lens is useful. A telephoto lens captures details of distant mountain peaks or wildlife. Bring extra batteries, as cold temperatures at high altitudes shorten battery life.

Recommended Apps

  • Navigation: Google Maps or Apple Maps work well. Maps.me offers offline maps, handy for areas with limited signal.
  • Public Transport: The SBB Mobile app is a requirement for train schedules, real-time updates, and ticket purchases across Switzerland. Moovit is another useful app.
  • Weather: The MeteoSwiss app provides accurate and detailed weather forecasts, important for mountain excursions.

Data Backup & Security

Digital Backup

Use cloud storage services or an external hard drive to back up photos and important documents regularly.

Cyber Security

Consider a VPN (like NordVPN or ExpressVPN) for secure internet use on public Wi-Fi networks.

Device Protection

Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication for all devices and online accounts.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit gives you peace of mind and handles minor issues quickly.

Essential First Aid

  • Standard Items: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen), allergy medication, anti-diarrhea medication, and any personal prescription medications.
  • Interlaken-Specific: Blister treatment (moleskin) for hiking. Insect repellent (summer) and hydrocortisone cream for bites. Rehydration salts for dehydration or stomach upset.
  • Prescription Medications (with documentation): Carry all in original containers. Bring a copy of your prescription or doctor's letter.

Personal Care

Bring small quantities of cold/flu remedies, throat lozenges, and digestive aids. Having your preferred brands or a supply for immediate use is simple.

Sun & Water Essentials

  • Insect Repellent and Sun Protection: Essential for summer. Choose a strong SPF sunscreen and lip balm with SPF for intense UV rays at high altitudes.
  • Water Purification Options (if necessary): Not generally needed for tap water in Switzerland. For backcountry hiking, a portable water filter is a valuable addition.
  • Personal Hygiene Essentials: Travel-sized versions of preferred brands, or specific eco-friendly options, are simple and sometimes more affordable.

Altitude & Motion Sickness

Altitude Preparation

  • Altitude or Motion Sickness Remedies: If you plan high-altitude excursions or are prone to motion sickness, bring appropriate remedies.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water reduces altitude sickness symptoms.
  • Light Meals: Avoid heavy meals before ascending to high altitudes.

Motion Comfort

  • Consider non-drowsy motion sickness tablets for bus or car journeys on winding roads.
  • Train journeys are generally smooth, but some mountain railways have steep gradients.
  • Earplugs for pressure changes during descents or ascents.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Essentials

Beyond sturdy boots, trekking poles for stability on steep descents. A small daypack for water, snacks, layers, and rain gear. A headlamp for early starts or late finishes.

  • Trekking poles
  • Small daypack
  • Headlamp
  • Quick-dry towel

Winter Sports Gear

If you own your equipment, bringing it might be cost-effective for longer trips. This includes skis/snowboard, boots, helmet, goggles, and specific winter clothing layers.

  • Skis/Snowboard
  • Boots
  • Helmet & Goggles
  • Winter clothing

Water & Adventure Gear

Swimwear and a quick-dry towel are useful for lake activities. Specialized gear for adventure sports like paragliding or canyoning is always provided by tour operators.

  • Swimwear
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Water shoes
  • Sun protection

Rent vs. Bring Decision Matrix

Rent These Items

  • Ski and snowboard equipment (bulky to travel with).
  • Bikes (mountain bikes, e-bikes) for local exploration.
  • Kayaks and rafting gear (specialized equipment).
  • High-quality, current equipment often available locally.

Consider Bringing These

  • Personal hiking boots (comfort and fit are important).
  • Preferred daypack and trekking poles (if used frequently).
  • Any specific over-the-counter medications or dietary foods you rely on.
  • Specialized chargers or adapters that may be hard to find.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

These small additions often make a big difference in comfort and convenience during your trip.

On the Go Comfort & Security

  • Travel neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs for long train rides or hostels.
  • Small padlock for hostel lockers for belongings.
  • Money belt or a RFID-blocking wallet for peace of mind.
  • Reusable shopping bag for groceries or souvenir shopping.

Essential Utility Items

The value of layering clothing and bringing sturdy, comfortable footwear cannot be overstated for this region.

Practical Items

  • Portable utensils for picnics.
  • Small flashlight or headlamp (useful for dim paths).
  • A good travel guide or phrasebook.
  • Reusable water bottle for hydration and saving money.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste, saves money.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For groceries and souvenirs, avoids plastic bags.

Reusable Food Containers

For picnics and takeaways.

Portable Utensil Set

Avoids single-use plastics.

Destination-Specific Items

Mountain Exploration

  • Trekking poles for support on steep trails.
  • Physical trail maps (as a backup to digital).
  • Extra layers for rapidly changing mountain weather.

Lakeside Activities

  • Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen) for lake days.
  • Swimwear and a quick-dry towel for water sports.
  • Water shoes for stony beaches or lake access.

Packing Pro Tips

When packing, organize your items using packing cubes. This keeps your luggage tidy and finding things simple.

Lay out everything you think you need, then put half of it back. Most travelers overpack.