If you’re someone who values safety and security when traveling, Europe is a continent that should be on your radar. With its rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning natural landscapes, Europe is a popular destination for millions of visitors each year. But with so many countries to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. Safety is undoubtedly a major concern for many travelers, and it’s important to choose destinations that offer a high level of security and peace of mind. That’s why in this article, we’ll be exploring the safest countries in Europe, according to the Global Peace Index 2022. The list of the top 10 safest countries in Europe include Iceland, Ireland, Denmark, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Hungary and Finland.
So, sit back, relax, and get ready to discover some of the safest and most captivating destinations in Europe. And if you’re interested in exploring other safe destinations around the world, be sure to check out our articles on the safest countries in the world, the safest countries in Asia, the safest South American countries and the top 10 safest cities in the world.
Methodology for choosing the safest countries in Europe
When determining the top safest countries in Europe, it’s important to consider various factors that affect the level of safety and security in a particular place. These factors could include crime rates, political stability, social safety and security, natural disasters, and more.
One useful tool for assessing a country’s safety is the Global Peace Index (GPI). The GPI was founded by Steve Killelea and it is produced annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace. The GPI offers valuable insights and rankings for 163 countries based on their level of peacefulness.
The GPI evaluates a country’s level of Negative Peace across three domains of peacefulness: ongoing domestic and international conflict, social safety and security, and militarization. Each domain is assessed using several indicators, including conflicts, crime rates, political stability, displacement, and military build-up.
For this article, we have used the latest Global Peace Index published in June 2022 to determine the top 10 safest countries in Europe. The rankings take into account the latest available data for each country and provide an overall picture of their level of peacefulness.
It’s important to note that the GPI is just one tool for assessing safety and should not be the only factor considered when making decisions about travel or investment.
To offer a more comprehensive ranking of the safest countries in Europe, we have considered the Global Organized Crime Index. This index is the first of its kind, designed to measure the prevalence of organized crime and a country’s resilience towards criminal activity. It evaluates all 193 UN member states to provide a complete ranking.
Other factors, such as local knowledge, cultural differences, and current events, should also be taken into account when assessing the level of safety in a particular place.
List of the top 10 safest countries in Europe
| Top 10 Safest Countries in Europe (overall ranking) | Global Ranking | Country Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict Domain (most peaceful to least) | Societal Safety and Security domain (most peaceful to least) | Militarization domain (most peaceful to least) |
| Iceland | 1 | Iceland | Iceland | Iceland |
| Ireland | 3 | Switzerland | Denmark | Slovenia |
| Denmark | 4 | Ireland | Slovenia | Hungary |
| Austria | 5 | Czech Republic | Finland | Portugal |
| Portugal | 6 | Portugal | Switzerland | Ireland |
| Slovenia | 7 | Austria | Austria | Czech Republic |
| Czech Republic | 8 | Denmark | Ireland | Austria |
| Switzerland | 11 | Slovenia | Hungary | Denmark |
| Hungary | 13 | Hungary | Portugal | Finland |
| Finland | 14 | Finland | Czech Republic | Switzerland |
Iceland, the safest country in Europe
US State Department Travel Advisory: Exercise normal precautions
Iceland has consistently been ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. It has a low crime rate, and the police force is highly trained and responsive. The country has a high level of social cohesion and a strong sense of community, which contributes to a sense of safety.
As per the Global Organized Crime Index 2021, Iceland has a criminality score of 3.39 and is ranked 166 in the global criminality rankings ( the lower the better). The country has built up a robust mechanism to combat organized crime.
The travel advisory issued by the UK government ( accessed on May 10, 2023) emphasizes that crime rates in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, are low. However, petty theft and anti-social behavior can still occur, especially around bars and nightlife spots late at night in downtown Reykjavik. It is recommended to take necessary precautions and keep personal belongings, such as passports and money, secure. While violent crimes are infrequent, there was a recent incident of a knife-related altercation between groups at a nightclub in downtown Reykjavik. It is advised to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, and if you witness any unusual activity, immediately leave the area and follow instructions given by the local authorities and police.
Ireland, the second-safest European country
US State Department Travel Advisory: Exercise normal precautions
Ireland is known for its friendly people, but it’s also one of the safest countries in Europe. The country has a low crime rate, and the police force is well-resourced and effective. Ireland also has a strong sense of community and social cohesion, which contributes to a safe and stable society.
As per the Global Organized Crime Index 2021, Ireland has a criminality score of 4.90 and is ranked 95 in the global criminality rankings ( the lower the better).
