Sweden : Safety by City
Sweden isn’t just beautiful—it’s effortlessly cool.
Tucked into the upper edge of Europe, it stretches from the sleek cities of the south to the remote, snow-dusted Lapland above the Arctic Circle.
You get crisp Nordic design, fairy-tale islands, wild reindeer, and summer sunsets that last until midnight, all in one country.
Historically a Viking powerhouse that later sidestepped most major wars, Sweden built a modern identity on innovation, equality, and a deep respect for nature.
It’s one of those rare places where pop culture, nature, and understated style all coexist without trying too hard.
You can spend the morning exploring quirky museums, head into peaceful forests or along a quiet coastline in the afternoon, and end your day somewhere effortlessly chic.
Nearly 7 million people visited Sweden in 2024, drawn by the magic of Stockholm’s archipelago, the cycling culture in Malmö, and the mesmerizing beauty of the northern lights.
There’s also a steady pull for food lovers—Sweden’s culinary scene goes far beyond meatballs.
And for those craving quiet, the country’s “allemansrätten” or right to roam invites you to wander pretty much anywhere you want, as long as you respect the land.
Warnings & Dangers in Sweden
OVERALL RISK: LOW
We'll call it a low risk, but there is definitely some safety guidance you can't ignore. We'll go through that in this article. If you get travel anxiety (I know I do), you might want to put it as a medium risk in certain regions.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Public transport in Sweden is clean, efficient, and reliable, even in rural areas. Taxi scams are rare but not unheard of—stick to reputable companies or use rideshare apps. Overall, this is a low-risk area for travelers who pay attention and avoid hopping into unmarked cabs at night.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
While Sweden is generally safe, you’ll want to keep an eye on your stuff in busy places like Stockholm’s central station or big summer festivals. Pickpocketing is a medium risk in tourist-heavy zones. The concerns are nothing extreme, but enough that it’s worth zipping your bag and keeping your phone out of your back pocket.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Sweden doesn’t really deal with earthquakes, hurricanes, or other headline-grabbing disasters, so natural risk is low. Occasional snowstorms in the north or slippery winter streets can cause issues, but nothing that should change your travel plans—just pack for the weather and watch for ice.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Mugging isn’t a widespread issue here; this is a low-risk area. Violent crime is rare, and most locals will go out of their way to help rather than harm. That said, use extra caution in the larger cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
We'll give this a medium risk since most government advisories mention this issue as the reason for an elevated ranking. However, the same warning applies in most countries where there's a history of politically motivated violence. It’s not about daily danger, but about staying aware in crowded places, transportation hubs, or during major public events.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
You’re unlikely to get scammed in Sweden, especially outside of tourist traps. The overall risk is low, though you might run into a pushy street fundraiser or overpriced souvenir shop in central Stockholm. Use the same common sense you’d use anywhere, and you’ll be fine.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Sweden ranks high for gender equality and is generally a safe place for solo female travelers. The risk here is low, especially compared to other parts of Europe. Still, just like anywhere, it’s smart to stay aware at night and trust your instincts if something feels off.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
This one’s easy: Sweden has some of the cleanest, best-tasting tap water in the world. There’s zero risk here. Bring a reusable bottle and fill up anywhere.
Safest Places to Visit in Sweden
Sweden’s official tourism site is easy enough to find online at visitsweden.com.
While the website is full of helpful information, I wanted to draw your attention to the “Combine Sweden with other Nordic countries” section if that’s part of your plans.
Northern Sweden is known for its Arctic landscapes and natural phenomena.
This is where you’ll find Swedish Lapland, home to the Sámi culture, reindeer herding, and some of the best chances to see the northern lights.
Outdoor activities dominate—dog sledding, snowmobiling, hiking, and midnight sun experiences in summer.
Popular destinations include Abisko National Park and the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi.
Don’t let the remote nature of the north feel intimidating.
The area is accessible by train or regional flights.
Middle Sweden includes cities like Örebro, Uppsala, and Falun.
This region provides nature and cultural history.
