Safest Cities in Europe, Updated in July 2024
Is Europe on your travel radar? Navigate through Europe’s safest cities, a blend of rich history and contemporary security measures.
If you have Europe on your travel radar, let’s navigate through Europe’s safest cities together. European cities are such a rich blend of history that goes way beyond. Also, you’ll be amazed by the contemporary security measures by these safest cities.
You’ll meet effective local police and community-minded residents somewhere in the city. Now, in this article, we’ll have a journey to the most secure places in Europe.
Before you travel, let’s check the safety tips and recommendations for each city. Have all the information you need, and don’t worry about your trip. Let’s explore the safest cities in Europe together and leave our concerns behind.
What Makes a City Safe?
- 🔍 Low Crime Rates - Low crime rates are important factors for cities to become safer. If violent crimes like murder and assault, as well as property crimes including theft and burglary, are lower, then the cities become safer.
👮 Effective Law Enforcement - The importance of security is seen also through a well-trained police force in the city. When needed, it’s important that the response time, technology used, and community policing contribute to the safety of a city.
🏗️ Strong Infrastructure - Well-maintained infrastructure makes cities safer. From good lighting to reliable transportation, safe roads, including sidewalks, are essential factors for safety considerations.
🏥 Access to Healthcare - Good healthcare systems in hospitals, clinics, and emergency services play an important role in medical access and make cities safer.
🧑🤝🧑 Social Stability - A stable social environment means low social unrest, low-income inequality, and strong safety nets with high-quality education options.
Top 10 Safest Cities in Europe
#10 Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm, Sweden, is a safe destination for travelers in general. The city has low rates of violent crime and terrorism. However, if you wonder if there are not every petty crimes, we can say there might be pickpocketing and bag snatching. So, it’s better to remain vigilant in especially crowded areas.
Considering that the country’s national security is high, Sweden is considered one of the safest countries in the world, as is Europe. It’s a beacon of safety in Europe, having a low crime rate and a proactive police force preventing crime. The city is stable, has a well-functioning welfare system, and has high standards of living.
Stockholm is not only safe but an interesting city with cultural and social diversity. There is an established sense of inclusivity and respect for all individuals. In addition, the city is clean and has well-maintained public spaces. It provides a peaceful and secure environment for citizens and visitors.
#9 Amsterdam, Netherlands
One of the safest cities in Europe is Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. As being considered as an important tourism center, Amsterdam has a strong police force with a proactive approach to keep the city safe. They also work with locals and city’s community for keeping the city safe together.
The sustainability of the low crime rate is another factor why it’s one of the safest cities in Europe. The culture of Amsterdam imposes hospitality and inclusivity so it creates a warm environment for all.
The social welfare system of the Netherlands is also worth mentioning, keeping the residents reach universal health and education.
When it’s Amsterdam we’re talking about, it’s also bikes and a city that’s built for bicycle users. The citizens and the visitors of this city can find a safe and healthy lifestyle.
To summarize, Amsterdam is a well-preserved city, and innovative actions have been taken by the authorities to keep the city safe and a desired place to visit.
#8 Munich, Germany
Munich is the state capital of Bavaria. It’s a top destination for tourists looking to ski and snowboard on the Bavarian Alps. Also, visitors are willing to wander the magical Christmas markets in the city during Christmas time. You may also experience attending Oktoberfest, the largest public festival in the world.
It’s estimated that Munich has a population of 1.54 million. It makes the city the third largest city in Germany.
Munich is considered a very safe city, and violent crime is rare. However, the occasional petty crime might be expected.
#7 Vienna, Austria
Vienna is another of the safest cities in Europe. The capital of Austria has low crime rate that’s supported by efficient policing strategies. The police department is in corporation with its citizens and community groups. This way, they’re able to create a sense of safety and inclusivity.
Social welfare and eduction contribute to the quality of life. Residents of Vienna can have easy access to essential social services that increase the quality of life and create a more stable environment.
Vienna is also a city that is visited for its architecture, historic buildings, and art galleries. The city is appealing when it comes to both a safe and accessible environment for everyone, a well-planned street for pedestrians, and good public transportation.
#6 Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s safety measures are widely recognized in Europe. The city actively engages in community policing to establish trust and cooperation between law enforcement and its citizens.
