Is Sweden Safe for Travelers in 2025? An Honest Safety Guide

The Truth About Safety in Sweden: My Personal Experience

The first time I landed at Arlanda Airport, I was clutching my bag like it contained the crown jewels. After all, I’d heard Stockholm was experiencing a rise in pickpocketing. Fast forward three hours, and I was casually strolling through Gamla Stan with my camera dangling freely, feeling almost embarrassed about my initial paranoia. That’s the thing about Sweden’s safety—your perception shifts rapidly once you’re actually there.

Having visited Sweden a dozen times over the past decade, with my most recent trip in early 2024, I can confidently say that Sweden remains one of Europe’s safest destinations for travelers. But like any country, it has its nuances and considerations that are worth understanding before you visit.

Sweden’s Overall Safety Profile for 2025

Sweden consistently ranks among the world’s safest countries. According to the Global Peace Index, Sweden typically places in the top 20 safest countries globally. The country’s low crime rates, stable political climate, and excellent healthcare system contribute to this reputation.

However, there have been some changes worth noting. In 2024, Sweden joined NATO, which has slightly altered its geopolitical positioning. For travelers, this has virtually no impact on day-to-day safety but is worth mentioning as part of the broader context.

Crime Statistics and Reality Check

Let’s look at some hard data. Sweden’s violent crime rate remains low by international standards. However, media reports sometimes paint a different picture. Here’s what you actually need to know:

Crime Type	Risk Level	Notes for Travelers
Violent Crime	Low	Rarely targets tourists; concentrated in specific neighborhoods
Theft/Pickpocketing	Medium-Low	Exercise normal caution in tourist areas and public transport
Scams	Low	Less common than in many European destinations
Terrorism	Low	Sweden maintains a moderate terror alert level
Natural Disasters	Very Low	Minimal risk of severe natural events

One thing I learned the hard way: crime statistics in Sweden can be misleading because the reporting methodology differs from many other countries. For example, if someone reports domestic violence multiple times, each report is counted as a separate incident, which can inflate numbers compared to countries that count ongoing situations as a single case.

Safety in Major Swedish Cities

Stockholm: The Capital’s Safety Landscape

Stockholm is generally very safe, with efficient public transportation and well-lit streets. However, like any capital city, it has areas where extra caution is advised.

Central Stockholm, including Gamla Stan (Old Town), Norrmalm, Östermalm, and Södermalm, are all safe areas with a visible police presence. Even at night, I’ve never felt threatened walking alone in these districts.

Areas to exercise more caution include parts of Rinkeby, Tensta, and Husby, particularly at night. These suburbs are perfectly fine during daylight hours but have higher crime rates than the city center. As a tourist, you’ll rarely have reason to visit these areas anyway.

Stockholm Public Transport Safety

The Stockholm metro (tunnelbana) and bus system are safe, clean, and efficient. I’ve used them at all hours and never encountered problems. The only time I felt uncomfortable was when mistakenly taking the last subway back to Slussen at 1 AM on a Saturday—just because of some rowdy passengers, not any actual danger.

Insider Tip: Download the SL app (Stockholm’s public transport authority) for real-time updates and to purchase tickets. This means one less thing to worry about and you won’t have to fumble with ticket machines, making you less of a target for opportunistic thieves.

Gothenburg Safety

Sweden’s second-largest city, Gothenburg (Göteborg), is equally safe for visitors. The central districts like Inom Vallgraven, Haga, and Linnéstaden are well-maintained and have a relaxed atmosphere. I actually found Gothenburg to feel even safer than Stockholm, perhaps due to its smaller size and more laid-back vibe.

Areas to be more cautious include parts of northeast Gothenburg like Bergsjön and Angered, though again, these aren’t typical tourist destinations.

Malmö: Understanding the Reality vs. Reputation

Malmö has received negative press in recent years, with some media outlets portraying it as dangerous. My experience tells a different story. While Malmö does have neighborhoods with higher crime rates (particularly Rosengård), the city center and tourist areas are safe and vibrant.

During my week in Malmö in 2023, I explored extensively on foot and via bike, including parts of Rosengård during daylight hours. The reality was far from the fearsome image sometimes portrayed internationally. The central areas around Lilla Torg, the Western Harbor (Västra Hamnen), and Malmö Castle are perfectly safe for tourists.

Rural Sweden Safety Considerations

If you’re venturing outside the cities—which I highly recommend—you’ll find that rural Sweden is extraordinarily safe. Villages and small towns often have almost non-existent crime rates. In the countryside, your safety concerns shift from human threats to natural ones.

Wilderness Safety

Sweden’s vast forests, national parks, and archipelagos are stunning but require proper preparation. Here are key considerations:

Weather preparedness: Swedish weather can change rapidly, especially in northern regions. Always check forecasts before heading out.
Wildlife awareness: While attacks are extremely rare, be aware that Sweden has bears, wolves, and moose. The latter cause more accidents than any predator, particularly on roads.
Water safety: Sweden’s lakes and seas are beautiful but can be dangerous. Never swim alone and respect warning signs.
Winter driving: If visiting between November and March, be prepared for snow and ice. Winter tires are mandatory, and driving skills should match conditions.