Dalarna, often called the “heart of Sweden,” is known for red cottages, traditional crafts, and lakeside retreats.
Uppsala offers a strong university atmosphere and historical significance, while Falun draws visitors to its UNESCO-listed copper mine.
You’ll find fewer tourists here compared to Stockholm or Lapland, but plenty to do if you’re interested in Swedish heritage and nature without venturing too far north.
Southern Sweden is the most populated and easily accessible region, home to Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.
Stockholm draws visitors with its museums, dining, and island-hopping opportunities.
Gothenburg offers a laid-back, coastal vibe and is known for seafood and canals.
Malmö has a strong multicultural feel and connects directly to Copenhagen via the Öresund Bridge.
This region also includes Skåne, with beaches, countryside, castles, and food-focused tourism.
Places to Avoid in Sweden
While there aren’t places that are too dangerous to visit in Sweden, it helps to read the latest government advisories and see if specific areas have higher risk levels.
I find Canada’s advisory is the most detailed.
While there’s a terrorism concern that can include public transportation systems, large festivals, and parks, that’s a pretty standard warning in any country.
If there are places to be more vigilant, you’ll find those off the beaten tourist path in larger cities.
Gang-related violence in Sweden tends to stay on the edges of local life, mostly tied to rival groups in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.
Tourists aren’t usually the target, but like in any major city, it’s smart to stay aware and avoid getting caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Sweden
- Police in Sweden are professional and approachable. If you need urgent help, dial 112—it’s the emergency number for police, fire, and medical services. Most officers speak English. For non-emergencies, you can also visit local stations or use the 114 14 number, but 112 is your go-to in a crisis.
- Sweden issues emergency alerts through a public warning system called “Viktigt Meddelande till Allmänheten” (VMA). You might hear loud sirens or get push notifications via your phone or radio. If you hear the warning tone, go inside, close windows and doors, and check a reliable news source like SVT or Sveriges Radio for updates.
- There are no special vaccine requirements for Sweden beyond routine immunizations like measles, tetanus, and polio. COVID-19 rules have eased, but it’s smart to check before your trip. Tick-borne illnesses like TBE are a concern if you’re hiking in forested areas during summer, so consider that vaccine if you’re going off-grid.
- Sweden doesn’t pose major health risks for travelers. Tap water is safe, food standards are high, and healthcare is excellent. The main thing to watch for is tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in wooded areas. If you’re planning lots of time outdoors, especially in summer, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.
- You can drive in Sweden with a valid foreign license, but the roads in winter are no joke. Between December 1 and March 31, snow tires are mandatory. Driving on ice and snow takes experience—don’t try it unless you’re confident. Roads are well maintained, but watch for wildlife and sudden weather changes in rural areas.
- Hotel breakfast rooms and lobbies are prime spots for theft, mainly by well-dressed, professional thieves who blend in with guests. They’re not violent, but they’re fast. Keep purses, briefcases, and electronics within reach at all times. Just because a place feels safe doesn’t mean everyone in the room is staying the night.
- Sweden takes drug laws seriously. CBD, marijuana—none of it is legal, and possession can mean jail time or deportation. Don’t mess around. The alcohol limit for drivers is .02%, which is almost zero. Even one drink can get you in serious trouble, and roadside sobriety checks are standard and strict.
- Sweden has zero tolerance for corporal punishment. Even light spanking or harsh discipline can lead to legal trouble, including losing custody. Parents and guardians are expected to treat children with full respect and care, and Swedish authorities don’t hesitate to intervene if they think something’s off.
- Swedes value personal space and quiet. You don’t need to whisper, but being overly loud or using big, dramatic gestures in public will definitely turn heads. Respect goes a long way here—soft voices, small talk, and waiting your turn are the cultural norm in most public settings.
- Swedish winters are brutally cold, especially in the north. Dress in layers, wear proper boots, and don’t underestimate how fast frostbite can set in. Roads, sidewalks, and even city steps can be icy. If you’re not used to snow, give yourself extra time to walk or drive anywhere.
So... How Safe Is Sweden Really?
