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 77 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.3/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

3.9/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

Zurich, Solo travel

Switzerland may be one of the safest countries I've been to, I think it's very safe for women. Zurich was very nice but I couldn't find much to do in the winter, it's still peaceful and beautiful, ideal for a 2-3 day trip. I don't think they have very good food, food and accommodation are extremely expensive.

Posted: March 31, 2025Experienced: January, 2025
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Lauterbrunnen, Solo travel

Definitely do a hike to Trummelbach - it's flat valley floor with stunning landscape! Consider going up to Murren valley. There's a cable car that starts from there to Schilthorn. Visit the Stubbach falls right next to the station

Posted: March 19, 2025Experienced: January, 2025
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Lausanne, Solo travel

Lausanne is a clean and safe but unnecessarily expensive city. There are a couple museums that are free (or cheap) for people under 25 so it makes up for the cost of living ! I would recommend the Rumine Palace.

Posted: March 11, 2025
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Switzerland, Solo travel

I was on an internship there. I went solo hiking and also night running and I felt pretty safe even at night. The country is gorgeous! Such beautiful nature, definitely recommend to go somewhere on a hike.

Posted: March 9, 2025
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Zurich, Solo travel

Really safe for females and solo travellers who travel like local and surrounded by genuine nature, the weather is perfect to enjoy an adventurous outdoor activities like picnicking , hiking, strolling. Local pastries and foods are worth to eat I might probably one of the lucky person that I met a local who is frankly amiable and share her experience as a urban guide which an expensive experience and we still keep in touch.

Posted: February 17, 2025Experienced: November, 2024
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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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Is Switzerland safe for women?

Safety index

4.6 /5

Based on 328 local experiences

Crime index

1.7 /5

Based on 328 local experiences

Eleonora

Eleonora

Zurich

Zurich is so safe. You will forget about being attacked, robbed or harassed. I never think about my safety because I always feel safe (except for Langstrasse) and walked on the streets at almost any time of the day and nothing has ever happened to me.

Posted: March 29, 2025
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Basel

Very safe even at late weekend nights, i don't worry on public transport either, as they are checked by warkers and cameras can be found everywhere, the least safe area is Kaserne, in Kleinbasel, although I have walked in that area at night before and it was still okay.

Posted: March 29, 2025
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Meet locals in Switzerland

Sophie

Sophie

About Me

Hi, I’m Sophie. I’ve always loved travelling and recently discovered the joy of solo travelling. A few years ago, I lived in Auckland, New Zealand for a year and then travelled around the world for 14 months. Since April 2024, I’m travelling around Europe in my camper van while working remotely until at least the end of 2025. My plan is to visit Ireland, Norway, Italy, Scotland, Wales, Iceland, Spain and Portugal.

Speaking

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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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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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Barbara

Barbara

Bern

Can host for:

5 days

About me

Hi there! Love travelling and always appreciate contact, help and advise from locals… would love to do the same for people visiting Switzerland, Bern. Speak German (Swiss Dialect and Standard German), French, English, a bit Italian and an some words Hindi.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Switzerland

Daniela

Daniela

About Me

Hiii im portuguese living in Belgium you are welcome if you pass by, im also planing in going to france chatel these summer for montainbike, im into cars and montainbike 😊

Speaking

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ceyda

ceyda

About Me

Hi, I'm Ceyda Korkut. I'm studying social work with a focus on ethics, particularly in professional relationships and boundaries. I'm passionate about feminism and the role of art therapy. I’m funny yeah 🧚🏽‍♀️

Speaking

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Safety in Switzerland