Austria is a popular European travel destination.
The country features breathtaking natural landscapes, historic cities, and classical art and culture.
Austria is relatively low on crime, with a 23% crime level.
However, they have seen a moderate increase of 57% in the last 3 years.
Safety walking alone during the day is 84%, which is very high.
Safety walking at night is 66%, which is still considered high.
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10 Most Dangerous Cities in Austria
1. Klagenfurt
Klagenfurt is the capital of Carinthia.
It’s the sixth-largest city in Austria.
The city si located on Lake Wörthersee and the Glan River.
Around the city, you’ll find mountains and hills covered by forests.
Klagenfurt has a higher crime rate than most areas in Austria.
The crime index is 42%, and the safety index is 58%.
There’s been a very high increase in crime over the last three years, at 69%.
Theft and vandalism are some of the biggest concerns, with both crimes having a moderate risk.
Concerns about being attacked or insulted are also moderate, along with drug use and selling drugs.
Other crimes are low, with none being considered very low.
When visiting Klagenfurt, you’ll need to take a few precautions.
Walking at night is considered moderately safe, so it’s best to avoid walking alone at night.
You should also avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle, because there’s a moderate risk of them being stolen.
2. Krems
Krems is famous for winemaking.
Several well-known wineries are located in Krems.
It’s a popular destination for wine connoisseurs, particularly during the fall harvest.
Krems has a crime index of 38% and a safety index of 61%.
The overall level of crime is 50%, which is moderate.
However, crime has increased in the last 3 years by 100%, which is very high.
The rate of drug use and selling is 100%, which is very high.
Other crimes have a low or moderate risk of occurring.
3. Linz
Linz is located on the Danube River.
It’s considered the center of Europe, falling on the west-east axis and north-south axis. 30% of the city is grassland, and another 18% is forest.
It’s most well known for the Danube, which is a draw for tourists as well as a transport connection.
Linz has a crime index of 28% and a safety index of 72%.
The crime rate is 24%, which is low.
The increase over the last 3 years is 59%, which is moderate.
Residents say that crime against minorities is on the rise, however.
All crimes in Linz are rated low or very low.
4. Vienna
Vienna is the capital of Austria, as well as its largest city.
It’s also the second-largest German-speaking city in the world.
Vienna is known as the city of music, because many classical composers, including Beethoven and Mozart, came from the city. It’s also well known for its classical architecture.
Due to its high population, you can expect crime to be higher here than in many areas.
In high-crime areas, the risk of being a victim of a crime is as high as 1 in 46.
In safer areas, this drops to 1 in 135.
The overall crime rate for Vienna is 26%, which is low.
Most crime in Vienna occurs in the Northeast portion of Tysons.
You should avoid the area between Dulles Access Road and Leesburg Pike because this is the most concentrated crime area.
5. Innsbruck
Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol. It’s located in the Alps and is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
It’s also known for its modern and imperial architecture.
Innsbruck has a crime index of 26%, and a safety index of 74%, which means it can still be considered a relatively safe city.
The overall level of crime is 20%, which is low.
However, it’s increased by 64% in the last 3 years, which is high.
The most common crime in Innsbruck is people using or dealing drugs.
The crime rate for this is 40%, which is moderate.
6. Graz
Graz is the capital of the state of Styria.
The city has four colleges and universities, with a total of 60,000 students combined.
Graz’s historic center, Altstadt, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
In 2003, the city was named the Cultural Capital of Europe.
Graz has a crime index of 26% and a safety rating of 74%.
Crime has increased by 56%, which is moderate, in the last 3 years.
The most common issue is people using or selling drugs, which has a moderate risk of 44%.
Other crimes are listed as low or very low.
There are some areas in Graz that residents recommend avoiding due to safety concerns.
It’s wise to avoid Lend, Gries, Jakomini, and Grünanger.
7. Villach
Villach is known for its mineral baths.
It’s also the tourist destination for the Kärnten Lake district.
One of the most important architectural structures in the city is the parish church of St. Jakob, which was reconstructed in the 14th-15th centuries.
Villach has a crime index of 26% and a safety index of 73%.
The level of crime is 23%, which is low.
There’s been a moderate increase in the last three years, 48%.
All crimes in Villach are considered low or very low.
8. Salzburg
Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart.
It’s also the location where “The Sound of Music” was shot.
The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Festival of Salzburg began 100 years ago, with the goal of transforming the entire city into a stage.
The festival still occurs every summer.
Salzburg has a crime rate of 20% and a safety index of 79%.
Crime has increased by 54% in the last three years, which is a moderate increase.
The level of crime is 12%. All crimes are listed as low or very low.
9. Leoben
Leoben is located on the Muir River.
It’s known as an industrial center.
You’ll also find the University of Leoben here, which is devoted to mining and metallurgy.
The city is known as the “gateway to the Styrian iron road”.
Because of its strong connection with iron, Leoben has a yearly Miner’s parade.
The city is also home to impressive baroque architecture, including the 13th-century baroque Hackl House, and The City Parish Church, which was built in 1660.
The crime index for Leoben is 20%, and the safety index is 79%.
The overall crime rate is 12%.
There’s been a moderate increase of 58% in crime over the last three years.
The most common issue residents face is being insulted, with a moderate risk of 40%.
All other crimes are either low or very low.
10. Dornbirn
Dornbirn is an important commercial center for Western Austria.
It’s located in the Rhine River Valley and borders the Bregenzer Forest.
The city features mideveil architecture and a nature museum.
Dornbirn is the safest city on our list, and one of the safest cities around the world.
The city has a crime index of 9% and a safety index of 91%.
Crime has increased moderately, by 50%, over the last 3 years.
All crimes are listed as low or very low.
Walking during the day is completely safe, and safety walking at night is 96%, so you can feel free to explore the city day or night.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Austria
1. Protect Yourself From Theft
While violent crime is low in Austria, petty theft, property theft, and vandalism are concerns.
Never leave your belongings unattended, particularly on trains.
Avoid being alone in unpopulated areas. Lock your vehicle and hotel rooms.
2. Avoid High Crime Areas
Consider avoiding high crime areas, including train stations and popular tourist areas.
If you go to these areas, be alert to your surroundings.
It’s also best to travel as part of a group in riskier areas.
3. Protect Yourself from ATM Fraud
ATM fraud is a problem in Vienna.
When using an ATM, don’t allow anyone to see your pin.
Be sure to keep your ATM card on your person.
Check your credit card and bank statements often.
4. Avoid Protests
Peaceful protests can quickly turn violent, so you’ll want to avoid these.
Protests in Austria typically occur near Ring Road and on the Mariahilfer Strasse shopping street.
Be Alert for Terrorism
Terrorism does occur in European nations, including Austria.
In 2020, 4 people died due to a terrorist attack in Vienna.
You can keep yourself and others safe from terrorism by being aware of your surroundings, reporting suspicious behavior, and alerting authorities to any unattended bags, particularly in populated areas.
Austria Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Austria Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What Crime is Most Common in Austria?
Theft is the most common crime in Austria.
In 2016, the theft rate in Austria was double the world average.
However, these thefts are rarely violent.
Is organized crime a problem in Austria?
Austria is a destination and transit point for human trafficking and human smuggling.
However, the organized crime rate in the country is relatively low, with a score of 4%.
Is violent crime a problem in Austria?
Violent crime rarely occurs in Austria.
In fact, the murder rate in Austria is 0.5%, compared to 5% in America.
Dulles Access Road? You’ve got the wrong Vienna.
Austria is generally a safe country with low crime rates, but some cities like Klagenfurt and Krems have seen an increase in crime over the past few years.