“Despite Sweden’s international reputation for gender equality, women still fear traveling by public transport and being out in the evenings. Travel choices are affected by their concerns about safety and the necessary adaptations to threatening situations.”
— Lindkvist et al., 2024, Frontiers in Sustainable Cities
I’m a woman who loves to travel alone. I also love to see new places. Many people often ask me, “Is Sweden Safe for Solo Female Travelers? My Honest Experience” I understand why they ask. When you travel by yourself, safety is very important.
I travelled alone in Sweden for a few months. I walked alone at night. I used buses and trains. I went to big cities and quiet villages. After doing all this, I can say that Sweden is quite safe for women who travel alone. I felt safe in most places.
But there are still some things you should know before you go. These tips can help you feel more ready and confident.
In this post, I will share my own story. I will also give you some useful safety tips. I want to show you what it’s really like to travel alone as a woman in Sweden.
Why I Chose Sweden for Solo Travel
Sweden had been one of the dream places I wanted to travel to for so long. It had a great reputation, and I heard good things about it. People boasted about the stunning nature, the cleanliness and modernity of the cities, and the ease of travelling around by public transport. And they added that the people were friendly and helpful.
But what really stood out to me was, Sweden is celebrated to be a safe and fair place, at least for women. That made me more intrigued.
I often travel alone, so safety has always been a significant part of my plan. I prefer not to stress about wandering through new locations. Sweden felt like the ideal balance of adventure and safety. I knew I could have new experiences and yet feel calm and secure.
How Safe is Sweden for Solo Female Travellers?
1. Low Crime Rate
Sweden is one of the safest countries I’ve ever been to. The level of crime in Sweden is relatively low. Violent crimes are not that common. Gun violence and other things like that happen so rarely. This helped me feel less nervous about traveling alone.
Now, of course, no place is perfect. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can still occur. These typically occur in crowded locales, such as train stations or tourist areas. Take Stockholm Central Station, for instance; it can be quite a circus. This makes pickpocketing of bags or wallets a lot easier for thieves. And even on these streets, I have never had feelings of being unsafe.
I remained with my bag and was mindful of my belongings at all times. It was simply a question of being careful. The majority of the people in Sweden was friendly and helpful. The streets seemed quiet and clean. I felt fine, even at night, walking around alone.
So yes, it did feel secure there, even for a lone female traveler like me.
2. Gender Equality Culture
Sweden is one of the most gender-equal countries in the world.Women are respected in real life. This gave me a sense of safety and belonging as a solo female traveller.
It was Sweden; I was not afraid to walk in the dark there alone. I never felt judged for savoring time on my own. No one gawked at me or made comments. Even when I was walking at night, alone, I felt okay. The streets were empty, and people kept to themselves.
And in many places, women still have to deal with problems like staring or harassment. But that was not how I felt in Sweden. I was able to enjoy my time without concern. That made a lot of difference to my journey.
3. Efficient Public Transport
Sweden has very high quality public transportation. Trains, buses and metros, they generally keep to schedule. Oh, and they’re clean and well-lit. This allowed me to travel alone with ease and confidence.
I was travelling alone, so I used trains to travel across cities. In Stockholm, I also took the metro around the city. It was all well-planned. The staff was sweet and willing to assist if I had questions. The majority of signs had both Swedish and English, so there were no problems in understanding where to find your way around.
And even when I traveled late at night, I felt safe. The stations were lit, and there were always a handful of people around. I never felt scared or lost. Public transportation in Sweden was easy and it made my trip convenient and safe. It’s a great choice for a woman traveling alone to choose.
4. Safe Accommodation Options
Sweden has many good places to stay for solo travelers. You can stay in a hostel, in a hotel, or with Airbnb. There’s something at every price point and style below. During my trip I stayed in a combination of places. Some items were minimal and thrifty and some were more cozy than that.
I always read reviews online before I book. This made it easier for me to pick some safe, sound spots. I only chose locations that were near public transit, like a bus stop or a metro station. That made it easy to get around and return safely, even at night.
I felt safe in each of these locations. There were polite staff members, and the buildings were well-locked with safety rules. I never had any problems. I found it an easy task in Sweden to find a safe and cozy place of accommodation where I could rest as a solo traveling woman.
