Switzerland Travel & Packing Guide 2026: Complete Checklist

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Table of Contents

• Visa Requirements & Travel Documents
• Best Time to Visit Switzerland
• Seasonal Packing Guide
• City-Specific Packing Tips
• Cultural Etiquette & Dress Codes
• Transportation in Switzerland
• Food & Drink Tips
• Budget Breakdown
• Essential Apps
• Complete Packing Checklist

Visa Requirements & Travel Documents

Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area, making it straightforward for citizens from the US, UK, Australia, and Canada to visit. Switzerland is famously expensive but incredibly efficient—plan accordingly. Updated travel regulations came into effect in 2025 for all travelers.

Exploring more of Europe? See our Europe packing list.

For US Citizens

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
• ETIAS Registration: Mandatory starting 2025. Cost: $7 USD, valid for 3 years. Register at etias.cbp.eu before departure
• Visa-free entry: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period
• Travel insurance: Highly recommended ($30-60 USD for week-long trip, especially for alpine activities)
• International Driving Permit: Required for car rentals. Get from AAA ($20-25 USD)
• Copies of documents: Digital copies in email, cloud storage, and one printed copy in your luggage

For UK Citizens (Post-Brexit)

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay. Ensure your passport was issued within the last 10 years
• ETIAS Registration: Mandatory. Same fee and process as US citizens
• Visa-free entry: Up to 90 days within 180 days
• No Customs Declarations: Personal goods travel duty-free
• Travel insurance: Important as NHS coverage does not extend to Switzerland. Mountain/alpine activities often require specific coverage
• International Driving Permit: Required for car rentals

For Australian & Canadian Citizens

• Passport: Valid for 6+ months beyond departure
• ETIAS: Required ($7 USD equivalent)
• Visa-free period: 90 days within 180 days
• Travel insurance: Essential; reciprocal healthcare agreements don't apply. Add alpine/mountaineering coverage if doing Matterhorn or similar
• International Driving Permit: Required if planning to rent a car. Get from your country's automobile association ($20-25 USD)

Best Time to Visit Switzerland in 2026

Spring (April-May)

Temperature: 40-60°F (4-15°C), varies by altitude

Why go: Wildflowers blooming, melting snow reveals alpine passes, fewer tourists than summer, moderate prices

Packing: Layers, light waterproof jacket, hiking boots, sunscreen

Price: Mid-range ($200-300/night hotels)

Summer (June-August)

Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C), cooler at altitude

Why go: Perfect hiking season, all mountain passes open, clear skies, longest daylight

Drawbacks: Peak tourist season, highest prices, popular trails crowded

Packing: Lightweight layers, hiking boots, sun protection, windbreaker for mountains

Price: Premium ($300-500+/night hotels)

Fall (September-October)

Temperature: 45-65°F (7-18°C)

Why go: Golden season, fewer crowds after mid-September, excellent hiking, harvest in Douro region-style (Swiss wine country)

Packing: Warm layers, light jacket, hiking boots, wind protection

Price: Mid-range ($250-350/night)

Winter (November-March)

Temperature: -5 to 35°F (-15 to 2°C), snow at higher altitudes

Why go: Skiing and winter sports, snow-covered peaks, Christmas markets, lower prices

Drawbacks: Many high-altitude attractions closed, frequent snow, very cold

Packing: Heavy winter coat, thermal layers, waterproof boots, hat, gloves, scarf

Price: Premium during holidays, budget other times ($180-280/night)

Seasonal Packing Guide for Switzerland

Spring (April-May)

• Clothing: Long-sleeve shirts, lightweight sweater or fleece, hiking pants, closed-toe shoes, 1-2 dresses
• Layers: Light waterproof jacket, scarf, thermal base layer for mountains
• Footwear: Quality hiking boots (essential for trails), comfortable walking shoes, waterproof hiking socks
• Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, SPF 30+ sunscreen (UV stronger at altitude)
• Accessories: Lightweight waterproof backpack for hiking, compact umbrella, gloves for cold mornings

Summer (June-August)

• Clothing: T-shirts, lightweight long-sleeve hiking shirts, shorts, hiking pants, light layers for evening
• Critical sun protection: Wide-brimmed hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen (reapply every 1-2 hours), sunglasses UV 400, long-sleeve hiking shirt
• Footwear: Broken-in hiking boots (most important item), comfortable walking shoes, hiking socks
• Weather prep: Windbreaker (mountains can be windy), light rain layer (sudden afternoon storms)
• Backpack: 20-30L hiking backpack with rain cover, hydration bladder

