Is Sweden Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Sweden, known for its high level of gender equality, is generally considered very safe for solo female travelers. The locals are generally respectful and kind, making it easier for one to navigate and explore the country. Like all destinations, basic precautions like staying vigilant, particularly during night times in bigger cities, are always recommended.

Safety rating

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How safe is Sweden?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

Sweden generally has a high safety level and is considered safe for solo female travelers, even at night. Like in any other city, you should always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, but Swedish cities tend to be well-lit and monitored by local law enforcement. There's a good level of street safety due to the active presence of people, even at night, especially in larger cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Nonetheless, it is recommended to avoid less crowded or secluded areas at night if possible.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Very safe

Public transportation in Sweden, including buses, trams, and metro systems, is generally very safe and efficient even for solo female travelers. The staff are helpful and most Swedes speak excellent English. The stations and vehicles are well-lit and have security cameras. During off-peak hours or in less populous regions, it can sometimes feel a bit lonely, but in general, it doesn't pose a significant safety concern. It is also common for stations and vehicles to have emergency help points.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

In general, Sweden is known for its safe and respectful environment. As a solo female traveler, you may occasionally encounter unsolicited remarks, but overall, cases of street harassment are quite rare. This is largely due to the country's strong commitment to gender equality, progressive values, and a generally high level of respect towards women.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Sweden, especially major cities like Stockholm, Göteborg, and Malmö, are generally safe with a reasonably low risk of petty crimes such as pickpocketing or bag snatching. Nonetheless, it's always good to stay vigilant and mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Occasionally, there may be cases of bike thefts, so ensure to always lock up your bicycle securely if you're using one. As with any location, you should always exercise usual precaution at night.

Is Sweden worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 51 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

3.9/5

Budget-friendly

3.1/5
Sofia

Sofia

Ukraine

Göteborg, Solo travel

In September 2024 I visited Göteborg (or Gothenburg), Sweden. It was great. City has a beautiful historical part, also a lot of canals, big river with ships, some huge buildings, beautiful gothic churches, parks. I'd visit a riverside with an old huge sailing ship - which is a hotel nowadays. Important to mention, I felt super safe. In Sweden people are very welcoming (a lot of them are introverts tho, haha). Every person I ever asked in Sweden speaks English. The coast of public transport is pretty big in Sweden (well, at least as for Ukrainian), but it's well organised. I used an app "Västtrafik To Go" to navigate and buy tickets for buses and trains, but also you can pay with card.

Posted: April 8, 2025Experienced: August, 2024
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Stockholm, Solo travel

Stroll around gamla Stan, better during the working hours as it gets quite busy Vasa museum is really interesting - a recovered shipwreck that was sunken for 333 years Skinnarviksberget and Katarina Elevator for the city views! Highly recommend the metro tour, especially stops Tekniska Högskolan Solna Centrum Radhuset Kungsträdgården Feel free to dm me for amazing food recommendations! Hot take, skip the meatballs - overrated. There is much more amazing food the city can offer. If meatballs are on your experience list, “meatballs for the people” were the best I’ve tried.

Posted: April 7, 2025
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Uppsala, Solo travel

I was in Uppsala for a course trip from my university, i was there two days with the university and expenses mostly paid for and then two days on my own in a hostel. The prices are all very reasonable and just how you would expect them to be in a bigger city. The city has many nice buildings and places to visit and some second hand shops and museums. I personally felt very safe in the city and did not once have to worry about anything. I had a mixed dormitory in the hostel and only was a bit weary of one older guy who had a weird sleeping habit and just generally was inside the hostel room all the time which seemed kind of weird. The city was also very clean and I have talked to several locals I randomly met, everyone was very nice and helpful if I was lost.

Posted: March 12, 2025Experienced: January, 2025
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Stockholm, Group travel

I was travelling with a group and they made sure we are extra safe but, walking alone at night no sense of fear. IN A CAPITAL. safest i ever felt truly. also culture, gastronomy and sightseeingwise it is definitely on top. made me realise i want to move to sweden

Posted: March 7, 2025Experienced: July, 2024
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Eryka

Eryka

Poland

Stockholm, Solo travel

I was shocked that stockholm was actually quite cheap. Only museums and public transport were very expensive. But loved the subway stations, loved the kardemumma buns, a little strange to walk everywhere on red light 😂 Overall fun to see, but a bit boring to come back for me

Posted: January 30, 2025Experienced: November, 2024
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Sweden, Group travel

I felt very safe, we were 6 people and we stayed together in a hostel. It was cheap but for a solo traveler it can be more expencive. We went national museum, last one hour cheaper but you should be fast. Public transportation is good, you should see Vasa museum and metro lines and if you like Abba, ABBA museum is great.

