What to Wear in the Alps: Summer Switzerland Outfit Ideas
EST. READING TIME: 8 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Summer Switzerland Outfit Ideas
Matching Sets
Patterned Pullovers
Adventure Shorts
Lightweight Puffer
Outdoorsy Vests
Hiking Shoes
Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Lauterbrunnen is a charming village scene pulled straight out of a fairytale. Surrounded by towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush green meadows, this picturesque destination belongs at the top of your travel bucket list. Whether you’re planning a tranquil retreat or an adventure-packed mountain getaway, knowing what to wear in Lauterbrunnen is key to ensuring you feel comfortable yet cute throughout your summer trip.
The weather in Lauterbrunnen can be quite unpredictable, with sudden changes that can catch even seasoned travelers off guard. Luckily the right clothing can make all the difference, allowing you to fully savor everything this stunning destination has to offer. From hitting the trails to wandering through quaint villages or even simply lounging while admiring the view, dressing appropriately for the weather is essential to make the most of your trip.
This Switzerland outfit ideas summer guide will help you pack smartly and stylishly, ensuring you're prepared for the various activities and weather conditions you’ll encounter. We’ll cover everything from the perfect matching sets for active adventures to cozy pullovers for cool evenings. We’ll also delve into the specifics of what makes each clothing item ideal for Lauterbrunnen, providing you with detailed recommendations to help you make the most of your travel wardrobe.
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast ready to hike through meadows or enjoy leisurely strolls taking in breathtaking scenery, this guide will help you pack your carry-on with confidence. Let’s dive in and discover the best summer outfits for your Lauterbrunnen alpine adventure.
Summer Climate in Lauterbrunnen
Should you plan on visiting Lauterbrunnen in May, you can expect a delightful mix of spring transitioning to early summer weather. May is an ideal time to venture out and explore this alpine paradise, as the landscape comes alive with blooming flowers and lush greenery.
Lauterbrunnen weather in May involves temperatures typically ranging from 41°F (5°C) in the early mornings and evenings to 59°F (15°C) during the day. While these temperatures are generally mild, it’s crucial to remember the weather can change rapidly, especially in mountainous regions prone to unexpected rain and snowfall. Layering is key to staying comfortable, as you’ll encounter a range of climates traveling from the sunny base of the valley all the way up to the snow-capped peaks!
Rain is another common occurrence in Lauterbrunnen during May. The region receives an average of 100-130mm of rainfall throughout the month, which can translate to frequent showers during your visit. Packing a lightweight, waterproof jacket or puffer is essential to staying dry during your adventures—even if the forecast looks clear before you leave home. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a small, collapsible umbrella or a compact rain poncho handy for unexpected downpours. In larger metropolitan areas I’d recommend waiting to make such a purchase until it’s actually needed, but given the small village of Lauterbrunnen is home to less than 2,500 people, you may be hard pressed to find an appropriate covering for sale when everyone else is seeking out the same item.
While Lauterbrunnen doesn’t experience extreme weather events like hurricanes, the higher altitudes can bring sudden changes in conditions, including fog and wind. The valley's unique topography can also create microclimates, where certain areas may be significantly cooler or warmer than others. Being prepared for these variations with layering pieces on hand will ensure you’re ready for any situation.
May is also an excellent time for hiking, as many trails begin to open up after the winter months made them previously inaccessible. However, some higher altitude paths may still have lingering snow, so it’s wise to check local trail conditions before setting out on a hike. Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes with good grip are a must for navigating the wet and dry terrain you’ll encounter, particularly in muddy spots that quickly become quite slick.
All in all, packing for Lauterbrunnen in May means being prepared for a mix of mild temperatures, occasional rain, and varying types of terrain. Seeking out versatile, layered pieces of athletic clothing will help you stay comfortable so you can easily enjoy all the beautiful activities this enchanting destination has to offer!
Summer Switzerland Outfit Ideas?
Matching Sets
Matching sets, particularly athletic co-ords, are a fantastic choice for your summer trip to Lauterbrunnen. These sets offer a seamless blend of style and functionality, making them perfect for both active pursuits and casual outings exploring the town.
