When people think of Switzerland, pastoral mountaintops often come to mind.
And for good reason!
Nestled amongst the Alps, Switzerland can proudly boast of having some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the world.
Numerous tourists also make their way to Switzerland for the fantastic winter sports available throughout the Swiss Alps.
Equally fantastic are the villages and towns throughout the country, which offer delicious and creamy Swiss cheeses and chocolates.
When not feasting on fabulous delicacies, visitors can learn about Switzerland’s unique history and heritage.
Traveling from town to town is made possible because of the Swiss’ extensive rail system, which is regularly ranked as one of the highest performing railway systems in the whole of Europe.
While in-country, travelers will be able to move about with relative confidence and safety, as Switzerland has a very low crime rate.
This bodes well for travelers looking to shop many of Switzerland’s upscale boutiques.
Many travelers from across the world head to Switzerland to shop for watches made by the famous craftsmen of the country.
Whether looking for fashion or fabulous views, Switzerland has you covered.
Let’s discover 10 of the safest cities throughout this beautiful country.
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10 Safest Cities in Switzerland
1. Basel
Located on the Rhine River, Basel is the third most-populated city in Switzerland.
It is also the third-safest city to visit in the world.
With a population of almost 180,000, Basel is rich in culture and history, with architecture that dates back to the 12th century.
Basel is close to the borders of Germany and France, making it a great jumping-off point to other destinations.
Traveling to its neighboring countries is easy, as Switzerland has a great relationship with both countries.
Despite the region’s low crime rate, it’s recommended that you remain aware at all times.
Do not leave valuables visible in your vehicle and keep your belongings close when in crowds.
2. Berne
Berne is the capital and epicenter of Switzerland.
With a safety index of 81.5, you’re safe to wander the streets of Berne day or night.
The Swiss capital was built on a peninsula of the Aare River in 1191.
Its Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is heralded as one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe.
With its cobbled streets, 15th-century arcades, and 16th-century fountains, a stroll through the Old City will take you back in time.
Berne is ideally situated near some of the country’s most famous mountains, including Niederhorn, Weissenstein, and Mönch. Traveling by the Swiss Rail System is safe and highly recommended.
3. Zürich
With a population of just over 400,000, Zürich is Switzerland’s biggest city.
It is also a global center for banking and a major transportation hub.
Despite the number of travelers this historic city sees each year, Zürich has a very low crime rate and is considered very safe.
Zürich lies at the north end of Lake Zürich and runs along the Limmat River.
Whether visiting the museums and art galleries or taking a walking tour of Old Town, Zürich offers many opportunities to learn about the region’s pre-medieval history.
4. Geneva
In west Switzerland, bordering the Savoie region of France is Geneva.
This French-speaking city is perfectly situated at the southern tip of Lake Geneva and is surrounded by the Jura mountains and the Alps.
Travelers can take in its spectacular views while strolling along the waterfront promenades.
Dubbed the “capital of peace,” Geneva hosts over 3,000 events each year and is the European seat of the United Nations.
Whether you are taking in an act at the Opera House or watching the famous Jet d’Eau fountain shoot water into the air, you’re safe to move about this spectacular Swiss city.
5. Zermatt
At the foot of the mighty Matterhorn lies the charming village of Zermatt.
This resort town has banned motorized vehicles, which only makes this city even more magical.
Zermatt is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
Activities include skiing, hiking, cycling, glacier skiing, and, of course, summiting the Matterhorn.
Despite being a travel destination for millions of people annually, Zermatt has managed to maintain its high safety standards and low crime rate.
6. Lauterbrunnen
Another car-free destination is the small Swiss town of Lauterbrunnen.
It is often referred to as the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls,” as it serves as the gateway to the popular Jungfrau Region.
This region is a nature wonderland, offering stunning views, hiking trails, and plenty of waterfalls.
Hikers should follow all safety signs, pack plenty of water, and use caution when hiking the area’s many trails.
