Is Bern Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Bern is considered incredibly safe for solo female travelers. The crime rate is low, people are usually helpful and respectful, and public transportation operates reliably. Like any city, it's important to remain aware of your surroundings, especially at night, but the general atmosphere is peaceful and welcoming.

Safety rating

4.1 /5

Based on 6 experiences from female travelers

4.8 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.4 /5

Based on 34 experiences from local women

Bern is currently ranked #72 safest place in Switzerland for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 4.1 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Bern?

Safety at night:Very safe

Bern is known for having a reputation of being incredibly secure. Even at night, it maintains its safe feeling. The streets are well lit and are usually still occupied until late, especially in the city centre. The public transportation system runs smoothly and is available until late hours. However, like any city in the world, always take the normal precautionary measures such as avoiding dark alleys, not flaunting expensive possessions, and keeping an eye on your belongings.

Public transportation:Very safe

Bern presents a well-managed and highly efficient public transportation system. From buses to trams and trains, comfort and safety are taken very seriously. The vehicles are usually very neat and often equipped with CCTV cameras, contributing to a secure environment. It's normal to see solo passengers, women or otherwise, up until the last operational hours. Bern is generally known for its low crime rates, hence taking public transport, even at night, is considered very safe.

Street harassment:Low

Bern generally holds a reputation for being a safe and respectful city. Street harassment is not a common experience for most. However, like any city globally, it is always important to remain cautious and aware of your surroundings at all times.

Petty crimes:Low

Bern is regarded as a safe city with relatively low crime rates. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching are not frequent. However, it's always prudent to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas such as tourist attractions, stations, and public transportation.

Is Bern worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.9 /5

based on 6 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.9/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

3.1/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

Berta

Germany

Solo travel

This was my first solo trip! It was amazing, I stayed at a place that I found through the app Trusted Housesitters, so I was taking care of a cat while I was there which made my experience 1000 times better. Bern was much more exciting than I expected, it has beautiful mountains around it, very interesting shops and historical places and nice people :) it also snowed while I was there so that was great

Posted: May 28, 2025

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Antonia

Austria

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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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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Mrika

Kosovo

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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Lenny

Taiwan

Family travel

I went to Bern in summer and found that river floating activity was quite popular. Unfortunately, we didn’t know that beforehand. My brother and I really wanted to try it Lol I also enjoy ancient vibe in Bern city!

Posted: October 24, 2023

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Solo travel

Amazing place super historical , the best of the best in culture. People are pretty friendly, all of them. Many places in the center to find and see, also outside hiking, for example ib Interlaken really nice views all over

Posted: July 2, 2023

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Is Bern safe for women?

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 34 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 34 local experiences

Pretty safe, there are certain areas that i wouldn‘t visit alone at night but in general i feel pretty safe. The city center is quite small so there are always people around. But of course i always feel safer when i‘m with someone.

Posted: May 28, 2025

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Bern is a very safe place. During the day, you don’t have to be afraid at all. Only at night, I would avoid the Bollwerk/Schützenmatt area. But even in the city center, it’s not really a problem at night. Sometimes, there are people asking for money, but you just need to say you don’t have any cash and they’ll leave without another word.

Posted: May 15, 2025

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