Look for sets made from moisture-wicking, quick-drying materials that can handle a variety of activities, from hiking to leisurely strolls through the village. Opt for neutral and earthy tones to complement the natural surroundings, or stand out with bold, bright colors which radiate like vibrant alpine flora. The convenience of matching sets ensures you always look put-together without needing to put much thought into styling your outfit, no matter what the day brings.
Patterned Pullovers
Cozy, colorful pullovers are a must-have for Lauterbrunnen, especially as you ascend to cooler elevations alongside the slope of the mountainside. Choose warm and comfy pullovers with bright colorways and fun patterns to add a touch of personality to your outfit.
Fabrics like fleece and wool blends offer warmth without adding bulk, making them easy to layer over your base athletic clothing. These pullovers are perfect for relaxing in a mountain café or layering under a jacket during a hike up to the Schilthorn. Their vibrant designs are the perfect statement piece that will make your aesthetic photos pop against the stunning alpine backdrop.
Adventure Shorts
Adventure shorts are an essential part of any Lauterbrunnen packing list. Look for shorts with functional features like multiple pockets, clasps, and buckles to keep your essentials secure while you explore the natural world.
Textile materials like nylon and polyester blends provide durability and quick-drying properties, ideal for outdoor activities.
Choose designs that allow for easy movement and have features like adjustable waistbands for a customized fit, offering the perfect combination of comfort and practicality. The added utility of these shorts ensures you're prepared for any summer adventure!
Lightweight Puffer
A lightweight puffer jacket is an invaluable piece of clothing to have during a trip to Lauterbrunnen—even in the summer! These compact, insulated jackets provide warmth without weighing you down, making them easy to pack and carry around whether you’re wearing them properly or tie them around your waist for added convenience. Look for puffers with water-resistant—or even better, waterproof—materials to protect yourself from sudden rain showers. They can be layered for added insulation and are versatile enough to be worn in various settings, from hiking trails to evening walks. Similar to your choice of patterned pullover, select a puffer in a neutral color to easily match with all your pieces or go unconventional with a bright hue to stand out against the mountainous backdrop—in the event you get lost hiking or separated from your group, a vibrant jacket will also make you much easier to locate!
Outdoorsy Vests
Outdoorsy vests, whether puffer or nylon, are perfect for layering as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day. These versatile vests provide core warmth while allowing for greater freedom of movement in your arms, which is ideal as you start to heat up during any kind of physical exertion. A comfy yet functional addition for summer outdoor activities, these vests can be worn over a base layer for a subtle amount of coverage or under a jacket in cooler climates. Look for vests with practical features like zippered pockets and durable materials which can withstand the elements in any season and the inevitable wear and tear this article will naturally incur in the outdoors. A vest in a classic color like olive green or navy blue can easily be integrated alongside all your athletic attire.
Hiking Shoes
Invest in a good pair of hiking shoes to take along for your adventure in Lauterbrunnen.
Consider colorful hiking boots or sturdy sneakers that offer excellent support and traction on diverse terrain, including the muddy trails, grassy fields, and snow-covered rocks you’ll encounter in Switzerland.
Waterproof options are ideal for keeping your feet dry during rainy days or stream crossings.
Choose shoes with breathable materials to prevent overheating during long hikes, as prioritizing comfort and functionality over purely aesthetics will keep your feet happy while you explore the scenic trails.
How I Styled Lauterbrunnen Outfits
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With two blissful summer days in Lauterbrunnen during the end of May 2023, I was a bit strapped for space and needed to re-use various elements within my daily ensembles. Nevertheless, I sought out a clean, neutral image for my primarily black and white outfits, balancing style and practicality to ensure my clothing wouldn’t limit my activities in any way.
On my first day arriving in Lauterbrunnen—after a long day of travel from Ibiza to Mallorca to Zurich and then finally this charming town—I focused more on aesthetics since the only activity on our evening agenda was eating a steamy bowl of fondue!
