Is Gothenburg safe?
Safe in the center and popular areas. Some suburbs have gang violence that rarely affects visitors; petty theft is the practical risk.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-05-17.
- Homicide rate in Sweden: 1.1 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Sweden: 3.1 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
Safety in Gothenburg at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Pickpocketing at Central Station, on trams and in Haga; bike theft. Drunk fights on weekend nights in Avenyn. |
| At night | The center is safe after dark and trams run late. Weekends are busy around Avenyn and the Kungsportsavenyn clubs. |
| Solo women | Generally safe; harassment is rare. Use taxis or night trams after late bars and watch drinks. |
| Other risks | Slippery tram tracks and wet pavements in autumn; Cold water and sudden swell at archipelago swimming spots; Ticks on islands and in forests |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Distraction theft at Central Station and trams
- Unlicensed taxi touts at the airport
- Fake charity clipboards
Take care
- Avenyn at closing time: drunk crowds and fights
- Suburban estates far from the center: avoid at night unless you know them
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drinks over 3.5% are sold only at Systembolaget; ID is checked if you look under 25.
- Buying sex is illegal; the buyer is prosecuted.
- Drinking alcohol in public is banned in many town centres.
How Gothenburg compares in Sweden
Quick answers
Is Gothenburg safe for solo female travelers?
Generally safe; harassment is rare. Use taxis or night trams after late bars and watch drinks.
Is Gothenburg safe at night?
The center is safe after dark and trams run late. Weekends are busy around Avenyn and the Kungsportsavenyn clubs.
What is the crime rate in Gothenburg?
Pickpocketing at Central Station, on trams and in Haga; bike theft. Drunk fights on weekend nights in Avenyn. Nationally, Sweden records 1.1 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Gothenburg?
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
More about Gothenburg
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Västtrafik
- Göteborg & Co (Visit Gothenburg)
- Swedavia Göteborg Landvetter
- 1177 Vårdguiden
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.