Is Gothenburg Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Gothenburg is the second-largest city in Sweden, with approximately 500,000 inhabitants in the municipality.

It located on Sweden’s west coast at the outlet of the Göta river.

The city is known for Gothenburg University – the largest in Scandinavia university.

Gothenburg has many museums, from historical and regional studies, to the famous Volvo Museum.

Skansen Kronan, a hilltop fortification, and many parks also attract tourists from all over the world.

The famous Liseberg, the largest amusement park in Scandinavia, is also located in Gothenburg.

The city also hosts many seasonal festivals such as the Gothenburg Film Festival and The International Science Festival.

Warnings & Dangers in Gothenburg

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Gothenburg is safe enough, but there are many cases of tourist robberies. You must carefully monitor your pockets and not carry valuables with you. Especially careful should be women traveling alone at night and everyone if you are resting in a bar.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Gothenburg has a good taxi network. However, it is possible to get to unlicensed scam's cars. It is recommended to order only licensed taxi services. Public transportation is accessible and safe, but you need to keep an eye on your pockets.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

There are a lot of pickpockets in tourist places and at festivals. Often pickpocketers work in tandem, and one may distract you while the second clear your pockets. Be especially careful at train stations and crowded places. Do not carry a lot of cash and valuables with you.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Gothenburg is vulnerable to weather-related flood events caused by heavy rains, flooded rivers, and high sea levels, especially during storm surges. Today heavy rains are the most significant risk causing most consequences. Study the weather forecast before your visit to the city.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Grave armed robberies are more likely to be rare here. However, tourists are robbed from time to time. In case you were attacked don't resist and give all the valuables, and then contact the police. They must respond immediately.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

In the history of the city, there have been no terrorist attacks, but they happen in Europe. Therefore Gothenburg can also become the target of terrorists. You should be careful not to participate in street demonstrations. Study the political environment before your visit.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Most fraud occurs in tourist places, for example, with fake admission tickets. Also, the risk of fraud is high in unlicensed taxis. You may be forced to overpay, especially if they realize that you are a tourist.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women can be safe in Gothenburg until they visit the outskirts of the city and take a taxi late at night. Avoid bars downtown at night. Sometimes you can whistle or get acquainted on the streets, but usually, these are harmless men who will quickly recede after your firm "No."

So... How Safe Is Gothenburg Really?

Gothenburg has a moderate index of crime.

It considered being safe besides some petty crimes occurs — most offenses related to pickpocketing or auto and bicycle theft.

Tourists should not leave valuable items in a car and watch their bags in crowded places.

Also, it is a good idea not to carry a lot of cash with you. Credit and debit cards can be used almost everywhere, even in a taxi.

Risks also may appear in the Downtown Gothenburg because it is full of illegal taxis at night.

It’s especially dangerous for women traveling alone.

The northern parts of the city as Angered, Hammarkullen, Kortedala, Bergsjön, and the outskirts of Hisingen are notorious for high crime rates.

Better for travelers not to go there, especially at night.

In general, the city is safer than many European cities, but the level of robbery is quite high.

Tourists are advised not to carry valuables, leave them in the hotel’s safe, and do not get drunk in bars, do not get involved in drunken fights.

Always pay attention to your surroundings if you are walking alone.

If a robbery has occurred to you, give all that you are asked for without arguing.

Then contact the police immediately.

Usually, the police work fast enough here, and criminals can be quickly captured.

How Does Gothenburg Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Most countries do not need a visa to enter Sweden for any stays shorter than 90 days. Any longer than that, you might need to acquire a visa. Check your status on doyouneedvisa.com. A valid passport is a must.

Currency

Swedish Krona is the official currency in Sweden. It has a sign: KR; code: SEK. One krona is subdivided into 100 öre. Krona literally means "crown" in Swedish. However, all öre coins have been discontinued as of 30 September 2010. You can still see prices with öre, but all sums are rounded to the nearest krona when paying with cash.

Weather

The best times to visit Gothenburg for ideal weather are from mid-May to October. Temperatures feel cold for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a chance of rain or snow throughout most of the year.

Airports

Gothenburg has a Göteborg Landvetter Airport - an international airport that serves domestic flights too. It is Sweden's second-largest airport after Stockholm–Arlanda. Landvetter is also a vital freight airport. Since the closure of Göteborg City Airport for commercial operations, it's the city's only commercial passenger airport.

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Gothenburg Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Sweden - Safety by City