Black Core Collection Contour Squareneck Longsleeve Bodysuit ($58) from Aritzia. The double-layer, nylon fabric comprising this bodysuit offers a supportive fit with a smoothing effect and second-skin feel. The contoured style allowed the top to tuck seamlessly into my skirt, while the moisture-resistant fabric was perfect for walking around town during the humid evening.
BDG Denim Mini Skirt from Urban Outfitters — while this skirt is no longer sold online, it’s comprised of a classic denim fabric in a structured A-line shape. This essential basic made my bottoms a bit more interesting than if I had simply worn denim jean shorts, and the looser nature of the skirt allowed my legs to move freely without the denim sticking to my thighs.
Black Everywhere Belt Bag 1L ($38) from Lululemon. This bag is my all-time favorite travel staple, and I bring it with me on pretty much every international trip I go on. Besides holding my passport while I navigate airports, on this particular day it fit my iPhone, a film camera, and other miscellaneous essentials like chapstick and hair ties.
Women's 574 Core Nimbus Cloud with White Sneakers ($89.99) from New Balance. While commuting via planes, trains, and gondolas I certainly needed close-toed shoes that wouldn’t get uncomfortable during a long travel day, making these comfy lifestyle sneakers the ideal choice for a more stylish and refined pair than basic running shoes. These are my go-to sneakers that seamlessly transition from serving a purely aesthetic function with my daytime outfits to providing the needed support during physical activities like alpine hikes. This is the only shoe I wore during my time in Switzerland—since I didn’t have any room to spare for fashion sneakers that wouldn’t serve any practical purposes—and they perfectly addressed all my outfit needs throughout the duration of this international trip.
In addition to the staple pieces listed above, my first full day was spent ascending the Schilthorn wearing:
Grey Blank Hoodie from Italic. While this particular style isn’t offered online anymore, I’m convinced everyone needs a proper travel sweatshirt like this one with a big enough hood that can cover your eyes while you try to catch some zzz’s on a flight ($35.99, paid link). In this case, the neutral, cozy hoodie kept me warm as an added benefit while I was surrounded by snow on the mountain top!
Black Quilted Puffer Vest from American Rag — another item that’s no longer sold today, this functional puffer vest added another insulating layer to my outfit that I could wear open or zipped up depending on my internal temperature.
Underneath these pieces I wore the Black Align™ High-Rise Pant 25" Leggings ($118) and Black Bend This Scoop and Square Bra ($48) matching set from Lululemon. Since we planned our descent with a long hike around the lush green meadows of the valley, I needed comfortable athletic wear that would be ideal for hours of physical exertion. Lululemon’s gear is built for this exact use case, and the absorbent nature of this stretchy yet form-fitting fabric allowed me to move freely and confidently through the landscape with light support and a subtle smoothing effect.
Polished Gold Frame Jack Sunglasses ($180) from Ray-Ban. I accessorized with my classic gold-rimmed, dark lens sunglasses which are nearly completely circular with squared off edges on the top of the frame.
Spending one last morning in Gimmelwald before heading out to Interlaken, I once again opted for a more fashionable ensemble than simply athleisure and a sweatshirt since I had no hikes planned for this day, but still needed a somewhat functional fit for another travel day.
Aura Overalls White ($85) from Princess Polly. Indy Blue’s 2018 Switzerland trip frolicking around this breathtaking country in overalls inspired me to purchase my own for this very occasion, and I couldn’t have been more satisfied with my purchase! These white overalls offer a relaxed fit and adjustable shoulder straps, and since this trip they’ve become one of my closet staples I return to time and time again.
Black Women's Cropped Turtleneck Sweater Lantern Sleeve Ribbed Knit Pullover ($42.99, paid link) from Zaful. Underneath my overalls I wore the same Lululemon sports bra from the day before which appear in subsequent Interlaken photos taken on the same day, but on this particular morning in the elevated village of Gimmelwald it was a bit chilly, leading me to layer my look with a light sweater. The convenient thing about wearing a long sleeve top under overalls means it’s quite easy to take off once the day warms up!
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Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?
While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.
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