Most countries list Sweden as a Level 2 out of 4 for safety, not because it’s dangerous in day-to-day life, but because of the potential for terrorism.
That sounds alarming, but here’s the reality: the warning is standard across much of Europe and based on isolated incidents, not constant threats.
Statistically, the risk is low for any individual traveler.
It just means authorities are staying alert, and you should, too, especially in busy areas like train stations, public events, or tourist hotspots.
You can also read the latest information on the Government Offices of Sweden website (goverment.se) under the Combating Terrorism section.
There’s a downloadable document called the “National Strategy Against Violent Extremism and Terrorism” to get more information.
As far as day-to-day safety, use common sense and stay aware of your surroundings.
We told you earlier about gangs and other criminals in larger cities, so stick to areas designed for tourists, which are much safer.
How Does Sweden Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Sweden | 83 |
| Djibouti | 38 |
| Croatia | 83 |
| Mexico | 65 |
| France | 64 |
| Puerto Rico | 34 |
| Somalia | 16 |
| United Kingdom | 77 |
| Peru | 50 |
Useful Information
Visas
U.S. and most EU travelers don’t need a visa for short visits under 90 days. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least three months past your trip. If you're coming from outside those zones, double-check requirements. Sweden follows Schengen rules, and overstaying can cause problems down the line.
Currency
Sweden uses the Swedish krona (SEK), not the euro. Cash is rarely needed. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, even for small purchases like a coffee or metro ticket. If you like carrying some cash, withdraw it locally rather than exchanging at home for better rates.
Weather
Weather varies wildly depending on the season and region. Winters are dark and cold, especially in the north, while summers are mild with long daylight hours. Pack layers year-round and be ready for rain, especially in spring and fall. If you're heading north in winter, prepare for real snow and subzero temps.
Airports
Sweden’s biggest international hub is Stockholm Arlanda, about 40 minutes from the city center. Gothenburg and Malmö also have international airports, with train and bus access nearby. Flights between major Swedish cities are easy, but trains are usually more efficient and eco-friendly for domestic travel.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a smart idea when visiting Sweden. Medical care is excellent, but expensive without coverage. Also, with unpredictable weather and possible travel delays, having insurance that covers cancellations, lost luggage, or emergency health needs gives extra peace of mind, especially in winter.
Sweden Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
-1 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 21 | 23 | 21 | 21 | 16 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Low °C |
-5 | -5 | -2 | 2 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 9 | 5 | 0 | -3 |
| High °F |
30 | 32 | 39 | 50 | 70 | 73 | 70 | 70 | 61 | 50 | 39 | 32 |
| Low °F |
23 | 23 | 28 | 36 | 54 | 57 | 57 | 55 | 48 | 41 | 32 | 27 |
Sweden - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Gothenburg | 78 |
| Lund | 92 |
| Malmo | 82 |
| Stockholm | 78 |
Not safe for women
not safe for women
i agree
Ask the locals, when staying in the Sweden
Unfortunately the city of Malmö is not safe anymore. There are also lots of more areas than Rinkeby in Stockholm, which are not safe, like Rosengård in Malmö and Söder in Helsingborg – but all is relativ. In Malmö there have been a lot of shootings in the city and other areas throughout the last three years. There has been a terroristattack in Stockholm in 2017, anyway one can everywhere be at the wrong time at the wrong place. I do not feel less safe as a woman.
Bullshit Sweden is super safe I have never felt unsafe
True
I'm a local who never feels threatened
I live in Malmö and can say that it feels super safe here, as opposed to some areas of Stockholm. Plus that in general, while gangs do exist in Sweden, they target themselves most of the times. So unless you happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, nothing is gonna happen.
Sweden is a generally safe country compared to USA
I don’t know what “Anonynous” based his/her opinion upon. Stockholm is one of the safest places I have ever lived (compared to many big cities in USA). I moved to Stockholm from USA about 10 years ago, and yes, crime has increased since then, but if you are not involved in criminal gangs or their activities, you should not be so concerned. As a woman, I generally feel safe in Sweden.
