Is Visby safe?
Very safe. The only issues are drunken crowds during big summer weeks and bike or car theft.
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 Visby at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Crime | Petty theft and drunken disturbances during Almedalen and Medieval Week; otherwise very low crime. |
| At night | Safe on foot, and the old town is quiet after midnight. Taxis are few, so book ahead for late nights. |
| Solo women | Very safe for solo women. Standard care during crowded festival weeks. |
| Other risks | Ticks in grass and forests; Sea swimming without lifeguards; Rough ferry crossings in winter storms |
Scams, areas and local laws
Take care
- Medieval Week nights in August: crowds and heavy drinking
- Cycling on narrow cobbles: falls are common
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 Visby 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 Visby safe for solo female travelers?
Very safe for solo women. Standard care during crowded festival weeks.
Is Visby safe at night?
Safe on foot, and the old town is quiet after midnight. Taxis are few, so book ahead for late nights.
What is the crime rate in Visby?
Petty theft and drunken disturbances during Almedalen and Medieval Week; otherwise very low crime. Nationally, Sweden records 1.1 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Visby?
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112.
More about Visby
Going to Visby solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Destination Gotland (ferries)
- Gotland tourism
- Swedavia Visby Airport
- 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.