Fall (September-October)

• Clothing: Long-sleeve shirts, sweater or fleece jacket, hiking pants, jeans, closed-toe shoes
• Layers: Medium-weight waterproof jacket, warm scarf, thermal base layer
• Footwear: Quality hiking boots (essential), comfortable walking shoes
• Weather prep: Waterproof jacket (frequent rain), umbrella, wind-resistant layers
• Sun: Still wear SPF 20-30, hat for daytime, sunglasses

Winter (November-March)

• Warm clothing: Heavy insulated jacket (down or thermal), multiple thermal base layers, warm pants, jeans with thermal tights, wool sweaters
• Cold weather gear: Insulated gloves or mittens, warm wool scarf, beanie, thermal socks
• Footwear: Insulated waterproof hiking boots with good grip, winter boots for towns, wool hiking socks
• Rain/snow gear: Heavy waterproof jacket, umbrella, waterproof bag for electronics
• Ski/snow activities: Thermal underwear, snow boots, ski pants, waterproof gloves, neck warmer/gaiter
• Other: Hand warmers, lip balm with SPF, moisture-rich face cream (mountain air is very dry)

Traveling to other cold-weather destinations? Our Winter Travel Packing List covers comprehensive cold-weather essentials for any destination.

City-Specific Packing & Travel Tips

Zurich

Distance walked daily: 8,000-12,000 steps (compact city, but very walkable)

Planning a mountain adventure? Check our train travel tips for scenic routes.

• Must-have: Comfortable walking shoes, good posture shoes (you'll walk extensively), transit card (Zurich has excellent public transport)
• Weather consideration: Zurich can be windy near water; bring wind-resistant jacket even in summer
• Museum culture: Zurich is art-heavy. Dress neatly for museums; casual is fine for sightseeing
• Lake activities: Lake Zurich is clean for swimming. Bring swimwear, water shoes
• Public transport: Buy 24/48-hour travel card for unlimited transit. Train station is central
• Shopping: Bahnhofstrasse is world-famous shopping street. Dress casually but neatly
• Timing: Zurich summers can be crowded; spring/fall offer better weather and fewer tourists
• Very expensive: Expect to pay premium prices for food, hotels, attractions

Lucerne (Luzern)

Charming lakeside town: Medieval old town, stunning lake views, gateway to mountain activities

• Footwear critical: Cobblestone streets everywhere. Wear shoes with good grip
• Lake culture: Rent a paddleboat, bring swimwear, water shoes
• Rigi & Titlis access: Lucerne is hub for mountain cog railways. Bring layers for elevation changes
• Covered bridges: Famous wooden bridges are beautiful. Walking shoes essential
• Weather: Lake can create sudden fog; bring windbreaker year-round
• Photography: Bring camera—consistently voted one of Europe's most beautiful towns
• Budget: Significantly cheaper than Zurich; mid-range prices

Interlaken

Adventure capital: Between Eiger and Jungfrau mountains, hub for hiking, paragliding, BASE jumping

• Essential gear: Quality hiking boots are non-negotiable. Many day hikes start from town
• Jungfraujoch day trip: Highest railway station in Europe. Dress warmly (temperature drops ~3°F per 1000 feet). Bring sun protection SPF 50+ (UV extremely strong at altitude)
• Hiking: Interlaken is hiking paradise. Bring proper hiking socks, blister treatment, 2L+ water capacity
• Adventure sports: If paragliding/BASE jumping—ensure insurance covers activities
• Weather: Mountain weather changes rapidly. Always carry rain layer and windbreaker
• Altitude sickness: Climb gradually; day 1 at Interlaken (2000 ft) before Jungfraujoch (11,333 ft)
• Budget: Adventure town pricing; moderate to premium prices

Zermatt & Matterhorn

Mountain village beneath Matterhorn: No cars allowed, hiking paradise, skiing in winter

