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 70 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.1/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

3.9/5

Budget-friendly

3.1/5

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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Stockholm, Solo travel

I felt very safe in Stockholm, the city centre is walkable but they have good public transportation too. I stayed in Mosebacke hostel in a private room. It was affordable, clean, good location, limited breakfast options so I only had a coffee. Overall it’s a nice city for a weekend trip.

Posted: August 23, 2025
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Stockholm, Family travel

Stockholm is a very attractive place with a lot of place where you can discover the swedish culture. Also a safe city for a family/friends trip. People here are very sociable and Nice. You can do a lot of free activities

Posted: August 15, 2025
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Thea

Thea

Sweden

Nordmaling, Family travel

When staying with my family, we’ve mostly spent time with my grandma in her little cottage house near the ocean in Fårskäret. Having spent most summers here during my childhood i’d say this is a truly amazing little hideout from the real world. Unfortunately it’s a bit of a drive to the nearest supermarket, around half an hour. In the “city” there’s not really much to do, there are a few restaurants, supermarkets and some second hand shops. Aside from that there’s one week during the summer with a lot of activities, such as a monster truck stunt show. We use our family car to get around, i wouldn’t say you could get around here without a vehicle to “live”, although biking trips are really cozy!

Posted: July 23, 2025
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Stockholm, Solo travel

I felt really safe while visiting Stockholm alone by myself. I went partying with some new people and I felt safe while going back home. I moved alone around the city and I felt safe. The city is beautiful and the country has a lot of things to do.

Posted: July 8, 2025Experienced: April, 2025
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Is Sweden safe for women?

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 240 local experiences

Crime index

2 /5

Based on 240 local experiences

Maria

Maria

Stockholm

It is very safe unless you go into a bad area (at night around T-Cebtralen there’s drunk people but they won’t do anything to you). Worst thing you will be catcalled but even that it’s extremely rare

Posted: August 29, 2025
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Safety in Sweden