What to pack for Switzerland
Switzerland’s weather depends on altitude. Lowland cities have warm summers and cold winters; the Alps are cold and snowy in winter and can be chilly even in summer, with fast-changing mountain weather.
That is the long-term pattern, not a forecast. Weather in any given week can be warmer, colder or wetter than usual, so check the forecast a few days before you leave — Wayfold does this automatically and adjusts the packing list for your actual dates.
Pack with Switzerland in mind
- Warm layers whatever the season if you plan to go up a mountain
- Ski and snow gear in winter
- Hiking boots and a rain jacket for summer trails
- A Type J plug adapter — Swiss sockets differ from most of Europe
Start from a full checklist
Combine the points above with a complete list for the kind of trip you are taking:
- Ski trip packing list · 55 items
- Hiking packing list for national parks · 52 items
- Business trip packing list · 49 items
What to eat in Switzerland
These are dishes most visitors to Switzerland will meet, with the usual recipe’s diet flags. Use them as a starting point for menus and for asking questions — not as a guarantee of what is in a particular plate.
Cheese fondue
Melted cheese with white wine and kirsch, with bread for dipping.
Vegetarian-friendlyContains alcoholDairyGluten
Raclette
Melted cheese scraped over potatoes, with pickles.
Vegetarian-friendlyDairy
Rösti
Crisp grated-potato cake.
Vegetarian-friendlyDairy
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
Sliced veal in a cream and white-wine sauce.
Contains alcoholDairy
Birchermüesli
Oats soaked with fruit, nuts and yogurt or milk.
Vegetarian-friendlyGlutenDairyNuts & peanuts
Swiss chocolate
Milk chocolate was developed here.
Vegetarian-friendlyDairy
Meal times, tipping and water
| Breakfast | 07:00–09:00 |
|---|---|
| Lunch | 12:00–13:30 |
| Dinner | 18:30–20:30 |
| Tipping | Service is included by law. Rounding up for good service is common. |
| Tap water | Generally safe to drink |
| Halal food | Limited |
| Vegetarian food | Easy to find |
Local chains you will see
Well-known local names — handy for a quick, predictable meal or coffee:
- Migros Restaurant — Self-service restaurants in Migros stores.
- Coop Restaurant — Self-service restaurants in Coop stores.
- Tibits — Vegetarian buffet restaurants.
- Sprüngli — Confectioner known for Luxemburgerli macarons.
- Holy Cow! — Swiss burger chain.
General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens. Checked 30 September 2026. In the app, the food guide marks which dishes fit each traveller’s diet and can show a diet and allergy card in the local language.
Entry rules for US and UK passport holders
A summary of the passport and travel-authorisation rules Wayfold reminds travellers about for Switzerland. Rules change, and your exact situation (other nationalities, long stays, work or study) may differ.
US passport holders
- Passport valid 3 months beyond departure. Check the expiry date on every passport in your group before you book — airlines can refuse boarding if a passport does not meet the rule. European Commission (opens in a new tab)
- Up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. Short stays for tourism or business are visa-free for your passport. Days in all Schengen countries count together. European Commission (opens in a new tab)
- ETIAS — not required yet. The EU travel authorisation (€20, valid 3 years) is not live yet; launch is now expected in 2027. We will remind you when it starts. European Union — ETIAS (opens in a new tab)
- Entry/Exit System at the border. Your fingerprints and a photo are taken at your first entry. Allow extra time at passport control. European Union — Entry/Exit System (opens in a new tab)
UK passport holders
- Passport valid 3 months beyond departure. Check the expiry date on every passport in your group before you book — airlines can refuse boarding if a passport does not meet the rule. European Commission (opens in a new tab)
- Up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. Short stays for tourism or business are visa-free for your passport. Days in all Schengen countries count together. European Commission (opens in a new tab)
- ETIAS — not required yet. The EU travel authorisation (€20, valid 3 years) is not live yet; launch is now expected in 2027. We will remind you when it starts. European Union — ETIAS (opens in a new tab)
- Entry/Exit System at the border. Your fingerprints and a photo are taken at your first entry. Allow extra time at passport control. European Union — Entry/Exit System (opens in a new tab)
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules change — always check the official source before you travel. Rules last reviewed 29 September 2026. For the bigger picture, read what ESTA, the UK ETA and ETIAS are.
Quick answers
Is tap water safe to drink in Switzerland?
Generally safe to drink. Tap water is generally treated to a safe standard, though some travellers prefer bottled water for taste. General guidance — check locally. Recipes vary between kitchens; always ask about allergens.
Do you tip in Switzerland?
Service is included by law. Rounding up for good service is common.
Is it easy to eat halal or vegetarian in Switzerland?
Halal food: limited. Vegetarian food: easy to find. Vegetarian-friendly classics include Cheese fondue, Raclette, Rösti, Birchermüesli and Swiss chocolate. Recipes vary between kitchens, so always ask.