The low rate of crime in Copenhagen is, again, attributed to its effective social welfare system, well-maintained public spaces, and stringent gun control laws.
The police force in Copenhagen employs advanced approaches, including predictive policing, to prevent crime and build a secure environment for its residents.
The city emphasizes inclusivity and encourages relationships among community groups to create a sense of belonging.
Furthermore, Copenhagen’s bike-friendly infrastructure and green living ethos contribute to a healthy and peaceful urban environment.
#5 Oslo, Norway
Oslo, the reliable capital of Norway, is famous for its stunning fjords, lively culture, and reputation as one of the safest cities in Europe. Having a low rate of crime, the city is renowned for its progressive policing approach, with close collaboration between the police, residents, and local organizations to prevent crime and establish trust, which altogether creates a safe environment.
Oslo’s safety is by and large attributed to its social welfare system and high living standards, providing access to fundamental services like healthcare and education to all residents. Furthermore, Norway’s culture of civility and respect also plays a significant role in reducing the risk of violence.
#4 Bern, Switzerland
The Swiss capital Bern, a charming city renowned for its medieval architecture and fascinatingly rich history, is well-reputed as one of the safest cities in Europe.
With a low rate of crime, community policing and the active involvement of the public in crime prevention, and strict gun control laws, Bern guarantees a safe environment to residents and visitors alike. Moreover, the advanced police forces utilize non-violent conflict resolution methods, minimizing the risk of violence.
As in many other safe European cities, Bern’s high standard of living and social welfare system grants residents access to essential services and education and hence, contributes to the sense of safety in the city.
#3 Zurich, Switzerland
Another city among the safest in Europe is Zurich, famous for its stunning breathtaking scenery of the Alps and rich culture. Switzerland has consistently ranked high on the Global Safety Index due to its rate of crime and high standard of living.
The robust policing and justice system in the city contribute greatly to Zurich’s safety. The city has a solid police force, with officers trained in community policing and active engagement with residents. Additionally, Switzerland has strict gun control laws and a culture of civic responsibility, ensuring that individuals take responsibility for their actions.
The city’s strong economy, social welfare system, and high standard of living ensure that residents have access to all the basic services, education, and healthcare, all of which make Zurich a safe haven.
#2 Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, the capital and largest city of Finland, is renowned for its stunning architecture, vibrant cultural scene, beautiful landscapes, and reputation as one of the safest cities in Europe.
The city boasts a low crime rate, a high standard of living, clean streets, and excellent public transportation.
One of the key reasons for Helsinki’s safety is the country’s well-established social welfare system, which ensures that people have access to healthcare, education, and other social services. Moreover, Finland has a strong sense of social equality, and the city’s community policing approach encourages interaction and cooperation between residents and the police.
The proper use of technology and innovation also has helped make Helsinki such a safe city: with CCTV cameras, sensors, and smart traffic systems that monitor the streets, Helsinki ensures quick response in case of emergencies.
#1 Reykjavik, Iceland
The capital and largest city of Iceland, Reykjavik, is one of the safest cities in Europe. It’s a city full of cultural scene alternatives, spas, and natural Scandinavian beauty. Moreover, it has a high level of safety with a very low crime rate and a strong sense of community.
High levels of trust within Icelandic society are among the main reasons why this city is so safe. It’s sometimes because the country is itself small in size and has a homogenous population. In addition, it has a social welfare system and an emphasis on equality and individual rights.
Furthermore, a well-funded police force is available in the city in addition to other safety measures like CCTV cameras in public areas and a low tolerance for violence. This combination of factors is making the city a safer place and a welcoming place for locals and visitors.
Traveling Abroad: Quick Safety Tips
- 🌎 Do you know the destination you’re visiting? Get to know the local customs and basic routines. Also, let’s add some new vocabulary to learn the basic phrases in the local language.
- 📞 Does anyone know that you’re planning? It’s important that you share your travel plans with a friend/family member. So they’ll be updated about wher you’re and you’ll keep in touch with them.
- 💳 Do you have any plans on how to keep your valuable personal belongings in a secure place? It’s better to have a plan about it and carry the belongings you need, not everything every time around.