Lots of prostitutes and gangs in Stockholm at nighttime. A barber told me he was assaulted by an illegal immigrant.
I agree I fell safer in Sweden than the USA
Bullshied
This is a bullsh*t article. Sweden is a VERY safe country to visit. I don’t trust any of these articles ….
LOOL, ever been there?
???
The article never said Sweden was dangerous?
Rape statistics ignored.
i can totally see that in global rape statistics
Not safe, full of n*****s who stole my purse. I think Somalia is safer, there are fewer n*****s than in Sweden.
who wrote this article ? they must be very naive
SWEDEN IS NOT SAFE FOR WOMEN
whoever write this article is very naive
there are regular bomb attacks and as a female with blond hair and white skin it it horrible being chased by the Muslim men.
Whoever wrote this comment is very delusional…
Sweden is as safe for women as any country, although that doesn’t mean that it’s “safer” for women than men.
No “bomb attacks” at all and no “Muslim” men are chasing women here, at least not more than the “Swedish” men. As another commenter said – if you are not involved in criminal gangs or their activities, the odds of being the victim of a crime are extremely rare, even in the larger cities.
Don’t let people like “Mia” and this somewhat strange and “over-stereotyped” article discourage you from visiting Sweden. It’s a very safe and nice place to visit in general, most people are welcoming and glad to help you if you ask nicely (but I don’t know about Mia thou…). But of course, there are no guarantees, as with everything here in the world. Try to be as respectful as possible and you’ll be fine.
Bad place
I get constant death threats. And I live here, so I should know.
Sweden is not safe anymore. Safer than Africa sure. But not safe.
“no “Muslim” men are chasing women here, at least not more than the “Swedish” men” – Ahahahha. Good joke. I lived here all my life and 95% gang rapes, 93% of assault rapes and 65% of all rapes are commited by migrant men, even tho they are a small minority in comparison.
You should indeed be careful in Sweden night-time especially as a woman. Don’t walk alone.
There have also been many brutal murders by migrants and two terrorist-attacks. Last being Tommie Lindh, where a somali stabbed him to death and raped his friend in his blood. A mother with her kid was stabbed to death in Ikea by another african.
A guy named Stefan was stabbed to death also by an african just out taking an evening walk, it happens all the time..
Police doesn’t come as well so be aware, they might not come if you call.
If you visit day time it’s no problem generally, but be aware.
Not that safe
Aw please, I guess you live in a rich swedish area and not in the suburbs like most people.
Sweden is not safe in cities with a high percentage of immigrants, and almost all cities have a lot of immigrants.
How can you normalize murders and gang activities? It is not normal at all and it should not be tolerated. No one has a right to shoot anyone in the street.
You are hella cringe fr get a life like seriously and what does any of those have anything to do with muslims ,huh?
Every day in Swedish news we read about small children being threatened with knives to their throats to Hand over smartphones or shoes, older people getting attacked and robbed, explosions in people’s homes, women getting raped. The polices officers are outnumbered and its getting worse every day, this article would be more accurate if it was written in the 80s.
Which sweden is true the fairytail or the nightmare?
At this point your government is openly hostile to you swedes and sides with monsters proudly.Revolutions have been started for less.
Welcome to Norrland!
If you want a safe and peaceful journey, Västerbotten/Lapland might be for you:
-outdoor recreations, nature and other activities are never far away
-we also have nice spas, coffee shops, restaurants, museums, etc.
(Do some research in advance to make sure that you visit the best places)
The most dangerous things I’ve experienced here are mosquitos and cold temperatures… 😉
i have been to sweden and i must say that theres nearly more immigrants than local people.
Sweden WAS fantastic
I’ve lived 40+ years in Sweden and it has changed A LOT to the worse the last 10-20 years. The prior isolated problems with criminal immigrants has spread from certain areas to nearly everywhere, even small cities has problems with criminal gangs nowadays and they don’t about bystanders when shooting each others. Even children has been hit and killed by gunfire.
I’m sorry to say it but our naive and deillusional politicians has created a huge mess which will be hard or Impossible to revert. And the left-wing is doing its best to use smoke and mirrors to deny reality.