• Hiking essentials: Advanced hiking boots required (lots of exposed rock). Microspikes/crampons for summer snow
• Altitude: Zermatt is 5,280 ft; even walking around town can cause headaches. Acclimatize before major hikes
• Matterhorn attempt: Not a technical climb but very exposed. Serious hikers only. Hire guide ($150-250+ USD)
• Weather: Mountain weather is unpredictable. Turn back if clouds move in. Afternoon storms common
• Very expensive: Small village, limited services, high demand. Budget premium prices. Bring snacks
• Getting there: Car-free village. Take cogwheel train from Visp (requires train/shuttle to Visp)
• Accommodation: Book well in advance. Mountain refuge stays more affordable than hotels

Geneva

International city on Lake Geneva: Cosmopolitan, sophisticated, expensive

• Dress code: Geneva is formal. Business casual expected in city center, hiking wear fine for lakefront
• Lake activities: Clean lake for swimming/paddling. Bring swimwear, sun protection
• Jet d'Eau: Famous water fountain. Best photos from lakeside park (free, wear casual clothes)
• International hub: Many museums and cultural sites. Dress neatly for museums
• Very expensive: Among Europe's priciest cities. Zurich's equal or higher prices
• Public transport: Excellent transit network. Buy day pass
• French influence: Official language is French. English widely spoken in tourist areas

Bern

Capital city with charming medieval old town: UNESCO World Heritage streets, bear park, affordable than Zurich/Geneva

• Walking: Old town is pedestrian-friendly. Comfortable walking shoes essential
• Bear Park: Free outdoor attraction. Casual clothing fine
• Museums: Many art and history museums. Dress neatly
• Budget: More affordable than Zurich/Geneva; mid-range prices
• Arcades: Bern has famous covered shopping arcades. Great for rainy days
• Hiking nearby: Easy access to hiking trails around Bern. Bring hiking shoes for day trips

Cultural Etiquette & Dress Codes

Religious Sites (Churches, Cathedrals, Monasteries)

Generally more casual than other European countries, but respect is appreciated

Also visiting France or Italy? Check our France packing guide.

• Women: Covered shoulders appreciated but not enforced. Knees don't need covering. Sleeveless generally acceptable
• Men: Shirts with sleeves appreciated. Shorts acceptable at many sites
• No swimwear: Never wear beach clothes to churches
• Hat etiquette: Remove hats when entering (including baseball caps)
• Footwear: No specific requirements
• Photography: Generally allowed. Ask at the door if unsure

General Swiss Etiquette

• Punctuality: Swiss value punctuality extremely. Be on time for tours, transportation, reservations
• Greetings: Handshakes standard for business; casual "Hallo" for general encounters. Swiss are reserved—give personal space
• Meals: Dinner typically 6:30-8:30 PM. Many restaurants close between lunch (11:30 AM-2 PM) and dinner
• Tipping: Service included in prices. 5-10% for exceptional service appreciated but not expected
• Public behavior: Swiss are quiet and reserved. Loud conversations frowned upon. Respect quiet on public transport
• Noise: Quiet hours observed strictly (7 PM-7 AM). Even vacuuming prohibited on Sundays
• Smoking: Banned in public indoor spaces. Outdoor smoking common but not as pervasive as Southern Europe
• Language: German (63% of population), French (23%), Italian (8%), Romansh (0.5%). English widely spoken. Effort to learn local language greatly appreciated
• Hiking culture: Swiss take hiking seriously. Respect marked trails, close gates, pack out all trash

Getting Around Switzerland: Trains, Buses & Cable Cars

Trains (SBB - Swiss Federal Railways)

Best option for intercity travel. Efficient, scenic, reliable. Switzerland is famous for trains.

• Booking: Buy tickets on SBB.ch, at stations, or use SBB mobile app. Book online for discounts
• Swiss Travel Pass: For tourists: unlimited travel for 3-8 days ($250-600 USD for 7 days). Worth it if doing multiple long journeys
• Luggage: Free on trains. Can transport large luggage easily
• Train quality: Trains extremely clean, punctual, comfortable. Wi-Fi on many long routes
• Mountain railways: Cog railways and cable cars access high-altitude destinations. Jungfraujoch, Rigi, Titlis accessible by train/funicular
• Sample prices: Zurich to Lucerne = 20 CHF ($22 USD); Lucerne to Interlaken = 55 CHF ($60 USD)
• Tips: Trains depart exactly on time; arrive 10 minutes early. Tickets not required in advance for regional trains

Buses (PostBus, regional operators)

Reaches rural areas and mountain villages. Scenic routes, comfortable.

