I Just Got Back From the Swiss Alps—Here's Everything I Packed for the Fall Getaway

What do you get when you journey to a cozy mountain village tucked away in the Alps? A dreamy Swiss escape that looks straight out of a Disney fairytale.

Last month, I got to visit the small town of Grindelwald in Switzerland, taking in the quaint chalets, sweeping views, and brown-and-white spotted cattle. Thanks to the Jungfrau Railway, I seamlessly traveled from the turquoise-blue waters of Interlaken to the soaring mountain of Männlichen and everything in between, allowing me to trek scenic hiking trails, explore ice palaces, and simply enjoy the calm of the region.

Similar to the slower pace of life, most locals take a laid-back approach to dressing, but that doesn't mean all fashion preparation goes out the window. With such a vast range of activity options—including sunny valley strolls, snowy mountain-peak visits, and adventurous experiences like zip lining—knowing what to pack is essential. Thankfully, I did my research.

Since I'm a "carry-on only" kind of traveler, I took a very strategic approach, packing only the essentials and leaving room for some Swiss chocolate, of course. Weather-resistant windbreakers, long-sleeve layers, cozy accessories, and other versatile pieces found their way into my luggage. I wore every piece I brought, and they successfully carried me through a week of hiking, railway rides, delicious dining (yes, I'm talking about the fondue), and exploration.

Ahead, discover the must-have pieces I relied on during my trip to the Jungfrau Region in Switzerland. Because I visited during the fall, my packing essentials will effortlessly transition into your cool-weather wardrobe.

Fleece-Lined Jackets

Whether I was sitting on my private balcony looking out at the snow-capped Alps or trekking along the side of a cliff, I turned to my fleece-lined jacket. The heat-trapping interior offered cozy insulation, and it was comfortable enough to wear when exploring a glacier-carved ravine or hopping on a flying-fox zip ride.

Long-Sleeve Layers

A good versatile outfit starts with a simple base layer, allowing you to wear it on its own or add further insulation. I rotated between lightweight cashmere picks and sweat-wicking alternatives based on my itinerary, securing neutral shades for seamless mixing and matching.

Gorpcore Boots

Since hiking is a foundational part of Swiss culture, a pair of outdoor boots is essential. I strictly wore gorpcore footwear—aside from one dinner—and fit right in. The boots surprisingly paired well with my wide-leg denim and athletic leggings alike, providing stability and comfort, whether I was hiking so high that I stood above the clouds or exploring the local shops.

Cable-Knit Sweaters

While I spent my days seeking adventure, I enjoyed Michelin-recognized dining and meals with panoramic views in the evening, and I elevated my style for all occasions. Wanting to stay cozy but chic, I relied on a slew of cable-knit sweaters for a preppy look. Best of all, the sweaters were easy to throw on when lounging at the hotel and even when traveling back to the States.

Supportive Leggings

I didn't own technical hiking pants, so I returned to a tried-and-true classic: leggings. I made sure to bring a few pairs to get me through the week, ensuring they were supportive, flattering, and thick enough to avoid any peekaboo moments. They were surprisingly toasty, even when walking through a carved-out glacier.

Cozy Accessories

I'm glad I stashed a few cold-weather accessories in my day pack, ready to slip on a scarf, beanie, or even gloves at a moment's notice. Because each item was so lightweight, it didn't feel like a drag carrying them around. The best part? They'll be perfect for winter.

Slick Windbreakers

With fluctuating weather based on altitude, having a packable windbreaker on hand is essential. I often reached for my lightweight shell jacket during mildly chilly hikes through the fall foliage and when ascending to the top of mountains. However, it also came in handy at the highest railway in Europe (11,332 feet above sea level, to be exact) when I layered it over my fleece-lined jacket for extra protection against the frigid wind gusts.