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.
Tap water:

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?

Safety rating

3.8 /5

Based on 5 experiences

Crime rates rating

1.2 /5

Based on 5 experiences

Sweden is pretty criminal in big cities but in small towns it is really safe. It is overall a safe country so nothing to be worried about. It's a good country with good help. In my hometown for example it is really safe and there's nothing to worry about.

Posted: July 9, 2024
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Yana

Yana

It's quite safe for women in general but overall crime rite has increased lately . There are some gangs, especially in the immigrant regions. I feel safe . I live in the immigrant region where mostly people from Somalia live .

Posted: July 1, 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 24, 2024
🇨🇦

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: July 24, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Sweden, due to the threat of terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: May 13, 2024

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.
Cheryl

Cheryl

About Me

Hi! I'm Cheryl, currently an exchange student in Europe for 6 months. I am very excited to travel around and meet new people 😄😄

Speaking

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Lana

Lana

About Me

Hi. I am Lana. I am master student in Italy, university of Messina. I am Korean and want to visit as more European countries as I can during my studying abroad here :))

Speaking

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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.
Sigrid

Sigrid

Forslov

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello, my name is Sigrid. Young Artist and entrepreneur from Sweden. I come from a community and travel a lot since a young age, I am used to Couchsurfing and also hosting others if there are space in our community in Sweden. I am easy going, kind, fun and generous in nature. I often travel for work so I sometimes need a place to stay, if I have the time of work I am interested in exploring places and meeting new people :)

Speaking

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Asa

Asa

Stockholm

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Hi! 😀 I am a spontaneous, adventure seeking 29 yr old queer woman! I enjoy making music 🎶, playing improv theatre, swimming and hiking🥾I am always up for trying out new things and meeting new people. I look for spontaneity and open mindedness in others to have deep conversations! :) I would be happy to show you around or let you crash on my couch if you’re ever in town! 😊

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Sweden

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

Eira

About Me

My name means 'snow' in welsh, and conveniently I love the cold 🥹 my favourite thing about travelling is the people you meet along the way, I've made so many friends for life through these kinds of apps. I love to visit new places, while I can enjoy cities I am by far more of a rural girly, I loveeee being out in nature with my big friendly travel companion Poppy (this dog is my heart and soul)❤️ would love to be able to meet some more amazing women through this site! Even if I can't be hosted I'd love to cook nice vegan food for you, or just meet up for a hike or to explore some new places

Speaking

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Anna

Anna

About Me

Hey hey, It's difficult to describe who I am when I just talk about the things I do. So I would like to start with my personality: I am a mostly quite motivated and energetic person, but if I feel really comfy with someone I get quiet. I have a huge need for justice for everyone and due to that I am a very political person, but I don't like to stay in my bubble, so I love learning about new perspectives:) I am a huge fan of good vegan food, cold water, the nature, art and people with passions :)

Speaking

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Safety in Sweden