Blog Home > Croatia, Europe, Iceland, International, Italy, Norway, Scotland, Slovenia Safest Countries in Europe for Women Travelers Nicki Bruckmann July 18, 2024 Share In a perfect world, women would be able to travel anywhere without worrying about being the victim in Netflix’s next true-crime documentary. But unfortunately, us gals need to be vigilant while traveling internationally, especially when going solo. So, when we see that a decent chunk (around 30%) of all solo travelers (predominantly women, BTW) are planning a trip to Europe, you start thinking: Maybe Europe is really safe for women. And yes, Europe can be extremely safe — depending on the destination. We’ve been hosting group travel trips all over Europe since 2018 and think it’s one of the best places for travelers, especially those who might not have dipped their toes in international travel before. So what are the safest countries in Europe for women? And what are the safest European cities for solo female travelers? Let’s take a look at crime rates, global peace rankings, and living standards to find out our top choices for European travel. What Makes a Destination Safe for Women Travelers You want a peaceful destination with political stability and social welfare. But how do you even begin to judge that? You could try to figure out political, cultural, and social nuances. You could refer to your own country’s travel advisory. OR… you could check the numbers (hello, fellow number nerds!) The crime rate is a vital metric. It tells you a lot about poverty, unemployment, and law enforcement strictness. There are crime and safety indices that then put the rates into perspective. Next comes the quality of life index. Yup, high living standards matter, even if you’re only visiting. Wealth, education, and social welfare are good breeding grounds for safety, after all. Then, you might want to cast a wider net and factor in conflict (international and domestic). The Global Peace Index (GPI) is a great way to gauge that. But be warned; lower values mean more peace, for some reason. Oh, and to reduce your odds of being a victim of gender-based violence, you’ll want to take a look at the Gender Inequality Index (GII). Again, lower values are better. So, while no place is 100% safe, the takeaway here is this: A relatively safe country is one with a low crime index, high quality of life, low GII, and low GPI. Don’t worry about trying to gather insights yourself. We kept those metrics in mind while choosing the safest European countries for this article! Sign up for the latest trips and special offers! Email(Required) Name First Last CommentsThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The Safest Countries in Europe for Women Travelers Europe, in general, is safe for women travelers — so much so that it’s sometimes considered the safest continent in the world. Today, though, we’ll be focusing on six countries: Croatia Iceland Italy Norway Scotland Slovenia The safety index values here range between 50 and 76. But enough numbers talk. Let’s get to the meat and discuss each country in-depth and why we host group travel tours for women in these countries. 1 Croatia: A Balkan Gem with Stunning Scenery and Rich History The Adriatic’s turquoise waters, the medieval towns, and the storybook scenery— Croatia really is a dream come true for outdoorsy travelers. A hike around the world-famous Plitvice Lakes can do wonders for your mind (and Instagram account)! But aside from the nature and architecture, Croatia has a laid-back culture going for it. Yup, the locals are generous and friendly. Plus, violent crimes are pretty rare. Even as a solo traveler, you won’t need more than the normal travel precautions. Still want to the see the safety numbers? Okay, here it comes: In 2023, Croatia’s safety index was 75.4 (24.6 for the crime index), and the country ranked No. 14 in terms of GPI. So, no matter how you look at it, Croatia is one of the safest countries in Europe. Is Croatia Safe for Solo Female Travelers? Yes! There’s relatively little crime and gender inequality in Croatia. Plus, the country literally makes it its business to welcome tourists (for the GDP, if nothing else). That said, it doesn’t hurt to be aware of the risks, especially in taxis. Try using apps and sharing the details with a pal. Still unsure about traveling solo to Croatia? Travel With Us To Croatia 2 Iceland: A Nordic Island Nation with Breathtaking Landscapes and Progressive Values Lower GPI = more peace, right? Well, Iceland got the lowest score in 2023—a mere 1.124. No, we’re not just talking about Europe. Iceland took that sweet No. 1 