Finland is considered one of the safest countries in the world.
The reported crime rate is 98.2 per 1,000 inhabitants.
Most of these reported crimes involved property and traffic offenses.
In the past couple of years, less than 5% of the population has reported instances of violent crime.
Overall, there have been little to no reports from tourists involving crime.
In fact, most visitors report Finnish people kindly picking up and promptly returning any items they might drop – including wallets.
Generally, the natives are friendly and welcoming, making Finland a great place for a vacation any time of the year.
Before you dive into booking plane tickets, though, take a look at some of the safest cities in the country.
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10 Safest Cities in Finland
Though it is hard to go wrong in Finland, the following are ten of the cities with the lowest crime rates.
1. Aland
Aland is a group of islands that cater to the desires of over a million visitors every year.
If you love history and exploring, you have ruins and an old castle to enjoy.
If water activities or golf is your choice, you’ve got plenty of options.
It’s also covered with unique shops, restaurants, museums, hotels, parks, and more – as well as some quiet areas to unwind.
Aland has the lowest reported crime rate, boasting numbers of only 58.36 crimes per 1,000 inhabitants.
2. Lappeenranta
Lappeenranta is a true tourist destination with plenty to do and see.
You can enjoy the outdoor theater with folk dancing and souvenirs, cruises, hearty quick snacks, the Sandcastle area, a city theater, and much more.
For several years, Lappeenranta has been considered one of the safest large areas in Finland.
The level of crime was once considered low, but it has risen to just above moderate in the last three years.
Though this rise does affect the stats, police report that an increase in drunk driving is largely to blame.
3. Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland – and a great place to visit.
You can enjoy beautiful art and architecture along with incredible nightlife, tasty eats, and plenty of coffee shops.
You also have access to the Design District, the Helsinki City Museum, their botanical gardens, and a firsthand look at Finnish culture.
Helsinki enjoys a very low crime index, despite a moderate increase in the last several years.
Though it is always important to use general safety precautions, you can expect few to no issues in Helsinki.
4. Oulu
If you are looking for some “me” time or a romantic couple’s getaway, Oulu can provide what you need.
Enjoy quiet nature walks to clear your mind – and breathe in some fresh air.
Or enjoy a walk with your love along one of the ready-made routes perfect for couples looking to rekindle their spark.
You’ll also find outdoor activities, candlelit dinners, and live shows.
Oulu is also a very safe area to visit, as the general level of crime is low.
The most common crimes tend to fall into the categories of vandalism and the destruction of public property.
5. Rovaniemi
If a great vacation for you includes winter sports, Rovaniemi is a great choice.
This location enjoys a seemingly interminable winter, so you will need to pack warmly.
You can also take advantage of quaint cafes, a deep dive into Finnish culture, and a stunning art museum.
And do not forget to pack your camera, as the surrounding landscape is a sight to behold.
Rovaniemi has one of the lowest crime rates in the country, even with the moderate increase in crime over the last few years.
It is also considered pretty safe for tourists, even when walking alone at night.
6. Tampere
Whether you have relaxation or adventure on your mind, Tampere can be the perfect spot.
From public saunas and quiet cafes to campsites and live events – there is a little something for everyone.
Despite what is considered a high increase in crime over the last five years, Tampere still somehow enjoys a crime rate that falls into the “Very Low” category.
The most reported crimes involve drugs and property crimes. Overall, residents and tourists report a very high safety index.
7. Kuopio
One of the biggest challenges when visiting Kuopio just might be not filling up your itinerary.
This city provides a wealth of history as well as incredible shopping, sports, outdoor activities, tourist attractions, food, and fun.
On the crime index scale of zero to 100, with 100 being the highest, Kuopio has a total crime index of just under 17 – making it a very safe place to visit.
Locals and tourists report a high level of safety.
8. Hameenlinna
Hameenlinna is another city that can keep any visitor busy.
One intriguing must-do is to take a tour through the medieval Hame Castle.
You can also take nature walks and strolls along beautiful Lake Vanajavesi, enjoy the park and playground, marvel at the art and design of Iittala Village, or dive into local culture.
Hameenlinna has experienced a high increase in crime over the last three years.
Yet it still has a very low crime index.
And the safety index is one of the highest, based on visitor reports.
9. Espoo
Looking to do some kayaking or paddle boarding?
Espoo is the place for you with a wide range of available water activities.
It’s also home to The Museum of Play, where you can find your inner child coming back to life.
If modern art is more your thing, you can choose a guided tour before ending your day with dinner at a rooftop restaurant.
Espoo is another city in Finland where visitors feel safe, thanks to its very low crime index.
The biggest reported crimes include vandalism and drugs, but even those numbers are low.
10. Turku
Take a step back in time by visiting Turku – the original capital of Finland.
You can tour medieval castles and cathedrals as well as old buildings and boats.
A particularly intriguing location is the Kuralan kylamaki, which is an old village you can visit to churn butter, make hay, watch blades being sharpened by stone, and other historical acts.
You will also find adventure parks, live shows, and much more.
While Turku has experienced a spike in crime over the last few years, it still ranks among the lowest crime rates and has a high safety index.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Finland
- Always share your plans. No matter where you travel, you always need to let someone know what you are doing. That way, they know where to send people to look for you if something goes wrong. This should include if you’re getting out to ski or just photographing Finland’s beautiful landscape.
- Never let your guard down completely. Even though Finland is a very safe destination, things can happen anywhere. Always use common sense and follow normal safety precautions.
- Pickpocketing and credit card skimming are threats. When possible, keep valuables locked up and keep money or credit cards in a safe location.
- Finland has some cold and extreme weather. It is important that you keep an eye out for any weather alerts and follow all precautions set forth.
- There have been reports of citizens pretending they have car trouble and waving down passersby in an effort to steal their valuables. If you notice a broken-down vehicle, do not stop. Play it safe by calling the authorities to check on the vehicle and travelers instead.
Finland Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Finland 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
Are there any areas to avoid in Finland?
Again, Finland is considered safe in general.
However, there are areas that people consider “bad,”, especially after dark.
Kontula and Malmi are two of these areas, but they are still rather safe – especially when you compare them to the “bad” areas of America.
In any event, you should be safe traveling throughout Finland as long as you follow basic safety precautions – like not going out alone at nighttime in so-called bad areas.
What do I do if I am in trouble?
Whether you have encountered a snake, a thief, or anything in between, you will only need one number to call: 112.
That’s the equivalent of 911 in Finland, bringing the police, the fire department, or an ambulance to your rescue.
What are the biggest dangers in Finland?
Most people who live in or visit Finland will tell you that crime is not your biggest threat – nature is.
Though you are typically safe from most natural disasters like tornadoes and earthquakes, temperatures can drop to below zero in the wintertime.
Additionally, there are so many beautiful things to get out and explore, but they are often inhabited by snakes, mosquitoes, and ticks.
You will need to take extra precautions, dress properly in boots that cover your ankles and carry a first aid kit to limit potential dangers from these threats.
I’ve lived in Tampere for years and it’s no surprise to see it on this list. The sense of community and safety here is unbeatable!
As a parent, safety is always my top concern. I’m glad to see Espoo ranked so high, it’s reassuring knowing my kids are growing up in such a secure environment.
Helsinki is not only beautiful but also incredibly safe. It’s comforting to walk around the city knowing that safety is a top priority for both locals and authorities.
Kuopio might not be the biggest city, but its low crime rate makes it a hidden gem in terms of safety. Plus, the surrounding nature adds an extra layer of tranquility.
I recently moved to Turku and safety was a big factor in my decision. It’s great to see it recognized as one of the safest cities in Finland.