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

4.4 /5

based on 24 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

3.8/5

Budget-friendly

3.2/5

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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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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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
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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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Is Switzerland safe for women?

Safety index

4.6 /5

Based on 115 local experiences

Crime index

1.7 /5

Based on 115 local experiences

Clara

Clara

Lausanne

It’s not what it was used to be decades ago when I first moved to Lausanne 35 years ago, but I’m still feeling ok to walk back home. Switzerland is still safer than most other countries even so it changed over time.

Posted: October 24, 2024
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Geneva

Geneva is very safe as we iften see patrols at night all over the city and they are very responsive. I am always at peace and even go for nightwalks by myself sometime in the week because I feel safe. I run at 5am as well

Posted: October 23, 2024
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Meet locals in Switzerland

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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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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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

Juliana

Juliana

About Me

Hey! I’m Juliana Rosas. A visual artist and illustrator studying my master In Experimental Design in Basel. I love traveling a meeting people from different countries. Life is too short so I just want to enjoy my time here.

Speaking

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Laura

Laura

About Me

I currently work in Brazil in the field of data analytics and I am planning to study English in Manchester UK for a duration of 3 months. At 30 years old, I consider myself to be a tidy, friendly, and calm. While my English proficiency is not yet at an advanced level, I am determined to improve it during my trip.

Speaking

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Safety in Switzerland