My Experiences in Different Cities
Stockholm
Stockholm was the first city I visited in Sweden. I had a great time there. I enjoyed walking around Gamla Stan, the old town. The narrow streets and colorful buildings were very pretty. I also went to different museums and read a lot about Swedish history.
I loved going out to fika — a coffee break with cake — in warm, cozy cafes. Stockholm’s metro stations were also very pretty, like mini art galleries. I would typically metro back to my hotel around 10 or 11 p.m. Even when it was late at night, I felt secure and content.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg is a friendly city.It’s a quiet, easy, calm place to be. The trams are very easy to use, and I don’t have any problems reaching my destination, even when I’m alone.
One day, I head out by boat to see the archipelago. The little isles are quiet and pretty. I like the fresh air and silence of it. I also take a brief nature hike with a small group of others. Everyone is so nice and friendly in the group. We have good talks and good laughs. It’s a beautiful day, and we all enjoy
Kiruna and Northern Sweden
I feel safe even here in the remote Kiruna. Kiruna is a town in the north of Sweden. I travel there to see the northern lights, a magnificent natural light show in the sky. At night I hop on group tours with other tourists. The guides are awesome and all about safety. I am staying at a small, locally-run guest house. The people are kind and respectful. It’s a peaceful place, but you must ensure that your journey is well planned. Travel in the high north isn’t always easy, so it’s a good idea to know your travel options before you go
Practical Safety Tips for Solo Female Travellers in Sweden
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, walk away.
- Avoid isolated areas at night, especially in unfamiliar neighbourhoods.
- Keep your valuables secure. Use a crossbody bag with zippers and stay alert in crowded places.
- Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps like Bolt or Uber instead of random street taxis.
- Learn a few basic Swedish phrases. Most Swedes speak excellent English, but a little effort goes a long way.
- Stay connected. Share your location with a trusted friend or family member.
What About Emergencies?
Sweden has a good emergency system that you can trust. If you need assistance, you can dial 112. It is the emergency number in Sweden for police, fire, or medical assistance. The police are friendly and you can talk to them. Most Swedish people are very nice and helpful if you ask for assistance.
And nearly any city has all-day-and-all-night stores. The streets are well-lit and safe to walk down. There are numerous security cameras in public places to protect people from harm. When in doubt or fear, go inside a hotel or a store nearby. They can help you.
Things I Loved as a Solo Female Traveller in Sweden
- Freedom to explore at my own pace
- No catcalling or unwanted attention
- Clean and safe public toilets (yes, even this matters!)
- Solo-friendly activities like museums, nature trails, and fika culture
- Supportive and respectful locals
Frequently Ask Questions
Is Sweden safe for solo female travellers at night?
Yes, Sweden is generally safe even at night, especially in well-lit areas and central locations. It’s always best to avoid isolated places and stay aware of your surroundings.
Are Swedish cities safe for women travelling alone?
Yes, cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö are considered safe for solo female travellers. Public transport is reliable and well-monitored.
What safety tips should solo women follow in Sweden?
Some tips include using public transport, staying in well-reviewed accommodations, avoiding isolated areas late at night, and sharing your location with a friend or family member.
Is public transport in Sweden safe for solo women?
Absolutely. Public transport in Sweden is clean, punctual, and safe. Solo women can comfortably use buses, trains, and metros at most hours.
Are there any areas solo women should avoid in Sweden?
While most areas are safe, it’s wise to be cautious in certain suburban neighborhoods of large cities late at night, as you would anywhere else. Stick to central, well-lit locations.
Conclusion: Would I Recommend Sweden for Solo Female Travellers?
Absolutely, yes.
As I travelled alone, I felt safe, peaceful and welcome in Sweden. The above said, no place is without its drawbacks, and basic travel sense will always be important. But if you seek a place where you can adventure and feel confident, find kind people and feel safe on your own, Sweden is a great place for that.
If you’re planning and have questions about your solo trip, don’t hesitate to contact me or drop a comment below. I’m always keen to see my fellow travelers experience some of those Swedish summer magic — safely.
