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 safe to travel?

4.8 /5

Based on 23 experiences

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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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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Gulu

Gulu

Austria

Zurich, Solo travel

That was my very first solo travelling experience. Zurich was so safe and pretty. Although I spent a lot of money fro food and transport, I enjoyed there to the fullest. At night I stayed with a couple who I hadn't met before. They were super nice people and prepared dinner for me and welcomed me with kind hugs. It felt so amazing being solo traveller and making such a perfect connection there.

Posted: August 8, 2024Experienced: February, 2024
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Bern, Solo travel

In general, the city is pretty safe. However, please do take care of yourself and your belongings at the train stations. It seems to be the main place where the drug addicts flock to. I stayed in an Airbnb 20mins away from the train station and I’m still exploring the city. People are generally nice here as well.

Posted: July 30, 2024
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Sherry

Sherry

Egypt

Switzerland, Group travel

I travelled in Sep the weather was awesom not cold not hot. It was safe moving around daytime but iI didn’t try to move at night. Interlaken,Grindelwald, Montreaux and geneva all was so magical for me . The trip was very expensive and the food quality was average But generally I will travel there over and over

Posted: July 29, 2024
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Beyza

Beyza

Turkey

Basel, Family travel

It was safe. Nature was very beautiful. But everything was very expensive. It’s impossible to drink coffee or eat out. Swimming in Rhine is very enjoyable. As long as you do free activities, Basel is very nice. Hiking in nature, definitely go to Well am Rhein

Posted: July 24, 2024
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Switzerland, Solo travel

This is one of the absolute safest countries I’ve traveled to so far. Even though it lives to its standard of being expensive — it is so worth to visit it for endless hikes. I would recommend either getting Swiss travel pass or Interrail pass for Switzerland, because it can (and probably will be) cheaper than travelling with trains otherwise. And travelling on trains in Switzerland is not only amazingly convenient way to access most hikes, but the trains themselves — modern, comfortable and definitely on time. However, keeping in mind prices in Switzerland (especially hiking spots) — I highly suggest bringing your own food or getting pre made meals in Coop.

Posted: June 27, 2024
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Mrika

Mrika

Kosovo

Bern, Solo travel

I visited Bern for the 4th time and it was wonderful as ussual, I had very nice weather so I walked around mostly. I felt very safe walking by myself. You should see the bear park and walk around if you can and eat some michelin star delicious sweets near there. The old city is wonderful to walk around too, you have shops there as well. Visit Thun the city and the lake if you have the time. Also trains and trams are very reliable so use that. Everything is pretty expensive so preapre yourself.

Posted: June 27, 2024
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Zurich, Solo travel

I came to Zürich for work but stayed on a couple of days to get to know the city. The public transportation is fantastic and downtown is very slick while also having plenty of places to gather and be. It's expensive as would be expected. I felt safe in the areas I visited. People are generally very helpful if asked about life here and how to navigate.

Posted: May 21, 2024Experienced: April, 2024
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Is Switzerland safe for women?

Safety rating

4.6 /5

Based on 100 experiences

Crime rates rating

1.7 /5

Based on 100 experiences

Solothurn

Solothurn is a small town in Switzerland. I'm now living in the town for 6 yeaes and grew up near by. I never experienced any problems with safety. The chances of beeing robbed or abused are verry low. I feel safe to walk home alone in the eveningS.

Posted: September 12, 2024
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Basel-City

Basel is a overall very safe place. However after dark there are places you want to avoid such as Kleinbasel. That being said I feel comfortable being in a group at dark walking around and have never had any issues in Kleinbasel.

Posted: August 31, 2024
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Is Switzerland safe right now?

Before your visit to Switzerland, it's essential to check travel advisories for Switzerland, 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 AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The United States government advises to exercise normal precautions in Switzerland. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: July 26, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Canadian government advises taking normal security precautions in Switzerland. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: August 13, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian Government advises exercising normal safety precautions in Switzerland. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 18, 2024

Is Switzerland worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 23 experiences

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
Things to do: 3/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 4/5
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Zurich, Solo travel

Really beautiful city with beautiful nature landscapes of course. The center of Zurich feels like Europe and has a nice mix of history and architecture. But the real magic of the city is on the outskirts. Really recommend taking a car out to some of those beautiful nature spots and enjoying the real Switzerland

Posted: July 24, 2024Experienced: July, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Switzerland

Meet local women in Switzerland who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
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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Lara

Lara

About Me

Hello, I‘m Lara and looking forward to my first solo trip starting in september 2024 and ends in november. ✈️ After my volunteering in Costa Rica🇨🇷, I‘ll br travelling through the States🇺🇸 without plans and I‘m open to meet new people😁✌🏼

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Switzerland

Stay with local women in Switzerland who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Hospitality exchange is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
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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Lara

Lara

Liestal

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello, I‘m Lara and looking forward to my first solo trip starting in september 2024 and ends in november. ✈️ After my volunteering in Costa Rica🇨🇷, I‘ll br travelling through the States🇺🇸 without plans and I‘m open to meet new people😁✌🏼

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Switzerland

Connect with upcoming visitors to Switzerland who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Channing

Channing

About Me

I am sweet, patient, an experimentalist, explorer, a scholar, and much more! I have recently graduated with a MA in Psychology and chose to explore a little bit of the world before going back to school for a Ph.D. in Counseling. I believe experiences and the connections we make along the way are much more important than possessions. Whether we are sharing a meal, a deep conversation, or just a cup of coffee, I am all about making connections. I am naturally curious and love hearing stories from different walks of life—everyone has something unique to share I have always wanted to travel and believe it is a way of understanding the world and myself a little better. Whether it is exploring hidden gems in a bustling city or getting lost in nature, I am always up for an adventure. When I am not traveling, you can find me diving into a good non-fiction book (I enjoy reading about psychology, neuropsychological, spirituality, self-help, and more), experimenting in the kitchen, or working on my latest passion project. I am easygoing, respectful, and always willing to lend a hand—whether that is helping out with chores or just being a good listener. I am a yoga instructor, and used to instruct mindfulness and secular yoga to elementary and middle school children. I can share my knowledge about movement (physical fitness) and health! I am also a wonderful cook. I would say I am most knowledgeable about relationships and emotion. I am a passionate learner who enjoys diving into new topics, whether they are related to culture, history, science, or anything in between. I believe there is always something new to discover, and I am always eager to expand my knowledge through meaningful conversations and experiences. Whether it is discussing the latest book I am reading, exploring a new city, or simply learning from the people I meet, I am constantly asking questions, and am driven by curiosity and the desire to understand the world and myself better

Speaking

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victoria

victoria

About Me

I am planning my first backpacking trip around Europe March 2024! It’s my golden birthday & I am planning to do most of the trip solo.

Speaking

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Safety in Switzerland