Posted: November 6, 2024
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Luleå, Solo travel

I spent 2 weeks in Luleå chasing the northern lights. The whole city felt safe, never had any problems being a solo female traveler. I stayed at a local's place. They were very friendly and that helped with the cost, Luleå is expensive. I can only revommend Luleå, it was magical.

Posted: October 12, 2024Experienced: January, 2022
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Sweden, Solo travel

South Sweden was absolutely gorgeous, very green and clean. People spoke fantastic English and were warm and friendly. I visited Lund and Malmö and would highly recommend both. There's a bath house in Malmö that's really nice to visit.

Posted: September 12, 2024Experienced: May, 2024
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Sweden, Family travel

Hey guys, I was with my family in Sweden, to be exact in Malmö and in the areas near of it. It was in June and honestly it was really pretty, the sunset and all is perfect. The people are very nice and helpful. But there were some difficulties: There are parking issues, you have to have an app because without this, you can't really park. The parking is free for supermarket parking. Sweden is a must go country, sadly I wasn't able to go to more places. Near Malmö, you could go to Skanör Beach.

Posted: August 19, 2024
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Sweden, Solo travel

It was a great place to visit in summer and it very safe and my stay was very comfortable. I think Stockholm is a great city to see. A multicultural capital with some fantastic places to visit. shopping is great here but quite expensive due to the fact that Scandanvian countries are expensive. The boa trip trip and the sightseeing bus are the best way to see the city.

Posted: August 8, 2024Experienced: July, 2024
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Is Sweden safe for women?

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 178 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 178 local experiences

Stockholm

In general Stockholm is very safe. There are few places you can go where others aren't around (in terms of street)which means you're not very likely to get attacked. There is however an ongoing problem with gangs, but they are mainly targeting each other so unless you're involved or related to it somehow the likelihood of it affecting you is low. It is however possible to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Public transport is also very safe and accessible, there is normally someone working in the entrance to every station and it's not uncommon to see security around the underground at night.

Posted: April 16, 2025
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Emma

Emma

Varberg

I have never experienced anything or felt unsafe. But i cant talk for everyone of course. Varberg is a pretty small city so there isn’t so much going on 🙂. I am really happy to live here and people are very friendly

Posted: April 14, 2025
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Meet locals in Sweden

Chourouk

Chourouk

About Me

Hi, I’m Chourouk! I’m a Swedish-Moroccan traveler based in Stockholm, always looking for new adventures and cultural experiences. I love exploring different cuisines, discovering hidden gems, and meeting like-minded women who share a passion for travel. I’m also a mom to a wonderful daughter, which makes my travels even more special. Whether it’s solo trips, family-friendly destinations, or girls’ getaways, I’m always up for a new experience. When I’m not on the road, I work in healthcare, and in my free time, I enjoy football, Moroccan cooking, and planning my next trip. I speak multiple languages, which makes connecting with people from different backgrounds even more exciting! I’m here to find travel buddies, exchange tips, and maybe plan a trip together. Let’s explore the world!

Speaking

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Livia

Livia

About Me

My name is Livia, i’m 17y/o. I live in a small town in the north of Sweden and love to travel, work out and try/see new things n places!

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Sweden

Livia

Livia

Pitea

Can host for:

3 days

About me

My name is Livia, i’m 17y/o. I live in a small town in the north of Sweden and love to travel, work out and try/see new things n places!

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Sweden

Emily

Emily

About Me

Hello y Hola! My name is Emily Jean. I’m well traveled. Having lived in Argentina, Bolivia, and working in non-profit with primarily Mexican community, I’m fluent in Spanish. I know a lot about Colorado and could help you plan your trip, especially if hot springs or skiing are on your list.

Speaking

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Safety in Sweden