The UK government’s travel advisory ( accessed on May 10, 2023) for Ireland states,
“UK government’s travel advisory about Ireland. Take hint from the following paragraph: Most visitors to Ireland experience no difficulties during their stay. Take sensible precautions to protect yourself from bag snatching and pick pocketing. Try to avoid carrying valuables and large sums of money. Make sure your vehicle is properly secured, and where possible park in secure parking areas. Most incidents occur in the Dublin area. If you need to contact the emergency services call 112.”
Denmark
US State Department Travel Advisory: Exercise normal precautions
Denmark is consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, and it’s also one of the safest. The country has a low crime rate, and the police force is highly effective. Denmark has a strong social safety net and a high level of social cohesion, which contribute to a sense of safety.
As per the Global Organized Crime Index 2021, Denmark has a criminality score of 3.86 and is ranked 150 in the global criminality rankings ( the lower the better).
The UK government’s travel advisory ( accessed on May 10, 2023) for Denmark states, “Crime levels are generally low, but pickpockets and bag-snatchers operate in crowded areas mainly around Copenhagen. Be aware that thieves can use a variety of methods to distract you, particularly when getting on and off from crowded public transport. Thieves are also known to operate opportunistically around hotel lobby areas and in cafes and restaurants. Keep your personal belongings, including passports and money secure. You should also keep an eye on luggage, including in the overhead baggage compartment when travelling on trains to and from the airport. This kind of crime is more common at the central station, Nørreport Station and on the main shopping street called Strøget and other areas popular with tourists such as Christiania, Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv. Pickpockets are also known to operate inside Kastrup airport. You should take extra care in Christiania and Nørrebro, particularly late at night. There have been some instances of gang violence in these areas.”
Austria
US State Department Travel Advisory: Exercise normal precautions
Austria is another country with a low crime rate and a highly effective police force. The country has a strong social safety net, and its citizens enjoy a high standard of living. Austria also has a strong sense of community, which contributes to a sense of safety.
As per the Global Organized Crime Index 2021, Austria has a criminality score of 4.04 and is ranked 141 in the global criminality rankings ( the lower the better).
The UK government’s travel advisory ( accessed on May 10, 2023) for Austria states,
“There is a low rate of crime, but petty crime does occur and you should take the usual precautions to avoid becoming a victim. Do not leave valuables unattended. Be especially vigilant around major public transport hubs and city centre parks after dark. Safeguard your valuables against pick-pockets, especially in the major cities when tourists can be targeted for passports and money. If you’re travelling on international trains to or from Austria you should be especially aware of your luggage.”
Portugal
US State Department Travel Advisory: Exercise normal precautions
Portugal has seen a significant reduction in crime in recent years, thanks in part to a highly effective police force. The country has a strong social safety net, and its citizens enjoy a high standard of living. Portugal is also known for its friendly people and welcoming atmosphere.
As per the Global Organized Crime Index 2021, Portugal has a criminality score of 4.55 and is ranked 117 in the global criminality rankings ( the lower the better).
The UK government’s travel advisory ( accessed on May 10, 2023) for Portugal states,
“Crime rates are low but pickpocketing, handbag snatching and theft from cars and holiday properties are common in major tourist areas and can be accompanied by violence. Be alert, keep sight of your belongings at all times and beware of thieves using distraction techniques. Be especially vigilant on public transport (particularly the popular numbers 15 and 28 trams in Lisbon) and at busy railway and underground stations and crowded bus and tram stops. Do not carry all your valuables together in handbags or pockets. Leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place. Avoid leaving items in an unattended car, even for a short period; if you have no alternative, hide them in the boot before you reach your destination. Foreign-registered and hire cars are often targeted by thieves. Report the loss or theft of your passport immediately to the local police and obtain a police report. You will need the report for insurance purposes.
“Make sure your holiday accommodation has adequate security. Lock all doors and windows at night and when you go out. If you’re worried about security at your accommodation, speak to your tour operator or the owner. Familiarise yourself with the contact details of the local PSP (city police) or GNR (rural and small town police). Personal attacks, including sexual assaults are rare, but do occur. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times to make sure they aren’t spiked.”
Slovenia
US State Department Travel Advisory: Exercise normal precautions
Slovenia is a small country with a low crime rate and a highly effective police force. The country has a strong sense of community and social cohesion, which contributes to a sense of safety. Slovenia is also known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, which contribute to a healthy and active lifestyle.
