Is Uppsala safe?
Very safe, small university city. Bike theft is the main problem; violent crime against visitors is rare.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 5/5, very safe.
- 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 Uppsala at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Crime | Bike and phone theft; drunk disturbances near student nations on party nights. |
| At night | Safe on foot; streets are quiet after midnight. Buses run late on weekends. |
| Solo women | Very comfortable for solo women; harassment is rare. Standard care late at night near bars. |
| Other risks | Slippery pavements in winter; Cyclists in bike lanes |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Resale of stolen bikes
Take care
- Valborg night and nation parties: crowds, drunkenness and river accidents
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 Uppsala compares in Sweden
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Kiruna | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Uppsala | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Visby | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Stockholm | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Gothenburg | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Malmö | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
Quick answers
Is Uppsala safe for solo female travelers?
Very comfortable for solo women; harassment is rare. Standard care late at night near bars.
Is Uppsala safe at night?
Safe on foot; streets are quiet after midnight. Buses run late on weekends.
What is the crime rate in Uppsala?
Bike and phone theft; drunk disturbances near student nations on party nights. Nationally, Sweden records 1.1 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Uppsala?
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
More about Uppsala
Going to Uppsala solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UL (Uppsala regional transport)
- Destination Uppsala
- 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.