As one of the largest countries in the Scandinavian Peninsula, Sweden is definitely appealing to tourists. It is located in northern Europe and, because it shares borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark, many people consider visiting them on a tour of the Nordic countries.
Sweden offers its tourist the chance to admire its amazing natural beauty. From sailing across an archipelago to trekking along the wilderness, breathtaking adventures are waiting to be discovered here. Therefore, getting away from the madding crowd and making a change from time to time can easily be done during a trip to Sweden.
Nevertheless, embarking on a journey without being aware of the threats of that specific place is not advisable. So, if you’re thinking of planning a trip to Sweden, you’ve come to the right place. This Sweden safety guide aims at informing you about every aspect of this country.
Read on to find out more about how safe is Sweden for tourists and decide for yourself if traveling there is a good idea.
Highest Risks You Expose Yourself to When Visiting Sweden
Safety should always come first when traveling abroad and not only then. Besides the normal precautions you would take when embarking on a journey, we would like to offer you a clear picture of the threats Sweden imposes. This country might not be the most dangerous country out there, but there are still aspects that you should be aware of before planning your holiday. Is Sweden safe to visit? You will find out in a minute.
Overall Risks in Sweden: LOW
For those willing to try a Sweden experience in the near future, we have very good news. Sweden has been included in the top of the safest countries in the world- and for the right reasons! Both residents and tourists can enjoy the beauty and the great experiences this country offers without many worries.
Therefore, the overall risks encountered here are pretty low. As long as one uses basic precautions and common sense, every unwanted experience can be avoided easily. This guide will help you have a safe and enjoyable trip. Read on and you’ll be prepared for everything.
Pickpocketing and Theft Risks in Sweden: MEDIUM
It is true that Sweden has a very low crime rate when compared to other European countries. It is a safe country to visit and nobody could deny that. Nevertheless, this does not mean that you should let your guard down when visiting it. Since 1980, crime rates have actually increased here and petty theft is still present- as in any other country in the world.
Therefore, in order to enjoy nice walks and avoid unpleasant experiences, you should know some Sweden safety travel tips to keep you safe during your journey. And here they are:
- How to Avoid pickpocketing and theft in Sweden?
If you want your stay in Sweden to be as enjoyable as possible, always keep an eye on your belongings. Otherwise, you might risk having your purse snatched or your money stolen from your pocket.
Crowded areas, remote streets, and night walks should definitely be avoided if you want everything to be fine. Prevention is better than cure. With a normal degree of caution and common sense, you’ll have a wonderful holiday in Sweden.
Scam Risk in Sweden: MEDIUM
As a tourist, you are perceived as a vulnerable victim wherever you might go. There will always be local people trying to lure you into trusting them. Even if the risk of encountering scammers in Sweden is not very high, you should still double-check every information you get from strangers.
- How to avoid getting scammed in Sweden?
You can easily avoid being scammed if you do not trust anyone you meet. When you ask for information or help, try to be skeptical about the people you’ve just met. What’s more, do not follow unsolicited advice- especially when it comes to ATMs. Being skeptical and double-checking everything when you’re abroad is one of the tips you should keep in mind.
Kidnapping Risk in Sweden: LOW
Kidnapping is not something you should worry about when visiting Sweden. This country is very welcoming and apart from petty theft, people will not try to take advantage of the visitors. Whether you’re traveling alone or accompanied by your children, kidnapping should not be among your concerns. Exercise a normal degree of caution and everything will be fine.
- How to avoid getting kidnapped in Sweden?
With common sense and a normal degree of caution, kidnapping can be ruled out. No recent such events have happened and you shouldn’t worry about this aspect.
This does not mean that keeping an eye on your travel companions is not advisable. But to not worry about such awful consequences. It is not the case here.
Terrorism Risk in Sweden: MEDIUM
Terrorism is a serious threat nowadays. Unfortunately, it can never be ruled out and this is why getting informed about it and keeping up with the latest news is advisable. Planning trips should depend on this aspect as well- especially when it comes to choosing your destination.
On the 7th of April 2017, a terrorist attack took place in Stockholm. Since then, Sweden has had a heightened terrorism threat. Make sure you’re prepared to defend yourself in such situations and that you’re very well informed before embarking on this journey.
- How to avoid terrorism in Sweden?
Because terrorist attacks usually happen in crowded areas, visited by tourists, you should always stay alert in such places. Keep a high degree of caution and do not leave your travel companions alone. As soon as you notice something strange happening, do not hesitate to call the authorities.
In case such unwanted events happen, get away from the crowd and search for shelter.
Risks for Women Traveling Alone in Sweden: LOW
You might have already noticed that Sweden is indeed a safe country for tourists. Depending on the area you plan to visit, this country is safe for women traveling solo in Sweden as well. You can enjoy everything this amazing country has to offer even if you choose to do it alone.
