Switzerland is known for its breathtaking mountain ranges, offering endless opportunities for exploration. The Swiss Alps, particularly the Jungfrau region, are a must-visit for any mountain enthusiast. The Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau peaks dominate …
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Backpacking Switzerland in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Switzerland with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Welcome to Switzerland, where the Alpine wonders and charming cities offer a unique backpacking experience. Pros? Immerse yourself in pristine landscapes, efficient public transportation, and the safety of well-maintained trails. However, Switzerland is known for its higher cost of living, impacting budget-conscious travelers. For those seeking a blend of outdoor adventures and cultural richness, Switzerland's stunning scenery and impeccable infrastructure make it an ideal destination for backpackers who appreciate a touch of luxury amid nature's grandeur, providing a distinctive European journey.
Best known for:Known for: mountains | safety | scenery
Best time to visit: April-October
Best known for:Known for: mountains | safety | scenery
Best time to visit: April-October
Why to go?
Why backpacking in Switzerland
Mountains
Scenery
Switzerland is renowned for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, pristine lakes, and charming villages. The Swiss Alps offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, with towering peaks, lush valleys, and picturesque alpine meadows. The …
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💡 Highlights
Top-5 things to do in Switzerland
- Explore the Swiss Alps: Switzerland is famous for its stunning alpine landscapes. Whether you choose to hike, ski, or simply admire the breathtaking views, exploring the Swiss Alps is a must-do.
- Visit Lake Geneva: Lake Geneva is the largest lake in Switzerland and offers a picturesque setting with its crystal-clear waters and surrounding mountains. You can take a boat tour, go swimming, or simply relax by the lake.
- Discover the Matterhorn: The iconic Matterhorn is one of the most famous mountains in the world. You can take a cable car up to the summit, go hiking, or simply enjoy the stunning views from below.
- Explore Lucerne: Lucerne is a charming city located on the shores of Lake Lucerne. It is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, beautiful bridges, and vibrant cultural scene. Don’t miss the Chapel Bridge, one of Lucerne’s most famous landmarks.
- Visit Zurich: Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city and offers a mix of modernity and tradition. Explore its charming old town, visit world-class museums, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife and shopping scene.
🎎 Festivals: Basel Carnival, Fête de l’Escalade, Locarno Film Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, Zürich Street Parade
🏔️ Hikes: Eiger Trail, Five Lakes Walk, Haute Route, Matterhorn Glacier Trail, Oeschinensee Lake Trail, Schynige Platte Panorama Trail
🏞️ National parks: Naturpark Beverin, Naturpark Diemtigtal, Naturpark Gantrisch, Naturpark Thal, Parc Ela
🌤️ When to go?
Best time to go backpacking Switzerland
The best time to visit Switzerland for backpacking is during the summer months, from June to September. This period offers pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) in the lowlands and slightly cooler temperatures in the mountains. During this time, you can enjoy various outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the stunning Swiss Alps. The days are longer, allowing you to make the most of your backpacking adventure. Additionally, many mountain huts and accommodations are open during this period, providing convenient options for backpackers.
However, it's worth noting that summer is also the peak tourist season in Switzerland, so popular destinations can be crowded, and prices may be higher compared to other times of the year. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October), when the weather is still pleasant, and the crowds are thinner.
Risk level: low (0%)
Safety advice for Switzerland
- Serious crime levels are low, but petty crime is on the rise. Take care at tourist spots and on transport, including overnight trains. Watch out for thieves who use distraction techniques. Keep your belongings close.
- Terrorists have targeted European cities, including transport hubs, churches, other houses of worship and places visited by travellers. Always be alert. Take official warnings seriously.
- Avalanches, flash floods, rock falls, mudslides and sudden weather changes occur in alpine areas. Monitor local weather. Follow the advice of authorities. Stick to marked slopes and trails when skiing.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
Switzerland
My tips to get you on the way!
Does Switzerland sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Switzerland. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Switzerland may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Switzerland. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Switzerland may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Switzerland, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Switzerland, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 21 September 2024