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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Safety index

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: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: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: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.

Tap water:Very safe

Tap water in Switzerland is definitely safe to drink. In fact, it is among the best quality drinking water sources globally, coming from natural springs and mountain lakes. Both cities and rural areas have exceptional water quality.

Is Switzerland safe to travel?

4.8 /5

Based on 17 experiences

Solo travel experience

I felt really safe in all the places I visited here, even at night by myself. If you like nature and outdoors activities, there are many things to do, but if you like to party, this place might not be the best. About the food, it is okay. The traditional dishes are quite tasty, but other than that, there’s not much variety. It is a very expensive country, public transport, restaurants, accommodation, etc. I stayed mostly in airbnbs, they were nice, and the train here is the best. Quite expensive but it is very good and always on time.

Posted: March 28, 2024
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Samira

Samira

Russia

Solo travel experience

During my visit to Switzerland, I explored Basel, Zurich, and Geneva over five days. The primary reason for my trip was a conference in Zurich, although my plans altered due to a flight cancellation, leading me to spend two hours in Basel before taking a train to Zurich. On the last day, I managed to visit Geneva. Regarding safety, Switzerland felt remarkably secure even during late evenings. I felt comfortable walking until 9:30 pm, while a friend mentioned feeling safe to walk there even at 3 am. The locals are generally helpful, although not everyone speaks English fluently. Preparing a list of tourist spots and their addresses on your phone can be useful when seeking directions. Showing these details to locals can assist them in understanding and guiding you appropriately. For accommodations, I spent around 650 euros for two hotels in Zurich and Geneva, choosing mid-range options rather than budget accommodations. In terms of food and restaurants, there are numerous restaurants offering delicious Swiss cuisine. During my visit to Geneva, I had the pleasure of dining at Auberge de Savièse, a charming restaurant renowned for its authentic Swiss cuisine. This cozy restaurant exuded a traditional Swiss atmosphere with its wooden decor and inviting ambiance. Transportation within Switzerland is convenient, mainly through an extensive and efficient train network. Navigating the train system is relatively easy, and it's a reliable way to travel between cities. In Zurich and Geneva, the tram and bus networks complement the train system well. They offer efficient city travel, reaching various attractions. Navigating these networks is straightforward, enhancing the overall convenience of getting around both cities. However, it's essential to be mindful of transportation rules and ensure you have valid tickets as there are regular checks. Day 1: Arrival in Basel, train to Zurich Day 2: Exploring Zurich Day 3: Exploring Zurich Day 4: Train to Geneva; exploring the city Day 5: Departure from Geneva, flying back home

Posted: December 27, 2023
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Solo travel experience

Switzerland is so clean and safe! It's a bit expensive since they use Swiss francs, and people are usually quiet and keep to themselves (from my experience, which is fine because I'm similar), but it's so beautiful and peaceful there.

Posted: December 12, 2022
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Solo travel experience

I made one of my first solo trips in Switzerland. It's a great place to try solo traveling. It is a place very easy to get around, very safe, and most people speak English.

Posted: November 21, 2022
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Solo travel experience

Travel plan: Day 1 – Zurich Day 2 – Lucerne Day 3, 4 and 5 – Gruyères Day 6 and 7 – Zermatt Day 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 – Gimmelwald Day 13 – Zurich Safety: I felt very safe as a lone traveler. Recommendations: Switzerland is a beautiful country, but the costs of accommodation and eating out are high.

Posted: September 25, 2022
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Solo travel experience

Travel plan: Day 1 - Zurich Day 2 - Lucerne Day 3 - Train from Lucerne to Interlaken Day 4, 5 and 6 - Jungfrau region Safety: I felt safe walking alone, and the people were friendly. Recommendations: Switzerland is an expensive country, especially eating out and public transportation.

Posted: September 25, 2022
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Solo travel experience

Schedule: Day 1: arrival in Zurich and train ride to Grindelwald Day 2: sightseeing in Grindelwald Day 3: day trip to Lauterbrunnen Day 4: sightseeing in Grindelwald Day 5 and 6: Interlaken Safety: I felt really safe there. Recommendations: Public transportation in Switzerland is excellent, even to the mountains.