safest spot on the worldwide rankings. Crime index? Iceland ranks in the top 10 safest countries in Europe. Quality of life? Iceland isn’t the happiest nation in the world, but it has one of the best quality of life standards. Gender inequality? It’s nearly non-existent with a 2022 GII of around 0.039 (0 is great, 1 is terrible). Gender gap? Iceland officially had the lowest gap in 2023. Way to go, Iceland! With all that being said, it’s easy to see why Iceland is the most in-demand destination for solo women travelers. It might be your ideal destination, too. Just ask yourself if seeing a sky painted with northern lights, ice-climbing on an actual glacier, and dipping in a hot spring (yes, ALL that in one tour!) sounds like fun. Still unsure about traveling solo to Iceland? Travel With Us To Iceland 3 Italy: A Cultural Powerhouse with Iconic Cities and Picturesque Countryside Italy might not be topping the safety charts, but it’s still a relatively safe place for travelers. If the US’s safety score is about 51, Italy’s is somewhere around 53. Not bad, Italy. Not bad at all. Plus, it all depends on where you’re going and how well-prepared you are. For instance, Milan and Rome aren’t exactly the safest cities in Europe for solo female travelers because of pickpocketers. But girl, just keep your valuables tucked away, lock your bags, use Bluetooth trackers, and be alert in crowds. We promise it’s all going to be worth it— the glamor, the rush, the remarkable historical sights (the Sistine Chapel, anyone?), and the stick-to-your-ribs cuisine. And if you don’t want to risk it, leave the bustling cities behind and head to the Italian Dolomites. The only criminal thing there is the view. Still unsure about traveling solo to Italy? Travel With Us To Italy 4 Norway: A Scandinavian Haven with Fjords, Mountains, and Progressive Society In 2021, Georgetown Institute ranked counties by security and peace index BUT for women specifically. Guess which country topped the list. Yup, it was Land of the Midnight Sun (aka Norway, aka the gender equality haven with the generous social welfare programs). The country’s GII is consistently low but dropped to 0.012 in 2022. Think financial inclusion, less legal discrimination, and better safety for women. Plus, Norway has one of the highest quality of life index values in Europe and is among the top 20 safest European countries. What does that mean for you? Well, you can grab a backpack and get a taste of the “friluftsliv” outdoor-life philosophy without being in constant fear. And Norway has plenty of outdoor adventures waiting for you… if you have the nerve (and anti-chafing cream) for them. A gal visiting the Lofoten archipelago could hike mountain summits, ski, sleep in pretty little cabins, and kayak in fjords. Don’t worry; you’ll get plenty of chances to kick off your boots, feel the sand between your toes, take in the idyllic view, and breathe some fresh air. Oh, we haven’t told you yet? Norway has great air quality. What Makes Norway One of the Safest Countries in Europe? Political stability and an effective legal system go a long way in making a country safe, and Norway has both. Don’t just take our word for it; the OECD Trust Survey found that courts, police, and the government are all highly trusted by the average Norwegian, which boosts social cohesion. The least trusted institution? That would be the media, but that shouldn’t affect us much. Still unsure about traveling solo to Norway? Travel With Us To Norway 5 Scotland: A Land of Castles, Lochs, and Friendly Locals Don’t focus too much on the UK’s overall crime index. Scotland has a way lower rate than England and Wales, which makes it one of the safest places to travel in Europe as a woman. Plus, the Scots are a friendly bunch, and strangers might start a conversation with you. Obviously, an Explorer Chick like yourself still needs street smarts while roaming large cities. Edinburgh and Glasgow are no exception. However, things get more slow-paced and relaxed if you head to the Highlands. Better yet, go to the remote Island of Skye for dreamy landscapes and tranquility. How Safe is Scotland for Solo Female Travelers? Scotland is pretty inclusive and safe for women. Harassment is rare, doors are often left unlocked in rural areas, and crime rates are reported at their lowest in 40+ years. Still, being vigilant never hurts, so you’d better: Avoid the Meadows at night. Ask for ID before interacting with officers to avoid “fake police” scams. Still unsure about traveling solo to Scotland? Travel With Us To Scotland 6 Slovenia: A Hidden Gem with Charming Towns and Outdoor Adventures