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 71 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

4/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5
Antonia

Antonia

Austria

Bern, Solo travel

During my stay in Bern I felt fairly save except in a few dark parks at night. The city isn’t too big, you can definitely see it in one or two days. It’s surrounded by a river with an amazing view, theres a few sights and museums, I can also recommend the animal park/zoo in the south. Old town is cute, I liked that it had giant chess boards and other games on the piazzas to play with strangers or friends. Price, well it’s Switzerland it’s expensive. All in all cute city, also has good public transportation as far as I could tell! :)

Posted: January 30, 2025Experienced: January, 2025
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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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Is Switzerland safe for women?

Safety index

4.6 /5

Based on 297 local experiences

Crime index

1.7 /5

Based on 297 local experiences

Switzerland

Switzerland is pretty safe. But i have a social anxiety so i'm always worried about things that like never happen here. I was never robbed out or something like that. Not even our house got robbed out.

Posted: February 15, 2025
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Rahel

Rahel

Winterthur

Winterthur is safe. I have never had a negative experience. When I go out, it can happen that a drunk person makes a stupid comment, but I just ignore it and keep walking. I’m not afraid to go out alone in the evening for a walk or anything like that. Overall, I feel very safe.

Posted: February 14, 2025
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Meet locals in Switzerland

Shannon

Shannon

About Me

American living in Switzerland since 2009. Love travel and meeting new people. Experiences and hearing people’s stories is so important / and curiosity > judgement.

Speaking

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Carla

Carla

About Me

I study law at the University in Lucerne and work part time. I'm a foodie, love spending time in nature, swimming, hiking, stand up paddling, yoga, biking and other activities. I'm also interested in photography and live music. Love talking about live, the universe and everything (best accompanied with a good meal).

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Switzerland

Shannon

Shannon

Zurich

Can host for:

3 days

About me

American living in Switzerland since 2009. Love travel and meeting new people. Experiences and hearing people’s stories is so important / and curiosity > judgement.

Speaking

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Carla

Carla

Stans

Can host for:

4 days

About me

I study law at the University in Lucerne and work part time. I'm a foodie, love spending time in nature, swimming, hiking, stand up paddling, yoga, biking and other activities. I'm also interested in photography and live music. Love talking about live, the universe and everything (best accompanied with a good meal).

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Switzerland

Alexandra

Alexandra

About Me

I'm planning a trip through Europe and would like to have some connections in new places. I don't have a plan for my life yet, so for now I'm just trying new things and learning about different cultures and people.

Speaking

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Maria

Maria

About Me

Hi, I'm Mary, 27 years old, architect, love discover the world and come back home, love adventure and mistery. I'm a very outgoing and loud person.

Speaking

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Safety in Switzerland