• Operators: PostBus (official postal bus service), regional operators
• Luggage: One free suitcase + backpack. Extra fees for additional bags
• Comfort: More comfortable than many European buses. Well-maintained
• Mountain passes: Many scenic routes over Alpine passes (Gotthard, Furka, Grimsel)
• Pricing: Cheaper than trains but slower. 20-60 CHF for long distances

Cog Railways & Cable Cars (Zahnradbahn, Seilbahn)

Unique mountain transport. Essential for accessing high-altitude attractions.

• Jungfraujoch Railway: Highest railway station in Europe (11,333 ft). Incredibly steep tracks. Takes 2.5 hours from Interlaken
• Rigi Cog Railway: From Lucerne/Arth, steep cogwheel railway to Alpine peak. Day hikes from summit
• Titlis Cableway: Multi-stage cable car to 10,623 ft. Rotating cable car final segment (Rotair)
• Cost: 40-200 CHF ($44-220 USD) depending on destination. Include in budget
• Weather: Check conditions before going (summer storms possible, cable cars close in extreme weather)

City Transit (Zurich, Bern, Geneva)

Efficient metro, tram, and bus systems

• Zurich transit: Modern tram and bus system. Single ticket 2.80 CHF ($3 USD); day pass 9 CHF ($10 USD)
• Payment: Tickets from machines at stops. Credit cards widely accepted. Apps available
• Reliability: Among world's most reliable transit. Trains/trams always on time
• Day passes: Usually worth it for multiple journeys

Car Rentals

Only recommended for Douro Valley-style touring and rural regions. Avoid city driving.

• Age requirement: Minimum 18-21; young driver surcharge for under 25 ($15-25/day)
• Driving license: US/UK/AU/CA license valid + International Driving Permit recommended ($20-25 USD)
• Insurance: Mandatory. Basic included (~$20-30/day); full coverage recommended (additional $15-25/day)
• Vignette (road tax): Required to drive Swiss highways. Annual fee 40 CHF ($44 USD); purchase at rental or border
• Speed limits: 50 km/h (31 mph) in towns, 80 km/h (50 mph) rural, 120 km/h (75 mph) highways
• Fuel: Diesel/petrol expensive: 1.50-1.80 CHF per liter (~$7-8/gallon)
• Parking: Expensive in cities ($3-6/hour). Use public transit instead
• Sample rental: Compact car ~$60-80 USD/day, plus vignette, fuel, insurance
• Mountain roads: Well-maintained but narrow and winding. Snow chains required Nov-March on some passes

Walking & Hiking

• Hiking culture: Switzerland has 65,000 km of marked hiking trails. This is THE way to experience Switzerland
• Trail marking: Excellent—yellow signs for standard trails, red/white for alpine trails (require experience)
• Day hikes: 2-4 hour hikes easily accessible from towns. Plan one hike per day minimum
• Mountain huts: Simple accommodations at high altitude. Advance booking essential in summer
• Taxis: Expensive; 15-40 CHF for city trips. Use public transit instead

Food & Drink Tips for Switzerland

Dining Culture

• Meal times: Breakfast 7-10 AM—coffee + pastry at café, 5-8 CHF. Lunch (Mittag) 11:30 AM-2 PM. Dinner (Abendessen) 6:30-8:30 PM
• Restaurant types: Restaurant (formal, expensive), Beiz/Stube (casual, traditional, great value), Pizzeria (budget)
• Costs (USD): Budget meal 12-18 CHF ($13-20), Mid-range 25-45 CHF ($27-50), Upscale 60+ CHF ($66+). Zurich/Geneva 30% more expensive than other towns
• Tipping: Service included. 5-10% for exceptional service appreciated but not expected
• Menu: Most restaurants have English menus in tourist areas

Must-Try Foods by Region

• National dishes: Fondue (melted cheese with bread), Raclette (melted cheese scraped onto plate), Rösti (potato pancakes)
• Zurich: Züri Geschnetzeltes (veal strips in cream sauce), Bratwurst
• Alpine regions: Alpine cheese (Emmental, Gruyère, Appenzell), Älplermagronen (Alpine macaroni)
• Lucerne: Luzerner Nüsslisalat (walnut salad), fresh lake fish
• Interlaken area: Schnitzel, Alpine grilled meats, fresh trout from mountain streams
• Valais (Zermatt area): Raclette (especially important here), Valais wine
• Desserts: Swiss chocolate everywhere (Lindt, Toblerone birthplace), Apfelstrudel, Zug cherry cake
• Bakeries: Incredible bread culture. Croissants, whole grain breads, local specialties at every town