Here’s how you can have a wonderful holiday in Sweden even if you choose to do it without any travel companions.
- How to avoid crime as a solo woman traveler in Sweden?
With a normal degree of caution on crowded streets and public places and a well-defined common sense, you can keep safe in Sweden. All you have to do is avoid deserted areas, especially at night and also stay away from poorly lit areas. What’s more, you can easily enjoy only the safest areas by getting informed about the ones which pose some dangers for tourists. You’ll read about them in a minute.
Rape Risk in Sweden: LOW
You’ve already read before that Sweden is a safe place for women traveling solo and the kidnapping risk is quite low. It goes the same with the threat of being raped. It is unlikely for tourists to experience such unwanted acts during their stay in Sweden and such risks can be ruled out if you take the right precautions.
- How to avoid getting raped in Sweden?
In order to keep safe and avoid encountering rape in Sweden, avoid poorly lit areas and stay indoors at night if you travel alone. Always go out accompanied at night in bars or pubs and never leave your drink unsupervised if you’re a woman traveling solo in Sweden. In this way, you make sure your stay there is deprived of such unwanted scenarios.
Risks for People Traveling with Children in Sweden: LOW
You can have a wonderful holiday in Sweden if you choose to do it with your whole family. Your children will have the chance to enjoy everything Sweden can offer to its tourists if you are responsible enough to supervise them. All you need to do is take care of them as you would do in any other country. Apart from that, no other special requirements are needed.
- How to avoid unwanted scenarios?
You can avoid any unwanted scenario and stay safe in Sweden if you are responsible and take care of your children properly. From the routine vaccines to keeping an eye on them, as a parent, you should know what to do. Prepare your children for such a trip and your whole family will have a wonderful stay in this amazing country.
Natural Disaster Risks in Sweden: MEDIUM
When it comes to natural disasters, some risks may appear. If you choose to travel there during winter, you might experience freezing temperatures. You should be aware of this aspect especially if you travel with small children.
How to stay safe in Sweden during winter? Dress accordingly in thick clothes and stay informed at all times. You should expect snowstorms, blizzards, and very cold temperatures, as well as occasional meteorological hazards.
Transportation Risks in Sweden: LOW
Fortunately, you can travel safely during your journey to Sweden. This is because Sweden has one of the safest transportation systems in Europe. Trains, buses, and taxis are pretty safe here, but this does not mean that proper care of your luggage and pockets is to be forgotten.
Night-clubs, Pubs, and Bar Risks in Sweden: LOW
Is Sweden safe for tourists when it comes to nightlife? The answer is yes. No other dangers apart from the ones mentioned above appear during the night. All you have to do is exercise a normal degree of caution and not leave your drink unsupervised.
What is more, avoid isolated areas and do not trust anyone you’ve just met. With these Sweden safety travel tips at hand, you’re all set to have amazing experiences there.
Health Risks in Sweden: LOW
The key aspect when visiting a foreign country is taking care of your health first. You can easily do that by paying a visit to your health provider before the actual leave. Since you’ve chosen a developed country to travel to, you shouldn’t worry about the quality of the health services here.
You will find pharmacies open at all times and- in case you need medical assistance- you will be taken care of properly in Sweden.
Nevertheless, you should make sure you have the right medical insurance and routine vaccines before leaving. Your health is among the top priorities when leaving your country.
List of Vaccines You Need in Sweden
If you want to visit Sweden, make sure you are aware of the vaccines you need to have. The routine vaccines you need to have are against:
- hepatitis B
- meningitis vaccines
- tick-borne encephalitis
- tuberculosis (TB)
- yellow fever
- rabies
Most Dangerous Area in Sweden
Now that you have a clear picture of how safe is Sweden for tourists, you can start planning your trip. Make sure you research your destination very carefully and take into account avoiding the following areas:
- Stockholm Central Station: even if Stockholm is one of the safest capital cities in the world, this area is quite notorious for vagrants who tend to congregate here. If you get there by accident and are attacked, do not hesitate to reach Stockholm Police at 08 401 01 00.
- Gothenburg: while a rather peaceful small city, Gothenburg is very dangerous when it comes to transport. Driving on snow and ice is dangerous here, so if you find yourself in trouble, seek help at 114.
- Malmo: The focus on crime in Malmo is in the suburbs Lindänge & Rosengård. It is better to avoid them
- Rural areas at night can also be quite dangerous because of moose and poorly lit areas.
Concluding Remarks: Is Sweden Safe to Visit?
As you could see above, the risks you might encounter in Sweden are quite low. Danger does not peak on any corner here and this is definitely good news for you. Now that you have a clear picture of how safe is Sweden for tourists, start planning your trip. Make sure you have this Sweden safety travel guide at hand and follow the tips provided. And don’t forget- safety always comes first when traveling abroad.