Mugging and rape and murder have skyrocketed lately. I speak from experience. I live here. My neighbor got shot by an imported immigrant.
Very bad place
A young boy got molested by an old man. Just round the corner here. Don’t stay up late if you are a victim. Lots of guns and drugs. But you are safe as long as you keep to yourself and don’t do stupid things. You might get robbed otherwise. Go in groups or don’t go at all. Comon sense.
Will Muhammad. You doing like an neurotic paranoid overachiever. You better lock yourself in for the saké of others. What a wanker.
Really bad
Beware of desinformation
Sweden has a bad reputation on the internet for a few very dumb reasons.
First one is that Sweden has a high number of reported rape cases. That is not because rape is more common in Sweden, but because more crimes count as rape than in almost any other country. Many things that would count as molesting in USA count as rape in Sweden for example.
On top of that there are many so called “troll factories” spreading desinformation about Sweden for political gains. Russians do it because Sweden is a Nato candidate for example. Even Donald Trump has been exposed spreading desinformation about Sweden, only because of his dislike of socialism.
There are literally zero dangerous areas to go to in Swedish cities. Due to the government basically handing out free money to unemployed citizens, true poverty doesn’t exist. There are gangs but they are only hostile towards other gangs, they have never done anything to a tourist ever.
You are delusional. I’m Swedish, lived here all my life and it’s not safe. Watch out for migrant criminals.
You can walk everywhere until something happens of course. Including Syria. Most days you won’t get killed.
Russia spreading misinformation? Allow me to laugh.. LOL
Sweden is VERY safe
Absolutely! There are so many disinformed people on the web, and the media loves to slurp up anything going slightly wrong in Sweden as “trouble in paradise”.
Be aware
Sweden has unfortunately changed to the worse the last 5-10 years from a safety point of view.
Aggressive Arabic and African Muslim immigrants makes life difficult.
There are several no-go zones in the major cities but even the smalles city is affected and you should be aware.
For me as a long time Swede I do not recognize my own country and it’s sad for such a great country.
You’re American so you never visited Sweden.
Not safe for women
High risk of encountering danger during evening/night
gangs of men with foreign background from middle east and africa are everywhere in Sweden except in the archipelago or upper-class areas.
women don’t dare to go out during evenings in many areas so don’t go to Sweden if you’re a woman or a smaller man as you’ll be an easy target.
Dangerous
gangs that consists of mostly men with foreign background from middle east and africa are everywhere in Sweden except in the archipelago or upper-class areas.
women don’t dare to go out during evenings in many areas so don’t go to Sweden if you’re a woman or a smaller man as you’ll be an easy target.
Sweden is very safe
Shocked by the absurd amount of fake statistics and blatant racism in the comments! I used to live in Denmark and not surprisingly everyone who I heard commenting negative things about Sweden were white, middle to high middle class, racist nationalists who were terrified of seeing their country become more mixed. The ppl who weren’t like that loved Sweden and thought of it as incredibly safe! My experience in the country was also very positive!
Usually, very left people write as you do. You have no idea. I’m Swedish and we have the highest shooting in Europe. Trust me, it’s not native Swedish people behind those statistics. Our government gives away our country to the immigrants.
Sweden is comitting suicide
So you’re a tourist. Gotcha. Very informative.
Stop lying.
Sweden is very safe.
There are better European countries to visit
Rapes are increasing at an alarming rate. If you’re a woman, don’t come alone. // Swede
Somewhere inbetween.
To say Sweden has no problems is very naive. But I don’t think it’s as bad as some people claim. However, there are a few things we should address.
Sweden is going through a pretty extreme racist anti-immigration propaganda campaign led by the Swedish right wing sector and media, right-wing even for a western neoliberal country. Exacerbated by proven bot and misinformation campaigns from Russia attempting to decrease public opinion about the country and keep it from joining the EU.
The way these “people” want Sweden to seem seems even more dangerous than the immigrants’ countries of origin which are actual conflict zones, although somehow other countries with similar numbers of migrants don’t have these issues. What gives?