7. Grindelwald
Located in the Jungfrau region is the quaint glacier village of Grindelwald.
If adventure is what you are seeking, Grindelwald is the perfect place to call home base.
This popular resort town is nestled among some of Switzerland’s most popular mountains, including the Eiger, Wetterhorn, and Faulhorn.
After a rigorous climb, you will be rewarded with the most spectacular views of the region’s giant peaks.
8. Interlaken
Interlaken is one of the most popular summer destinations in Switzerland.
At the town’s center, named Höhematte, is thirty-five acres of open green space.
Here, you can relax on the lawn while taking in the breathtaking mountain views.
Tourists can dine on delectable cuisine and shop the town’s quaint shops.
Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from a number of activities including climbing, kayaking, and hiking.
Interlaken is a popular winter resort for snowboarders and skiers.
In the winter, paragliders meet here for adrenaline-pumping adventures.
9. Gruyères
Located in the French-speaking Fribourg canton of Switzerland is the medieval town of Gruyères.
Most known for its cheese production, travelers can visit the cheese factory and sample its offerings.
Gruyères is also home to the Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory.
While Gruyères only covers ten square miles and has 2,000 residents, there is no shortage of things to do.
Popular attractions include the Saint-Germain Castle, the Castle of Gruyères, and the Tibet Museum.
10. Lucerne
Located in the German-speaking region of Switzerland is the medieval town of Lucerne.
This quaint town rests next to the sparkling Lake Lucerne and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
It is most known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the 14th-century Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument.
There are several ways you can enjoy the many views Lucerne has to offer.
You can take a stroll down the waterfront promenades or go to the famous Rigi lookout point.
You can also take the cableway to Mt. Pilatus or head to the Dietschiberg by way of the funicular.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling in Switzerland
Nearly 12 million tourists travel to Switzerland annually.
This spectacular country has a high safety rate, making it easy for tourists to move about safely.
To help ensure your safety, follow these travel tips.
- While theft and pickpocketing are not a huge problem, things can happen. Keep your belongings secure and close to your body, particularly when in crowded places and using public transportation.
- Whenever you visit mountainous regions, it is important to keep a close eye on the weather. Things can change quickly and lead to unsafe conditions.
- It is likely that you will ascend to higher altitudes than you are used to during your stay in Switzerland. To avoid altitude sickness, pace your ascent and drink plenty of water. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and nose bleeds.
- Stay on marked trails at all times. They are marked for your safety. Wandering off-path could lead to dangerous, even deadly, consequences.
- Always obey local traffic laws. Traffic laws are strictly enforced in Switzerland. You would not want to arrive home to find a ticket waiting in your mailbox.
Switzerland Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Switzerland 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
Is Switzerland Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Solo female travelers are not likely to fall victim to crime in Switzerland.
If you plan to partake in any outdoor experiences, you may want to team up with another traveler or a guided group.
When venturing out, always make sure someone knows where you’re going.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Switzerland?
The ideal time to visit Switzerland depends on what you plan to do while there.
There are four distinct seasons and each offers something special and different.
From March to May, you will enjoy cow-filled pastures and spring blooms.
June through August offer an escape from the humidity and plenty of outdoor activities.
From September to November, you will enjoy the fruit and wine harvests.
December to February delivers a winter wonderland, ideal for all winter sports.
Is Switzerland Friendly to Foreigners?
Despite the country’s low crime rate and high quality of life rating, the Swiss are not known for being friendly.
What we have found is that the Swiss are very nice when approached.
In their culture, part of being respectful is being thoughtful of one’s personal space.
So, what may be interpreted as unfriendly is actually a sign of respect.
Switzerland has always been on my bucket list, and safety is one of the factors that make it so appealing. These cities seem like ideal places to experience the Swiss charm without any worries.
As someone who travels frequently for work, safety is a big concern for me. It’s great to have this resource when planning my next trip to Switzerland.