Beverages

• Coffee: Espresso (Espresso) 3-4 CHF ($3-4 USD) standing at bar. Sit-down costs 2-3x more. Swiss take coffee seriously
• Wine: Excellent and affordable. Quality bottle: 15-25 CHF ($16-27 USD) in stores; 20-30 CHF ($22-33 USD) per glass in restaurants. Valais and Vaud produce excellent wines
• Beer: Local beers (Feldschlösschen, Cardinal, Samichlaus) 4-6 CHF ($4-7 USD) depending on venue
• Mineral water: Exceptional quality. Tap water is drinkable everywhere and excellent
• Herbal teas: Alpine herbal teas very popular. Try local varieties
• Swiss chocolate: World-class chocolate. Buy blocks from supermarkets (budget) or artisan shops (premium)

What to Pack: Food & Beverage Items

• Reusable water bottle: ESSENTIAL. Switzerland's tap water is world-class; refill constantly. Saves money
• Snacks: Granola bars, nuts, dried fruit for hiking days. Supermarket snacks much cheaper than restaurants
• Hiking food: Energy bars, electrolyte tablets, chocolate (Swiss chocolate reward!)
• Digestif: Try local Kirsch (cherry brandy) or Fernet-Branca

Switzerland Budget Breakdown (in USD)

Per Day Costs

Major Expenses

• Flight from US: $600-1200 USD roundtrip (book 8-12 weeks ahead)
• Flight from UK/AU/CA: $800-1800 USD roundtrip
• ETIAS registration: $7 USD
• Travel insurance: $40-80 USD (week-long trip, comprehensive coverage)
• Swiss Travel Pass: $250-600 USD for 3-8 days unlimited rail
• Mountain attractions: Jungfraujoch 200 CHF ($220 USD), Rigi 50 CHF ($55 USD), Titlis 100 CHF ($110 USD)
• Hotel rooms: Very expensive year-round. Budget $100+ USD minimum for basic accommodation
• Car rental vignette: 40 CHF ($44 USD) annual highway tax if driving

How to Save Money

• Hiking is free: Switzerland's best experience costs nothing. Day hikes > expensive attractions
• Eat lunch as main meal: Many restaurants offer cheaper lunch specials
• Buy from supermarkets: Migros and Coop supermarkets have excellent prepared foods at 1/3 restaurant price
• Free attractions: Hiking trails (65,000 km), viewpoints, museums often free or low-cost
• Travel shoulder seasons: April-May or September-October offer best value and excellent weather
• Stay outside city centers: Prices 20-40% lower in residential areas, transit still excellent
• Picnic: Buy bread, cheese, salamis, fruit from markets. Picnic by lakes/mountains
• Swiss Travel Pass: Only worth it if doing 3+ long train journeys. Otherwise buy point-to-point tickets
• Avoid summer peak (July-August): Same attractions, 30-50% higher prices, massive crowds

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Essential Apps for Switzerland Travel

Navigation & Transportation

• Google Maps: Works well offline. Download Switzerland map. Shows hiking trails, public transit, walking times
• SBB Mobile: Official Swiss railway app. Book tickets, check schedules, journey planning
• Citymapper: Transit navigation for Zurich, Bern, Geneva. Shows all options and costs
• Komoot: Hiking trail app. Detailed maps, difficulty levels, user reviews of Swiss trails
• AllTrails: Another excellent hiking app with detailed trail info

Money & Payments

• Wise: Low-fee international transfers and currency exchange. Much better than banks
• OANDA XE: Real-time CHF exchange rates. Essential for understanding prices
• Revolut or N26: Digital banks with good ATM access and currency exchange
• PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay: Contactless payment widely accepted in Switzerland

Food & Dining

• TripAdvisor & Google Maps: Find authentic restaurants. Read recent reviews before going
• The Fork (La Forchetta): Restaurant reservations with discounts (10-50% off)
• Too Good To Go: Reduced-price restaurant food near closing time

