Is Switzerland Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Switzerland is known for its high levels of safety and low crime rate. Local authorities are very helpful and it's easy to navigate the public transportation system, even at night. Like anywhere, you should always be aware of your surroundings, avoid poorly-lit or deserted areas late at night and keep an eye on your belongings. But overall, as a solo female traveler, you can feel very secure traveling in Switzerland.

Safety rating

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How safe is Switzerland?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Very safe

Switzerland as a whole has a high level of safety, even during night time. Well-lit streets, reliable public transportation, and a generally low crime rate make it safe to walk alone at night. However, it's always advisable to remain aware of your surroundings and take precautions like avoiding isolated areas and carrying a phone with a local SIM for emergency contact.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Very safe

Public transportation in Switzerland is one of the safest in the world. Trains and buses are reliable, punctual, and always in pristine condition due to frequent maintenance. The localities are respectful and generally maintain good conduct. For solo female travelers, there is a low risk involved when traveling even at late night as the systems are well-lit, highly monitored, and assistance is readily available. Regardless, it's always best to stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Very low

Switzerland is quite a safe country when it comes to street harassment. Incidences are relatively low, with most locals respectful and polite. Women can usually move around without facing any unwelcomed encounters. However, as in any country, caution should be exercised, particularly during the night or in less crowded areas.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Switzerland is considered one of the safest countries in the world. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing or bag snatching can occur, predominantly in touristic and crowded places, but they are relatively rare. To reduce the risk, you should remain aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure and out of sight. Regular precautions like not leaving your belongings unattended will suffice in most cases. Overall, the risk of encountering petty crimes in Switzerland is low.

Is Switzerland worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 69 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

4/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5

Switzerland, Group travel

I immediately fell in love with this country right when we arrived. Its beauty and charm is like nothing else, and I felt at home no matter what city we travelled to. The food is so fresh and local that it’s almost always worth the 30 franks!

Posted: January 5, 2025Experienced: March, 2024
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Anna

Anna

Ukraine

Lucerne, Family travel

I had a brief but memorable stop in Lucerne for about 3-4 hours during my trip. I spent most of the time walking around the city, enjoying the beautiful scenery. We had a snack by the river (highly recommend it, though it’s a bit pricey—well, that’s Switzerland for you). I also tried some ice cream, and I still remember how one scoop cost 4 euros! For me, that’s a huge difference, since in Ukraine, 4 euros could buy you 4-6 scoops. However, the scoop was as big as my fist, and it was delicious! We also took a stroll to the famous flower-covered bridge, listened to some musicians, and then headed to another city. Lucerne left a stronger impression on me than Zurich. The people were friendly, even the tourists (unlike in Zurich, where I didn’t feel as comfortable with the younger crowd).

Posted: January 3, 2025
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Switzerland, Family travel

My experience in Switzerland was great, it was summer of 2024 and i’d say that is the best time to visit Switzerland, the scenery and the mountains are just beautiful. It is pretty expensive especially in Zürich but it’s definitely worth it

Posted: January 2, 2025
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Basel, Solo travel

Basel is overall a very beautiful city and truly feels like a border town. The people are genuinely kind and helpful. However, Switzerland is unbelievably expensive. Since it’s a small city, you can explore all the main attractions in just two days, which is sufficient. Of course, I tried fondue and Swiss chocolate, as they’re famous there, and they were absolutely delicious—though, as I mentioned, incredibly pricey. Accommodation is also very expensive, but I was lucky to have a friend there, so I stayed with them. Overall, Basel is a safe and charming city.

Posted: January 1, 2025Experienced: November, 2024
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Switzerland, Family travel

I had a chance to travel to Switzerland over summer and it was amazing! I felt very safe, there was never any problems. The people were incredibly nice and welcoming. I highly recommend going up Mount Titlis, as well as Mount Pilatus, the views were truly breathtaking. I’m vegan and Switzerland is known for being a heavy meat country however i didn’t have problems to find vegan options in big cities like Zurich or Lucerne and was actually surprised by all the plant based options at the supermarkets. To get around i used only the trains, i got a travel pass which was very useful however really expensive like everything else in Switzerland😅

Posted: November 17, 2024
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Switzerland, Solo travel

Switzerland is such a nice and beautiful place, I am very happy and grateful to be able to visit. Nature is amazing, lake, forest, many beautiful meetings, people. Transport can be expensive, need to plan well your trip with that. Definitely recommend this gorgeous country!

Posted: October 12, 2024Experienced: August, 2024
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Mathilde

Mathilde

France

Switzerland, Solo travel

Travelled alone by bike in Switzerland. The country is very safe, people are nice and helpful. I travelled from Geneva to Zurich passing by many cities and lakes. It was a great experience but life is very very expensive.

Posted: September 9, 2024Experienced: August, 2024
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Khanyisa

Khanyisa

Netherlands

Basel, Couple travel

We were in Basel for 2 days. Found the place to be expensive especially based on the foreign exchange rate...but we felt safe and loved the free public transport...it rained a lot but we still managed to walk the city..

Posted: August 29, 2024Experienced: November, 2023
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Carla

Carla

Belgium

Lugano, Family travel

We went to the concert of Einaudi. It was beautifull. City also. It’s not so easy to find places for swimming. You have a little beach. The enviroment is beautifull. In half an hour you are in Italy & you can visit another lake

Posted: August 17, 2024Experienced: June, 2024
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Vella

Vella

Austria

Lauterbrunnen, Solo travel

It was quite nice soloing there. Nature is lovely. The only thing i found problematical was camping. They are full if you don't book them a few months in advance for at least 5 days. So, I did a lot of hiking to reach a place where to sleep safely

Posted: August 15, 2024Experienced: June, 2024
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Is Switzerland safe for women?

Safety index

4.6 /5

Based on 242 local experiences

Crime index

1.6 /5

Based on 242 local experiences

Basel

It is safe until a certain time. After that, I avoid any public places like parks or public transport. In a larger group, I feel safer. I don't do much alone at night.

Posted: January 20, 2025
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Fride

Fride

Zurich

People are friendly and it is a safe place for women to travel alone. From what I hear, the drug consumption is quite high compared to other European cities - however, it is not something that I have noticed or been exposed to.

Posted: January 20, 2025
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Safety in Switzerland