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 49 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4/5

Budget-friendly

3.1/5

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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FichtenTinte

FichtenTinte

Germany

Stockholm, Solo travel

Stockholm is full of nature. If you have a tent with you, I definitely recommend staying in a nature reserve. There are many places with beautiful sunsets. You should definitely get "Too Good To Go". You can get a lot of food there for a reasonable price. The best surprise bags are available at the espresso house and Lindquist's Pastry in Stockholm.

Posted: August 7, 2024Experienced: July, 2024
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Abisko, Solo travel

I hiked at the kungsleden from abisko till abiskojaure in june, it was a amazing experience, the nature was amazing and it was no problem to hike alone, because you meet a lot of new people there! definitely a must do!!

Posted: July 28, 2024Experienced: May, 2024
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Is Sweden safe for women?

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 164 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 164 local experiences

Mariam

Mariam

Stockholm

Stockholm is great, it's a bit dull during the autumn and winter seasons, but overall a bit pricey. People are very helpful and friendly and most of it's residents speak fluent English so that's great.

Posted: March 23, 2025
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Elvira

Elvira

Mora

I feel generally safe here, but there are always risks. Criminals connected with drugs or alcohol tend to keep to their small circle. Attacks on innocent people are unlikely. Be careful in less public areas though and wild animals close to roads! :)

Posted: March 16, 2025
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Safety in Sweden