I’ve never been there, but this has been proven to be true and vast amounts of crime statistics have been shown to be misconstrued or to be straight up fabrication. Take these comments with a massive grain of salt.
LOL don’t trust your lying eyes it’s just misinformation and Russia definitely don’t look or pay attention to those racist statistics just bury your head in the sand just make sure it’s not in a no go zone.
Sweden is the gun violence capital of Europe. It becomes worse and worse every year and the politicians don’t dare to do anything about it and our news papers hide this as much as they can to keep the truth away from people. Today for example we had 6 shootings and one grenade attack ONLY in Stockholm. If you want to travel here, avoid the cities as much as you can and always stay alert of your surroundings if you still happen to visit a city (Uppsala, Malmo, Gothenburg or Stockholm). This applies especially after dark when you could get killed by simply being at the wrong place at the wrong time. The gangs don’t give a ****. Avoid lonely streets and dark alleys!
Don't come alone
I live here, it’s not safe if you come alone. Especially at night in bigger cities.
05/06/23 – Can we please get dates on these comments? What is the current situation in Stockholm?
Lots of trolls for sure
I mean you have to be ether dumb or naive if you think Sweden is an unsafe country.
I personally don’t agree with Sweden migration policy and I hope it will change for the better. But let’s be clear, you are very safe in Sweden as long as you use normal common sense. Having visited and lived in many parts of the world I can say this with confidence.
Lots of trolls here indeed
I appreciate someone else’s honesty! There are way too many trolls here.
Sweden 24/june 2023
Lived in sweden my entier life . It is definetly safe . I been to USA i been to The United arab Emirates to. Stockholm is safter then Malmö. But most cities has areas to avoid and most turist never get to those places anyway. But no place in The world is safe if being critic. And me as a woman no i am not as other mentioned being chased by muslim men. No idea where that person been. And yes i am blonde blue eyes. Read more sites And gather more info And drag conclusions.
Lets be fair!
Let’s not exaggerate the risks here.
– Pickpockets are everywhere, but it’s not very common in Sweden.
– The risk for natural disasters certainly cannot be rated on the fact that it gets cold in the winter and that it can be icy or snowy. Hardly counts as a natural disaster, does it.
– Everything is relative, but let’s face it. Terrorist attact a so rare, so the risk is dangerously LOW.
– If you don’t count internet scams, which usually is performed by people outside of Sweden, then there really isn’t many scams that will affect tourism, at all.
If one is looking for trouble, or goes into places one know is a bit more troublesome, one is going to run into trouble. But let’s make a fair rating here. Except for a few areas in the bigger cities, there really isn’t anything to worry about. And I wouldn’t worry too much about bad areas anyway. Just be observant and choose the time of day. Also, most tourist attractions isn’t found in those areas anyway.
And as the cities are super safe, generally, let’s not talk about how safe it is outside of the city.
Every category in the list should be at “Low”, nothing else. The rating I would expect to be more in line with that of Denmark (and that applies for Norway too).
Don't be afraid
A little biased since I was born and grew up here. But having travelled and lived in many places around the world I can sincerely say there is no place I feel safer than here. Right now there violent crimes get a lot of attention in the headlines, which has a lot to do with drug related crimes and a too far gone liberalisation of everything, breaking down the social welfare and negleting the importance of integration when receiving a huge amount of immigrants. But that does not mean it is perfectly safe almost everywhere, bith daytime and night time. I can not say there are any areas I would stay away from my self. I lived in Gottsunda, which is one of the “no go” zones in Uppsala. Real life is very different from the picture social media and media outlets give you. People are nice and helpful everywhere, but won’t come engage with you unless you explicitly seek their attention. That is how Swedes are. The “socially challenged” zones (as I prefer to call the “no go” zones them) are different in that a minority is Swedish, and it is hard to generalise what these are like. In any case, you should not be naive anywhere in the world, but the risk of something bad happening to you in Sweden is a lot lower than most places I can think of on this earth.
indeed