In recent years, the issue of tourist safety in Europe has become increasingly relevant: popular cities are witnessing a rise in pickpocketing, and incidents of crime on public transport are occurring more frequently. For this reason, it is important for travelers to choose destinations that are marked by the highest levels of safety.
This is reported by Finway
Ranking of the Safest Countries in Europe
The results of a study by the HelloSafe portal identified the top five European countries with the highest safety index. This research was based on a range of indicators, including crime rates, social trust, police effectiveness, and political stability.
- Iceland — safety index of 92.4 out of 100. Iceland has long been recognized as the most peaceful country not only in Europe but also in the world. Crimes here occur extremely rarely, and social trust among citizens remains very high. Even white-collar crimes are a rarity and are condemned at all levels.
- Switzerland — 91.1 points. The high standard of living for the Swiss reduces the motivation for crime. The country’s political neutrality and decentralized governance system play a significant role, allowing for quick responses to issues.
- Norway — 90.85 points. Despite an increase in gun-related crimes in neighboring countries, Norway maintains its status as a safe place, both in large cities like Oslo and Bergen and in smaller settlements.
- Finland — 90.6 points. Here, it is common for children to walk to school alone, and lost items are almost always returned to their owners. The streets are well-lit, and the police respond quickly to any incidents.
- Denmark — 89.95 points. A key factor in safety is immigration policy, particularly measures to prevent illegal immigration, combat the formation of so-called “ghettos,” and strengthen the rules for processing asylum applications.
Factors Affecting Safety Levels
According to expert assessments, the safe environment in these countries is ensured not only by the work of law enforcement agencies but also by resilient social values, a high level of trust among the population, and effective government policies.
“Iceland is the safest country in Europe and indeed the world. Most citizens of this country are law-abiding. White-collar crimes are extremely rare. They are condemned both at the government level and in personal interactions.”
Thus, for tourists seeking peaceful and comfortable travel conditions in 2026, these countries remain the most recommended for visiting.