What to Pack for: Lausanne

Spring & Autumn Wear

Layering is practical. Pack Long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, and a light fleece or sweater. A Waterproof and windproof outer shell handles unexpected rain or cooler breezes.

Summer Wear

Lightweight, breathable clothing: shorts, t-shirts, light dresses.
Evenings can be cooler, include a light jacket or thin sweater. A compact Rain jacket or small umbrella is helpful for thunderstorms.
Summer months average between 18-28°C (64-82°F).

Winter Wear

Warm layers are necessary. Bring Thermal base layers, sweaters, and a heavy Winter coat.

Winter Accessories

A hat, Gloves, and a Scarf provide warmth for exploring outdoors.
Waterproof outer layers are advisable for snow or sleet, especially near mountain areas.
Temperatures typically range 0-8°C (32-46°F).

Footwear Recommendations

City Walking

Comfortable walking shoes are needed due to Lausanne's many inclines and cobblestone streets.

Brands like Skechers Go Walk Joy are good.

Hiking

Sturdy, Waterproof hiking boots are suggested for trails.

Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoes offer good grip.

Winter Footwear

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

Essential for warmth and safety.

Essential Documents Checklist

Documents for Smooth Travel

Keeping your documents organized and accessible is important for smooth travel.

Passport and Visa: Carry originals, valid for six months beyond departure.
Travel Insurance Policy: Policy number, emergency contact, coverage summary. Physical and digital copies.
International Driving Permit (IDP): If driving and non-EU/EFTA citizen.
Vaccination Records/Health Documentation: Useful for medical emergencies.

Reservations: Printed and digital copies of flights, hotels, tours, train tickets.
Emergency Contacts: Local numbers (112, 117, 118, 144), embassy, family/friends.
Student/Senior/Press IDs: For potential discounts (ISIC).
Store copies of critical documents separately from originals. Share with trusted person at home.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Plan your tech needs for Switzerland.

Power Details

Voltage: 230V at 50Hz. Plug Type: Type J (three round pins). A Universal travel adapter with Type J compatibility is ideal.
Mobile Phone: Most smartphones compatible. Local SIM cards or eSIMs (e.g., Airalo) available for data. Research roaming costs.
VPN: Consider a VPN for secure browsing on public Wi-Fi.

Camera & Power

Lausanne and Lake Geneva offer many photo opportunities.

Equipment

Camera: A versatile Mirrorless camera like the Sony ZV-1F for landscapes and cityscapes. A Wide-angle lens can be helpful.
Portable Chargers: Long sightseeing days drain batteries. A high-capacity Anker Power Bank for phone, camera, gadgets.
Backup: Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) to back up photos and documents.

Recommended Apps

Navigation

Google Maps or Apple Maps work well for directions.

Public Transport

SBB Mobile app (national) and TL app (local bus/metro info) are useful.

Translation

Google Translate has instant translations and offline language packs.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Health Kit

Pack a personal health kit to handle minor issues during your trip.

Basic Kit

Destination-Specific First Aid Kit: Pain relievers, bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment. A compact travel first aid kit is practical.
Prescription Medications: Originals, copy of prescription/doctor's note, especially for controlled substances. Pack in carry-on.
Over-the-Counter Medications: Small quantities of common remedies for colds, flu, allergies, stomach upset.

Prevention & Hydration

Stay hydrated and protect yourself from elements.

Elements

Altitude/Motion Sickness: If planning mountain or boat trips, these remedies might be helpful.
Insect Repellent and Sun Protection: Sunscreen for all seasons, insect repellent useful in summer.
Water Purification: Not needed. Tap water in Switzerland is safe. Bring a Reusable water bottle.

Activity-Specific Gear

Hiking Essentials

A Small backpack for day hikes, reusable water bottle.
Sturdy Hiking boots. Hiking poles (optional but good for steep terrain).
Swimming: Swimsuit and a Quick-drying towel.

Winter Sports & Rentals

Skiing/Snowboarding: Bring Ski goggles, Helmet, appropriate clothing. Equipment often rented at resorts.
Items to Rent vs. Bring: Renting ski/snowboard equipment is common. Hiking poles can be rented or purchased affordably.
Specialty Items: Lausanne experiences do not unique highly specialized items beyond general outdoor gear.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort

A Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs make long flights or train journeys more comfortable.

Pack light but smart. Many hotels offer laundry services.
Consider a small, foldable umbrella.
Most general items are available, but Switzerland can be expensive.
Specific brands of toiletries or medications might be cheaper to bring.

Security Essentials

A Money belt (Amazon) for passports, cash, or credit cards adds extra security.

TSA-approved luggage locks protect checked bags.
An RFID-blocking wallet for credit card protection.
No unique region-specific items.

Sustainable Travel Items

A Reusable shopping bag is handy for groceries or market purchases, cutting plastic waste.

A Reusable water bottle allows you to refill from safe tap water.
Consider Reusable utensils for picnics.
No unique items are specific to Lausanne that you would not otherwise consider for European travel.

Packing Tip

Break in new walking shoes before your trip to prevent blisters. Lausanne's hilly terrain means you will do a lot of walking.

Pack light but smart. Many hotels offer laundry services, or you can find laundromats.

What to Pack for Lausanne