Posted: September 25, 2022
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Solo travel experience

Route: Day 1 (Zurich to Lucerne) Day 2 (Mount Rigi) Day 3 (Lucerne to Interlaken) Day 4 (Murren, Schilthorn, Gimmelwald, Lauterbrunnen) Day 5 (hiking over Lake Oeschinensee, Grindelwald) Day 6 (Interlaken to Zermatt) Day 7 (Zermatt to Bern to Zurich) Day 8 (Zurich) Safety: I consider Switzerland to be a very safe country. Recommendations: Switzerland is a beautiful, small country but very expensive, including food.

Posted: September 25, 2022
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Solo travel experience

Travel plan: Day 1: Zurich Day 2: Lucerne Day 3: Grindelwald Day 4: Lauterbrunnen Day 5: Interlaken & Kandersteg Day 6: Zurich Safety: I walked alone many times at night and I felt safe. Recommendations: Switzerland is the most amazing place to visit, but it's very expensive.

Posted: September 25, 2022
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Is Switzerland safe for women to live?

Switzerland is a very safe country. I’m living in Basel and it’s a nice city where everybody is taking care of others in case you need it. There are also some telephone numbers you can call in case you feel in danger and the attention is super good.

Posted: April 4, 2024
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Togzhan

Togzhan

This country is very calm, people nice open and friendly. Crime level is very low. I never had problems in this country with safety. I was living in different places before and I have enough experience to verify this.

Posted: March 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: April 3, 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

4.1 /5

based on 17 experiences

Eduarda

Eduarda

Brazil

Solo travel experience

Everything is extremely expensive, particularly the train tickets. Public transport is great and extremely punctual. I found the people to be nice. On Sundays, only the restaurants open; no stores or markets are open. So, you can only walk and take stroll. I liked Bern more than Zurich. I found it more beautiful and with fewer modern constructions.

Posted: April 7, 2024
Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I was in Switzerland in May for 6 days. I had a car and drove from Zurich to Zermatt, where I spent 2 days. Then I went to Lauterbrunnen for 2 days and to Lucerne for another 2. I took a one-day trip to Bern for about half a day. There was a lot of traveling, but I had a great time and it is incredibly beautiful there.

Posted: September 29, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 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.
PARVATHY

PARVATHY

About Me

Hello, I'm PARVATHY and I'm interested in architecture, art, books, culture, cinema, dancing, events & social, food & cuisine, history, languages and nature

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Eduarda

Eduarda

About Me

Hello beautiful people.🌺🙏🏼 I am a portuguese living in Switzerland, passionate about travelling and getting to know new cultures and people. I value a good and deep conversation, a deep sense of humour and a joy for new experiences.

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Stay with locals in Switzerland

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

Eduarda

Lucerne

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello beautiful people.🌺🙏🏼 I am a portuguese living in Switzerland, passionate about travelling and getting to know new cultures and people. I value a good and deep conversation, a deep sense of humour and a joy for new experiences.

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Andrea

Andrea

Geneva

Can host for:

5 days

About me

I am a student at the UNIGE. I am offering a hospitality exchange :)

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Upcoming visitors to Switzerland

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Cindy

Cindy

About Me

Hi there :) My name is Cindy and I'm 25 years old. I'm working as a chemist and I really enjoy trying different kinds of sports. I also like nature in general and good food. :) For educational purposes I'm travelling to Lausanne in June. I'd be very grateful for an opportunity to stay at a local place.

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Solange

Solange

About Me

My name is Solange I was born in Brazil and moved to Canada when I was 18 years old. I’m a professional accountant. I love to plan my trips and go out on mini-adventures once I feel comfortable there. You can say I'm an organized free-spirit. I love to try out new food, immerse myself in the beautiful culture of other places, and meet locals. I love movies, live concerts, dinning out, fashion , long walks and weekend brunch.

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Safety in Switzerland