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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Safety index

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: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: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: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.

Tap water:Very safe

Tap water in Sweden is held to the highest quality standards and is rigorously tested, making it not only safe to drink but also often tastier than bottled water. Whether you're in a city or in rural areas, you can confidently drink from the tap.

Is Sweden safe to travel?

4.7 /5

Based on 6 experiences

Solo travel experience

I spent most of my trip in Stockholm, but also visited Gothenburg and Sigtuna. The transport was fantastic. I was staying in an Airbnb outside of the city and could easily get there by train or bus from where I stayed. Everyone spoke English. The cities were full of history, there was a lot to discover, and I enjoyed Fika (coffee break) every day. I've never felt so safe.

Posted: December 26, 2023
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Brina

Brina (28)

New Zealand

Solo travel experience

I solo traveled and also bicycle-rode southern Sweden in spring 2022 and again some in summer. I mostly stayed in the 2nd most populated/biggest city called Göteborg/Gothenburg. I also stayed in random rural areas and in August 2022 was in Stockholm the biggest city. Overall a very beautiful country with nice people and a good mix of outdoor activity and people and indoor activity and people. I bicycle-rode thesouthwest coast of Sweden and bicycled Sweden to Norway and it was incredibly beautiful and bicycle supportive, in spring 2022. There are many advanced countries that are not supportive of bicycles as transportation but Sweden overall is and that is great. Scandinavians and Swedes are known to be "cold" or unfriendly. From my perspective after spending multiple months here I find the swedes nice but just not as friendly as other countries people. It is a very safe place though the locals may tell you about how bad their crimes have been lately-but a high crime rate in Sweden seems pretty fine compared to other countries. It is a safe country. Highly LGBTQ+ friendly. Nightlife is decent/good in Sweden places close 3am or after that (in biggest cities not rural areas) which is great. Go to "Yaki Da" in Göteborg before 10pm to get in free. I was at Yaki Da every single Wednesday night dancing until 3am with lots of people who also like Wednesday nights - Wednesday party nights at Yaki Da in this city will forever be in my heart. Go to Trädgården club in Stockholm also free before 9 pm, awesome wicked place. I cannot say much about expenses or things to do because I am a solo traveler who uses the community "Couchsurfing" where I stay for free with locals in their homes. I was not able to afford things to do that were not free in Sweden-so I cannot say much about expenses or things to do other than beautiful nature and going out to free places and activities. The Couchsurfing community here was amazing to me and I am forever grateful for my hosts in this country.

Posted: October 14, 2023Experienced: May, 2022
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Group travel experience

It is a rly safe country. Everybody is so kind. I went by bus and made alot of friends during the trip. I went Kayaking and went camping. While camping I always felt safe, there wasn't a moment when I got worried. Best countrie I ever did

Posted: May 15, 2023Experienced: July, 2022
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Solo travel experience

Travel Plan: 3 days: Stockholm 1 day: Färnebofjärden National Park 2 days: Kosterhavet National Park Safety: Sweden was amazing and I felt safe there all the time. Recommendations: Stockholm is very pedestrian-friendly, and public transportation is great.

Posted: September 25, 2022
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Solo travel experience

Travel Plan: 4 days in Stockholm Safety: I felt very safe. Recommendations: Stockholm is a wonderful city, but quite expensive.

Posted: September 25, 2022
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Is Sweden safe for women to live?

Im always looking around when its dark (my own safety task), and absolutely something can happen, but overall am not worried in Sweden. Some places are more unsafe than other, but if you go in the daylight its a low risk, even in the dark most of the places.

Posted: March 16, 2024
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Sweden is a really sade country for solo Female travellers in general! Just be aware as in any other country for sexual harassment as a female traveller but other than that I would say you’re good to go.

Posted: March 3, 2024
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Is Sweden safe right now?

Before your visit to Sweden, it's essential to check travel advisories for Sweden, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The United States government advises exercising increased caution in Sweden due to terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 26, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Sweden due to the threat of terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 24, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian government advises to exercise a high degree of caution in Sweden due to the emerging threat of terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: August 18, 2023

Is Sweden worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.1 /5

based on 6 experiences

Group travel experience

i did my university exchange in sweden and loved being there! we stayed in a small town where everyone was fairly friendly but still kept to themselves and gave you enough privacy. most locals could speak english so it wasn’t too difficult to get around

Posted: May 1, 2023
Things to do: 3/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Sweden

Meet local women in Sweden who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Kajsa

Kajsa

About Me

I’m social, happy to get to know new people and to help others along their journey! I like to explore hidden gems and to sit down in the sun, preferably with a lot of greenery around, and read a book!🌿 I like lindy-hop and music. I love falling in love with other peoples passions and would like to hear about yours haha.☺️ I’m Swedish, and therefore celebrate midsummer, and ofc it’s just like the horrorfilm!😈☠️ haha jokes aside, please write if you wanna hang out! Or maybe I’ll write to you😁

Speaking

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Lana

Lana

About Me

Hi. I am Lana. Now I am an exchange student in Vaxjo, Sweden. I would live to explore Scandinavia during my stay here! Also, Baltic side countries!^^

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Stay with locals in Sweden

Stay with local women in Sweden who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Celine

Celine

Helsingborg

Can host for:

3 days

About me

53 years old. Teacher.

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simriti

simriti

Stockholm

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi , I am a fun person who loves to observe new places and things to understand one self better .

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Upcoming visitors to Sweden

Connect with upcoming visitors to Sweden who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Tabitha

Tabitha

About Me

I am 35 year d mother of one and a wife, currently an MBA student at USIU. I love playing golf, travelling, meeting new people, swimming and reading.

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Maryanne

Maryanne

About Me

I’m Maryanne from Norway. I have done a lot of solo travelling, primarily in Latin America, but also India and different places in Europe, including my own country. I also studied in the UK for 3 years. I love meeting new people and have met so many lovely people while solo travelling and people travelling to Norway. I’m outgoing and social and love the outdoors, but also appreciate a chill day inside with a coffee or a glass of wine. I’m fluent in Norwegian and English and know some Spanish as well.

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Safety in Sweden