As per the Global Organized Crime Index 2021, Slovenia has a criminality score of 4.29 and is ranked 132 in the global criminality rankings ( the lower the better).
The UK government’s travel advisory ( accessed on May 10, 2023) for Slovenia states,
“There is a low rate of crime, but petty crime does occur and you should take the usual precautions to avoid becoming a victim. Don’t leave valuables unattended. Be vigilant in busy tourist areas and safeguard your valuables against pickpockets.”
Czech Republic
US State Department Travel Advisory: Exercise normal precautions
The Czech Republic has seen a significant reduction in crime in recent years, thanks in part to a highly effective police force. The country has a strong sense of community and social cohesion, which contributes to a sense of safety. The Czech Republic is famous for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful architecture.
As per the Global Organized Crime Index 2021, the Czech Republic has a criminality score of 4.63 and is ranked 112 in the global criminality rankings ( the lower the better).
According to The UK government’s travel advisory ( accessed on May 10, 2023) the Prague city police advise visitors to: “Always exchange currency at a currency exchange office or bank, never on the street as this money is often counterfeit. Avoid contact with women and men acting as street prostitutes as they are often pickpockets. Take care when using cash machines. The sale and distribution of drugs is illegal and the drugs are often hazardous counterfeits. Be aware of consumption charges in nightclubs; they are often high. Be careful with consumption cards, which carry high financial penalties if they are lost before the bill is paid.”
Switzerland
US State Department Travel Advisory: Exercise normal precautions
Switzerland is popular for its high standard of living, and it’s also one of the safest countries in Europe. The country has a low crime rate, and the police force is highly effective. Switzerland also has a strong sense of community, which contributes to a sense of safety.
As per the Global Organized Crime Index 2021, Switzerland has a criminality score of 4.34 and is ranked 127 in the global criminality rankings ( the lower the better).
The UK government’s travel advisory ( accessed on May 10, 2023) for Switzerland states,
“There is a low rate of serious crime in Switzerland. However, the British Embassy has received increased reports of theft especially in larger cities, at Geneva airport and on trains to/from Geneva. Take sensible precautions to avoid mugging, bag snatching and pickpocketing. Be particularly vigilant at airports, railway stations and crowded public gatherings. Do not leave your valuables unattended. The emergency number for the Police is 117.”
Hungary
US State Department Travel Advisory: Exercise normal precautions
Hungary has seen a significant reduction in crime in recent years, thanks in part to a highly effective police force. The country has a strong social safety net, and its citizens enjoy a high standard of living. Hungary is also for its rich history and cultural heritage.
As per the Global Organized Crime Index 2021, Hungary has a criminality score of 4.50 and is ranked 122 in the global criminality rankings ( the lower the better).
Finland
US State Department Travel Advisory: Exercise normal precautions
Finland is consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, and it’s also one of the safest. The country has a low crime rate, and the police force is highly effective. Finland also has a strong social safety net and a high level of social cohesion, which contribute to a sense of safety.
As per the Global Organized Crime Index 2021, Finland has a criminality score of 2.71 and is ranked 181 in the global criminality rankings ( the lower the better).
Summary of the Top 10 safest countries in Europe
According to the Global Peace Index 2022, the top 10 safest countries in Europe are:
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Denmark
- Austria
- Slovenia
- Portugal
- Czech Republic
- Switzerland
- Hungary
- Finland
Top 10 safest countries in Europe [ Based on Global Crime Index Ranking]
According to the Global Organized Crime Index, the term ‘organized crime’ refers to unlawful actions that are carried out by groups or networks that work together to engage in violence, corruption, or related activities in order to achieve a financial or material benefit. These actions can occur both within a country and across national borders. The criminality score, which is used to measure organized crime, consists of two sub-components: the prevalence of criminal markets and the structure and influence of criminal actors. Criminal markets refer to the political, social, and economic systems that surround all stages of illegal trade or exploitation of commodities or individuals. Meanwhile, criminal actors include mafia-style groups, criminal networks, state-embedded actors, and foreign actors.
FAQs: Top 10 Safest Countries in Europe
Q: How was the ranking of the safest countries in Europe determined?
A: We used the latest Global Peace Index, published in June 2022, as the primary tool to evaluate the level of safety in European countries. We also took into account other factors such as crime rates, political stability, and social safety and security.
Q: Which European countries are the safest according to the ranking?
A: According to our ranking, the top 10 safest countries in Europe are Iceland, Ireland, Denmark, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia, Switzerland, Hungary, Finland, and Norway.