Communication & Utilities

• WhatsApp: Free messaging over WiFi. Europeans prefer it to SMS
• Yesim eSIM: Local data without SIM switching ($3-8 for several GB)
• Weather (MeteoSwiss): Swiss weather app. Accurate for hiking planning

Tourism & Culture

• SwissCulture: Information on museums, events, cultural sites
• Duolingo: Learn basic German/French before traveling
• Wanderlog: Create and share travel itineraries

Complete Switzerland Packing Checklist

Clothing Essentials (Adjust for Season)

Essential Accessories

• Hat or visor (sun protection, warmth)
• Sunglasses (UV 400 protection, important at altitude)
• Scarf/bandana (sun, warmth, church visits)
• Hiking backpack (20-30L for day hikes)
• Crossbody daypack or small backpack
• Sunscreen (SPF 30-50+, extra important at altitude)
• Reusable water bottle (CRITICAL in Switzerland)
• Compact umbrella or rain cape
• Trekking poles (optional but helpful for knees on descents)
• Compression socks (recommended for flights, helps with hiking fatigue)

Electronics & Documents

• Passport (6+ month validity)
• ETIAS registration confirmation
• Travel insurance documents (digital + printed)
• Flight bookings and hotel confirmations
• Phone and charging cable
• Portable power bank (20,000+ mAh essential for hiking days)
• Universal power adapter (Type J Swiss outlet - 3 round pins in triangle, NOT EU)
• Camera or smartphone for photography
• Headphones
• eReader or tablet (long train rides)

Toiletries (Travel Size)

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash or bar soap
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Face wash and moisturizer (mountain air is dry)
• Lip balm with SPF (critical at altitude)
• Medications (prescriptions + pain relievers, antihistamines, altitude sickness prevention)
• Blister treatment (IMPORTANT for hiking)
• Nail clippers and grooming items
• Sunburn relief cream

Health & Safety

• Travel insurance card (digital + printed, with mountain rescue coverage)
• Prescription medications in original bottles
• Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
• Antihistamines and allergy medication
• Antacid tablets
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Blister treatment and athletic tape (essential for hiking)
• Thermometer
• First aid supplies (bandages, antiseptic wipes)
• Altitude sickness medication (Diamox if planning Jungfraujoch)
• Trekking poles or compression wraps (knee support)

Hiking-Specific Gear

• Quality hiking boots (broken in before trip)
• Hiking socks (merino wool recommended)
• Gaiters (if hiking in snow/rain seasons)
• Trekking poles (optional)
• Hydration bladder or bottles (2L+ capacity)
• Trail snacks and energy bars
• Lightweight rain layer
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Insect repellent (minimal need in Switzerland)

Miscellaneous

• Lightweight packable backpack for day trips
• Ziplock bags (wet clothes, organization)
• Small notebook and pen
• Packing cubes (organization)
• Travel-size laundry detergent
• Earplugs (trains and hostels)
• Swiss currency (have small bills for cable cars, mountain huts)
• Copies of documents in separate envelope

Pro Tips for Switzerland Travel

• Break in hiking boots before departure: Do this 3+ weeks before. You'll walk 15,000-25,000 steps daily with hiking
• Switzerland is expensive: This is not budget travel destination. Plan accordingly. Hiking is the affordable activity
• Trains are perfect: Arrive early (10 minutes), they leave exactly on schedule. Never rush
• Water everywhere: Public fountains in every town. Fill your water bottle constantly. Tap water is world-class
• Hiking culture is serious: Stay on marked trails, close gates, pack all trash. Respect the mountains
• Learn key phrases: "Grüezi" (hello), "Danke" (thank you), "Bitte" (please) go a long way
• Picnic mindset: Many of best meals are supermarket takeaway foods enjoyed by lakes/mountains
• Reserve accommodations early: Especially in mountain towns. Summer books out months ahead
• Sun protection is critical: At altitude, UV is intense. Sunburn happens fast. SPF 50+ daily
• Mountain weather changes fast: Always carry rain layer and windbreaker, even if forecast is perfect
• Acclimatize before high altitudes: Sleep low, climb high. Don't go to Jungfraujoch on day 1
• Swiss chocolate is real: Buy blocks from supermarkets (affordable) rather than tourist shops (expensive)