I learned the importance of weather preparedness the hard way when hiking near Abisko in Swedish Lapland. What started as a sunny day quickly turned into fog so thick I could barely see 10 meters ahead. Fortunately, I had downloaded offline maps and packed extra layers, but it was a humbling reminder of nature’s power.

Special Safety Considerations for Different Travelers

Solo Female Travelers

Sweden is one of the world’s best destinations for solo female travelers. Gender equality is deeply embedded in Swedish culture, and harassment is generally much less common than in many other countries.

All the solo female travelers I’ve spoken with, including my sister who lived in Uppsala for six months, report feeling safe walking alone, even at night. Of course, standard precautions still apply—stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Sweden is exceptionally LGBTQ+ friendly. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2009, and Swedish society is broadly accepting. Stockholm Pride is one of Europe’s largest pride events, and displays of affection between same-sex couples rarely attract negative attention.

During my visits with my partner, we’ve never experienced any issues or felt uncomfortable anywhere in the country.

Families with Children

If you’re traveling with children, you’ll find Sweden remarkably accommodating. Public spaces are generally child-friendly, with accessible facilities and play areas common. The low crime rate makes it an ideal family destination.

One safety aspect to consider is water safety if visiting beaches or lakes, as Swedish children learn to swim at an early age, and supervision levels might seem more relaxed than you’re accustomed to.

Travelers with Disabilities

Sweden excels in accessibility. Most public transportation, attractions, and accommodations are equipped for travelers with mobility challenges. Stockholm’s subway stations have elevators, and buses are wheelchair accessible.

One challenge to note is that some of Stockholm’s Old Town (Gamla Stan) has cobblestone streets that can be difficult to navigate with wheelchairs or mobility aids.

Money and Scam Safety in Sweden

Sweden is rapidly becoming a cashless society. Many businesses, including some restaurants and museums, no longer accept cash at all. This reduces the risk of pickpocketing but introduces other considerations.

Common Financial Practices

Credit/debit cards are accepted almost everywhere
Mobile payment apps like Swish are widely used by locals
ATMs are widely available but becoming less common
Always notify your bank before traveling to Sweden

Money-Saving Safety Tips

Sweden is expensive, and financial safety includes protecting your travel budget. Here are three insider tips that most guidebooks won’t tell you:

Skip the tourist tax at restaurants. Look for places offering “Dagens lunch” (lunch of the day) between 11 AM and 2 PM. These are substantially cheaper than dinner menus (often 120-150 SEK versus 250-350 SEK) but offer the same quality. I once paid 125 SEK (about $12) for a fantastic lunch at Pelikan in Stockholm that would have cost 295 SEK at dinner.
Use the right cards. Sweden has among the lowest credit card surcharges in Europe, but foreign transaction fees from your bank can still add up. I use a no-foreign-transaction-fee card and save about 3% on every purchase.
Buy alcohol strategically. The state-run Systembolaget is the only place to buy alcohol over 3.5%. Their prices are fixed nationwide, but they close early (7 PM weekdays, 3 PM Saturdays, closed Sundays). Buying drinks at restaurants or bars is extremely expensive (65-95 SEK for a beer). Consider bringing your duty-free allowance if you drink.

Sustainable Money-Saving Tip: Stockholm’s tap water is delicious and perfectly safe. Bring a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water. This saves about 25-30 SEK per bottle while reducing plastic waste. Many cafés will even refill your bottle for free if you ask nicely: “Kan jag få lite kranvatten, tack?” (Can I have some tap water, please?)

Health and Medical Safety

Sweden’s healthcare system is excellent, though expensive for non-EU visitors without proper insurance. Always purchase comprehensive travel insurance before visiting.

Healthcare Access for Travelers

If you need medical attention in Sweden:

For emergencies, call 112 (operators speak English)
For non-emergencies, visit a vårdcentral (health center)
Pharmacies (Apotek) are widely available for minor ailments
Bring all necessary prescriptions with their generic names

During my 2022 visit, I developed a nasty ear infection while in Umeå. I visited a vårdcentral without an appointment and was seen within an hour. The doctor spoke perfect English, and the entire visit cost about 250 SEK (around $24), which my travel insurance later reimbursed.

COVID-19 Considerations for 2025

As of 2025, Sweden has fully normalized following the COVID-19 pandemic. There are currently no testing, vaccination, or masking requirements for entry or within the country. However, it’s always wise to check the latest guidelines from the Swedish Public Health Agency before traveling.

Weather Safety and Seasonal Considerations

Sweden’s climate varies dramatically by season and region, creating different safety considerations throughout the year.

Winter Safety (November-March)

Winter in Sweden, especially in the north, demands respect. Temperatures can drop to -30°C (-22°F) in the Arctic regions, though Stockholm and southern Sweden typically see more moderate temperatures around or slightly below freezing.