- 🏨 Did you look for the environment you’re staying in? Try to be cautious when choosing accommodation, avoid sketchy isolated areas, and check out some comments about that place.
- 👀 Always be on the lookout. Even if you know that the place you’re traveling to is safe, it’s better to exercise caution. Be aware of your surroundings, and use common sense to have safer travel.
- 🚖 Trusted transportation is more suggested. You can also refrain from solo night travels as much as you can.
🍽️ Eating habits and ingredients may change from country to country. That’s why, pay attention to what you eat/drink, prefer bottled water if possible . - 📵 Besides the physical safety cautions, your digital safety also matters. So you can protect your personal information by using a VPN on public Wi-Fi.
- 🆘 Note down the local emergency numbers wherever you go, and have an emergency plan ready at hand.
- 🌞 Keep sunscreen and insect repellent handy to protect yourself against the sun/bugs.
- 🙅♀️ Be cautious about scams; think twice about hard-to-believe-level good deals.
10 Safest Countries in Europe
Find below a list of the ten safest European countries and how they ranked in the Global Peace Index prepared and published by the Institute for Economics & Peace:
Regional Rank | Country | Overall Score | Change in Score | Overall Rank |
1 | Iceland | 1.107 | ↓0.039 | 1 |
2 | Ireland | 1.288 | ↓0.019 | 3 |
3 | Denmark | 1.296 | ↑0.003 | 4 |
4 | Austria | 1.3 | ↓0.018 | 5 |
5 | Portugal | 1.301 | ↓0.002 | 6 |
6 | Slovenia | 1.316 | ↑0.021 | 7 |
7 | Czech Republic | 1.318 | ↓0.013 | 8 |
8 | Switzerland | 1.357 | ↓0.027 | 11 |
9 | Hungary | 1.411 | ↓0.047 | 13 |
10 | Finland | 1.439 | ↑0.033 | 14 |
10 Safest Capitals in Europe
Let’s see the top 10 safest capitals in Europe and how they ranked in the Global Peace Index prepared and published by the Institute for Economics & Peace:
Rank | Capital | Country |
1 | Amsterdam | Netherlands |
2 | Copenhagen | Denmark |
3 | Stockholm | Sweden |
4 | Zurich | Switzerland |
5 | Paris | France |
6 | Brussels | Belgium |
7 | Madrid | Spain |
8 | Rome | Italy |
9 | Reykjavik | Iceland |
10 | Berlin | Germany |
Safest Cities in Europe: The Wrap-Up
Europe is home to some of the safest cities in the world, with low rates of crime, proactive policing, and strong community engagement.
Each city has some unique factors contributing to its safety and some common ones. Zurich’s well-funded police force, Oslo’s progressive law enforcement strategies, and Copenhagen’s focus on sustainable living and bike-friendly infrastructure are just a few examples.
The above cities serve as models for others around the world, seeking to create safe and welcoming environments for their residents and visitors.
If you enjoyed this article, you may want to check out our articles on the safest cities in the world, as well as the safest countries in the world.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a city one of the safest in Europe?
Many factors contribute to a city’s safety, such as low rates of crime, the rarity of violent crime, proactive policing, strong community engagement, and a well-funded social welfare system.
Which are the safest cities in Europe?
Europe’s safest cities include Oslo, Zurich, Bern, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Munich.
How do these cities ensure safety for their residents and visitors?
These cities employ various measures, such as community policing, strict gun control laws, well-maintained public spaces, and innovative policing strategies to prevent crime and foster a sense of safety.
Can a city be completely safe?
It’s important to note that crime rates and safety measures can vary widely, even within the safest city of them all, between the city center and the periphery.
What can other cities learn from these examples?
Other cities can learn from these examples by adopting similar measures, such as community policing, investing in social welfare systems, and focusing on sustainable living and well-maintained public spaces, to promote safety and reduce crime.
What countries are the safest in Eastern Europe?
The Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, and Latvia are some of the safe countries in Eastern Europe.
What is the safest country in Europe?
Iceland is the safest country in Europe, according to the Global Peace Index of the Institute for Economics & Peace.
What are the safest destinations in Europe for solo female travelers?
The Netherlands, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, Austria, and Iceland are some of the safest destinations for solo female travelers.