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Is Sweden safe to travel in?

Planning a trip to visit my ancestors country and I don't travel much. Plan to start in Sweden then travel south to Denmark, Germany Switzerland and Italy. How safe is Sweden now and Europe in general. Thanks for any feedback

Posted by
8261 posts

It sounds as if you are planning a lovely trip. Enjoy!

It is natural to feel a little apprehensive about the "unknown." Let me assure you that you will be as safe (some would say safer) as if you were traveling to Seattle or Portland. If you use the same good common sense you would at home, you will be fine.

It will be a confidence builder if you read some guidebooks. I also think the short video series on the Rick Steves website called, "European Travel Skills" could be very helpful as well.

Posted by
3 posts

As far as I know, all Scandinavian countries are considered the safest ones in the world.

Posted by
1315 posts

Depending on where in Sweden you want to visit you may have to look out for bears an dwolves, moose can be a problem if you drive in forests, and mosquitoes are everywhere (in summer).

Some forests in Denmark have a small population of wolves, but though they attack sheep, there has been no reports of attack on people.

Posted by
7731 posts

The problem is that it is expensive not unsafe compared to the USA and all the shooting here.

Posted by
882 posts

Hi Neighbor,
You will have a wonderful time!
Safety is a non-issue but, as always, even in Longview or Battle Ground, be aware of your surroundings.

Posted by
254 posts

Anecdotal evidence: Last July we were in Scandinavia. We walked days and evenings all over Copenhagen, Stockholm, Uppsala, Oslo and Bergen. We never felt the least unsafe, even in the "less desirable" parts of those towns. The biggest issue we had was the price of beer.

Posted by
996 posts

Sweden - Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

Doesn't every country now have at least a level one warning from the US State Department? They redid their system, and I think it makes less sense now than it previously did. YMMV, of course.

Posted by
23178 posts

...Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions...... When would you NOT exercise normal precautions? That is a silly warning if it is that at all.

Posted by
4138 posts

This question of safety comes up a lot and has always perplexed me. Without specifics, it's hard for me to understand exactly what people are afraid of. Most of the time I've spent in Europe since my first trip in 1977 has been on my own. I was 31 then and I'm now 72. Situational awareness is a part of any trip anywhere for me.

I just got back last week from a 3+ week (short for me) solo trip which included 2 nights in Amsterdam, 2 nights in Stockholm before the RS Best of Scandinavia tour started, 2 extra nights in Bergen after it ended and 2 nights back in Amsterdam before flying back to Seattle.

Whether with the group or on my own, I never felt unsafe anywhere. Of course it was June 5 to 27, so I was back in my room before it ever got close to dark.

It would be useful for you to thoroughly explore all the advice provided in the Travel Tips on this website.

You'd also do well to take a look at what's written about your country and city destinations in the Explore Europe section of this website. It will help with what to expect.

Knowledge is often a good antidote for fear. Keep on researching and asking questions on the forum.

Posted by
25 posts

Thank-you everyone for your advise and wisdom. I have been to Europe twice before so I am not sure why I asked the question. It seems irrational.
I will review travel tips and plan to go to Sweden next April. I am excited to go and meet new friends.

Posted by
42 posts

Sweden is much much safer than the USA. Frankly, this is a ridiculous question to ask.

Posted by
814 posts

BBC Newsnight recently aired a 17 minute video examining claims about changes in Sweden.

Sweden is usually recognized as being innovative, transparent and progressive, with good healthcare, welfare and gender equality. More recently, however, a growing chorus of Sweden sceptics have emerged. In this report, Gabriel Gatehouse went to find out more about these competing narratives.

This morning the NY Times has a related article by their chief diplomatic correspondent in Europe,
Sweden Was Long Seen as a ‘Moral Superpower.’ That May Be Changing.

Posted by
1473 posts

Saga Norén, Länskrim Malmö has also given up her badge. But, hopefully there will be new and upcoming Swedish cops to keep us safe and entertained.

Posted by
14482 posts

Pertaining to Europe I don't bother with announcements from the US State Dept,... warnings, opinions, whatever.....not interested.