Ah, charming Slovenia. It’s small. It’s sustainable. And it’s safe— so safe that it ranked as the third safest country in Europe three years in a row (2021–2023). Before that? It took the No. 1 safety index spot and No. 11 spot for quality of life. Since it’s one of the safest countries ever, we know it’s quite tempting to visit Slovenia as a solo traveler. When you do, we’re willing to bet you’ll fall in love. Everyone who visits does, and how couldn’t they? The Alps, the Mediterranean, Pannonian plains, and karst landscapes all meet up in this small country! The nature there is so pretty that you’ll hardly feel bored for a second. In our small-group tour, we do everything from hut-to-hut hiking in the Julian Alps to soaking in Lake Bled. That said, Slovenia’s beauty isn’t just in nature; it’s tucked into every nook and cranny of its towns, from the old medieval wall of Piran to the cafe-lined streets of Ljubljana. Note: Ljubljana’s violent crimes are very low, and the city is suitable for walking alone at night. Feel free to call it the solo traveler’s dream city from now on. Still unsure about traveling solo to Slovenia? Travel With Us To Slovenia Tips for Staying Safe as a Woman Traveler Choosing a safe destination isn’t enough. You still need to keep your wits about you. Essential Safety Tips for Women Travelers in Europe Let’s start with some general tips: Trust your gut. Is your spidey sense tingling and telling you that the situation is strange and unsafe? Back away and set boundaries. Be smart with night walks. Walking alone at night in Europe is only safe if you pick the right country and neighborhood. But to be extra safe, we’d recommend skipping the night walks and take a trusted taxi or rideshare. Protect your stuff. Know the pickpocketing hotspots and leave your valuables in the hotel’s safe before heading there. Blend in. Some Europeans can spot American tourists by how they dress. Check what the locals are wearing and pack clothes that don’t stand out like a sore, foreign thumb. Learn Key Phrases for a Safer Trip Imagine being in an emergency and not being able to communicate what’s wrong—that’s nightmare fuel! Some apps can help with the translation. But you don’t want to put all your faith in an app. Instead, we recommend learning at least a few phrases in the local language . Here are important phrases to practice before your trip: I’m lost. I’m allergic to __. I’m having an emergency. I need help. Please call the police. Is it safe? Are we in danger? Please write that down for me. (Use this for important addresses) Where is the __ embassy? Speak slowly, please. Invest in Travel Insurance and Register Your Trip Things can still go wrong even if you’re in the happiest nation ever. You might need medical services. Your stuff could get stolen. You might even have to cancel the trip altogether. Hopefully, none of that will ever happen. But if it does, the safety net that travel insurance provides would be quite handy. Keep Critical Emergency Contact Information Readily Available You can do your best picking the safest European regions. Still, as the saying goes, you should hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Nothing says “prepared” like carrying a small emergency card in your wallet. This way, police (or good samaritans) can quickly find out who to contact if something happens. Put your blood type and important medical info in there, too. Don’t forget to memorize the local emergency number as well. Since we’re talking Europe, 112 will likely be your 911 replacement. In Scotland, however, 999 is the number to dial. Journey Fearlessly Through Europe’s Safest Countries Less crime and more adventure—that’s what Iceland, Norway, Croatia, Scotland, Italy, and Slovenia have to offer. And we’ll take it! We’re in no way telling you to jump in blindly or act naively just because your vacation destination has a high safety index. You’ll never find a 100% safe country— not in Europe and not anywhere else in the world. You’ll always need to prepare, keep your eyes open, and maintain a level head. There’s a delicate balance to enjoying a trip while still putting your safety first. It sounds tricky, but after a while, you’ll get the hang of it. Explorer Chicks always do! Need help booking a fun and safe trip to Europe? Check out our group tours. Related Posts 7 Game-Changing Hiking Boot Lacing Techniques Tired of getting your stomach in knots tying different lacing techniques? You can take a deep breath–we’ve laid out how to lace boots for hiking with patterns that’ll help you step into comfort. 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