What I Packed for a Fall Trip to the Swiss Alps.

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.