Key winter safety considerations:

Dress in layers with proper thermal clothing
Be aware of limited daylight hours (Stockholm gets around 6 hours of daylight in December)
Watch for ice on sidewalks and streets
Allow extra time for travel, as snow can delay transportation

One mistake I made during my first winter visit was underestimating how quickly the sun sets. I started a walking tour of Södermalm at 2:30 PM in December, and by 3:15 PM, it was already getting dark, completely changing my experience.

Summer Safety (June-August)

Swedish summers are glorious but bring their own considerations:

The midnight sun in northern Sweden can disrupt sleep patterns; bring an eye mask
Sunburn risk is real despite the northern latitude
Ticks are present in forested areas and can carry Lyme disease
Swimming in natural waters requires caution due to unexpected currents and temperature changes

Communication and Language Safety

Language barriers pose minimal safety concerns in Sweden. English proficiency is among the highest in the world for non-native speakers, with over 85% of Swedes speaking English fluently.

That said, learning a few basic Swedish phrases shows respect and can enhance your experience:

“Hej” (Hey) – Hello, the most common greeting
“Tack” (Tahk) – Thank you
“Ursäkta” (Oor-sehk-ta) – Excuse me
“Hjälp” (Yelp) – Help

My favorite Swedish phrase I learned from locals is “lagom” (lah-gom), which doesn’t translate directly but means something like “just right” or “in moderation.” It’s a concept that permeates Swedish culture and helps explain the balanced approach to life that contributes to the country’s safety and social harmony.

Digital Safety and Connectivity

Sweden has excellent digital infrastructure with widespread 5G coverage and free Wi-Fi in many public places. However, digital safety should still be a consideration:

Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi
Be cautious with public charging stations that could potentially harbor data skimmers
Be aware that Sweden’s emergency preparedness guidelines recommend having non-digital backups for essential information

One unexpected digital safety issue I encountered was the prevalence of QR code menus and payment systems. While convenient, they can be problematic if your phone dies or lacks data. I always keep a portable charger and make sure I have enough data on my phone plan.

Conclusion: Your 5-Step Safety Plan for Sweden

After dozens of trips to Sweden, I can confidently say it’s one of the safest countries you can visit. The combination of low crime rates, excellent infrastructure, and a culture that values social welfare creates an environment where travelers can focus on enjoying their experience rather than worrying about safety.

Here’s your 5-step action plan for a safe visit to Sweden in 2025:

Prepare digital resources – Download offline maps, translation apps, and the SL app if visiting Stockholm. Ensure your phone is unlocked for international use.
Pack appropriately for the season – Winter requires serious cold-weather gear; summer needs sun protection. Regardless of season, comfortable walking shoes are essential as Sweden’s cities are best explored on foot.
Secure travel insurance – Sweden’s healthcare is excellent but expensive for visitors. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation and has a 24/7 assistance line.
Notify your bank and prepare payment options – Sweden is largely cashless. Bring at least two different cards and notify your bank of your travel dates to prevent fraud blocks.
Register with your embassy – While not essential in a safe country like Sweden, registering with your country’s embassy or consular service provides an extra safety net in case of emergencies.

Remember, the greatest risk in Sweden isn’t crime—it’s missing out on experiences because of unfounded fears. With basic precautions, you’re free to immerse yourself in this remarkable Nordic nation without looking over your shoulder.

Frequently Asked Questions About Safety in Sweden

Is Sweden safe at night?

Yes, Sweden is generally very safe at night, especially in city centers and tourist areas. Streets are well-lit, and public transportation runs safely into the evening. Like anywhere, it’s wise to remain aware of your surroundings in less populated areas after dark.

Are there areas in Stockholm I should avoid?

Most areas tourists visit in Stockholm are very safe. Some suburban areas like parts of Rinkeby, Tensta, and Husby have higher crime rates, but tourists rarely have reason to visit these neighborhoods. Even these areas are generally safe during daylight hours.

Is pickpocketing common in Sweden?

Pickpocketing exists but is less common than in many other European destinations. Basic precautions—keeping valuables secure, being alert in crowded areas, and avoiding displaying expensive items—are usually sufficient.

How safe is public transportation in Sweden?

Extremely safe. Sweden’s trains, buses, and subways are clean, efficient, and have very low crime rates. Even late-night services are generally safe, though usual urban precautions apply.

Is tap water safe to drink in Sweden?

Yes, tap water throughout Sweden is not only safe but delicious. It’s among the cleanest in the world, and buying bottled water is unnecessary and environmentally wasteful.

Do I need to worry about terrorism in Sweden?

The risk of terrorism in Sweden is relatively low, though like most European countries, Sweden maintains vigilance. Security is visible but not intrusive at major public events and transportation hubs.

How safe is Sweden for LGBTQ+ travelers?

Sweden is among the world’s most LGBTQ+-friendly countries. Same-sex relationships are fully protected by law, and social acceptance is widespread, particularly in urban areas.

What should I do in case of emergency in Sweden?

For emergencies, call 112. This number works for police, medical, and fire emergencies. Operators speak English. For non-emergency police matters, call 114 14.