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 75 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.1/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

3.9/5

Budget-friendly

3.1/5
Linda

Linda

Sweden

Borlange, Solo travel

Stayed in Borlänge during summer and went to a small outdoor restaurant close to the station. Alot of live music during the weeks (tickets needed) but such a great experience and atmosphere. Would love to go back!

Posted: October 6, 2025
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Stockholm, Solo travel

I really enjoyed my time in Stockholm at the end of August! ✨ The city is super clean, well connected by public transport ( the metro stations are full of art🤩) and very safe overall (just be cautious around slussen at night). It was my third time in the city and went to Abba museum (very worth it), ice bar, Drottningholm palace, Gamla Stan, Stadhuset and I can recommend everything! Loved Swedish meatballs, cinnamon buns and having fika! If you get a chance to go to Stockholm, you'll not regret it 💌

Posted: September 30, 2025Experienced: July, 2025
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Mileena

Mileena

United States

Sweden, Family travel

Sweden is a beautiful country. Everyone there was so kind and welcoming. I enjoyed having fika with my family and new friends. The sweets were so good! I was surprised while I was there the sun never faded at night. Felt like a dream. 💕

Posted: September 9, 2025
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Sweden, Solo travel

I stayed with a now EX friend.. yeah don't do that... She ended up being so insecure and disgustingly rude to me. (But it's only because she has a "mental illness", so do I but I'm not rude to others because of it). It was safer staying with a random girl I met at a concert. Apart from that, it was great! Stockholm is fun, the days I spent there I had a blast.. however with the friend I stayed in the middle of nowhere with NOTHING to do- stay in a city where public transport is easily accessible

Posted: September 5, 2025Experienced: July, 2025
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Stockholm, Solo travel

I stayed in Östermalm and there are lots of bars and restaurants in this area as it's very central, so I would recommend staying here. It was nice to see Gamla Stan/the old town and also Skansen and the Tivoli. I felt the nightlife was a little tame but it might be because the weather was terrible on the nights I went out (heavy rain)!

Posted: August 27, 2025Experienced: June, 2025
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Is Sweden safe for women?

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 249 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 249 local experiences

Linda

Linda

Uppsala

It's all about in what areas you are staying. Overall I feel very safe beeing out at night in the city. When you liv in a van, it's good to do a little bit of research before so that you're not staying in an area that has a high level of crimes.

Posted: October 6, 2025
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Safety in Sweden