A new study has revealed the safest places in Europe when it comes to travel. And the results may surprise you. Or they might confirm what your travelling experience has taught you. Sometimes, we know instinctively, what’s safe for us as tourists, and sometimes we find out by experience. Ours or those of others.
The study by Gamblino.com analysed 9 metrics that contribute towards how safe an area may be such as homicides, assaults, road fatalities, natural disaster risk, and global peace index, to find which European country is the safest. Switzerland ranked on top of the list, followed by Iceland and Norway.
Each country was given a score out of 10 for each factor, which was then totalled to provide a score on the safety index. The lower the score, the safer the country is.
1 Switzerland
Switzerland ranks as the safest place in Europe. With very low homicide, assault and road fatalities, travellers are likely to be very safe in this country. Switzerland also has a very low risk of natural disasters and one of the lowest levels of corruption perception in Europe. With stunning ski slopes and scenic hiking trails, this is a must-visit for travellers who want to see the beauty Europe has to offer.
Safety index: 45
2 Iceland
Iceland is a Nordic volcanic island defined by dramatic landscapes, gorgeous glaciers and cascading waterfalls. Not only is it incredibly beautiful but ranks as the second safest country in Europe. With very low numbers of robberies (14.6) and homicides (0.89) per 100,000 people and also ranking as one of the most peaceful nations as well, this country should be on any traveller’s bucket list.
Safety index: 47.4
3 Norway
Norway is a Scandinavian country encompassing mountains, glaciers and deep coastal fjords. Norway also ranks as a very peaceful nation, with a very low rate of robberies and homicide as well as only 2 traffic accidents per 100,000 people, these metrics make Norway a safe travel destination.
Safety index: 47.9
4 Denmark
Denmark has been reported to be one of the happiest countries in the world, and this study has the country as the fourth safest in Europe. This country has lower levels of assault and road fatalities than most and there is a high chance your trip to Denmark will be a pleasant one.
Safety index: 49.4
5 Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a small landlocked European country known for the dense Ardennes forest, nature parks in the north, the rocky gorges of the Mullerthal region in the east and the Moselle river valley in the southeast. Not only is the country doused in beauty, but it has a very low risk of natural disaster, residents and visitors have great personal freedom, and the country has the lowest homicide rates in Europe.
Safety index: 50
6 Finland
Finland has many elements that make it such a great travel destination. The Northern Lights can be seen from the country’s Arctic Lapland province, a vast wilderness with national parks and ski resorts. Tourists can also be sure that they will be safe in Finland as they have very few assaults and robberies per 100,000 people as well as being ranked as a very peaceful nation. This is why Finland ranks as the sixth safest country.
Safety index: 51.2
7 Ireland
Ireland is a nation filled with natural beauty and enveloped in history, culture and tradition. The capital Dublin is a touristy hot spot with the famous Temple Bar, Guinness factory as well as various museums and castles that make it a great place to travel to. On top of this, travellers can ensure their safety as there are a low number of homicides (0.87 per 100,000) and sexual violence (60.9 per 100,000) in comparison to most of Europe.
Safety index: 51.5
8 Netherlands
The Netherlands is known for its flat landscape of canals, tulip fields, windmills and cycling routes. The capital Amsterdam has a rich history, including the Van Gogh Museum and the house where Jewish diarist Anne Frank hid during WWII. The Netherlands has low assault and sexual violence rates with a very low perception of corruption and is ranked as a very peaceful nation. This ensures its place in the top 10 safest countries in Europe.
Safety index: 52
9 Austria
Austria is famous for its castles, palaces and buildings, among other architectural works, as well as its alpine summits and deeply carved valleys. Austria has very few robberies and homicides per 100,000 people and ranks highly on the peace index, making Austria a great travel destination for safety, in which it ranks ninth in Europe, and scenery.
Safety index: 52.1
10 Sweden
Sweden is a Scandinavian nation with thousands of coastal islands and inland lakes, along with vast boreal forests and glaciated mountains. Sweden is well known for its high quality of life and its welcoming of visitors. Coupled with lower crime stats than most of Europe as well as a high rating on the global peace index, Sweden is a great destination for safe travel.
Safety index: 52.2
Europe has so much beauty – from amazing landscapes to spectacular architecture. But one should always remember that all places have the potential for great opportunities and there are also inherent risks present everywhere.
As a spokesperson from Gamblino.com commented: “When choosing great travel destinations, it’s important that travellers are well informed on the countries they are travelling to, including how safe a place is. Europe offers incredible opportunities for travellers who wish to see the diverse landscapes, architecture, ecosystems and cultures that exist across the continent.
However, it’s important to remain vigilant while travelling anywhere, as tourists can often be targeted by criminals. So, whether you are travelling alone, with friends or family, it’s imperative to be aware of any potential dangers and do what you can to remain safe.”