Adventure, variety and a lot of new acquaintances: If you travel alone, you experience destinations from a whole new perspective. It's also the shortest route to self-discovery. Some countries are better suited for solo travelers than others – especially if you identify as female.

Safety Score

For the analysis, Bounce developed its own safety score. They take into account how safe women feel when they are out alone at night, how these countries deal with violence against women, how high the current crime rate is, and what legislation is in place. More than 30 countries were evaluated using this method, with a maximum of 10 points to be achieved overall. The 10 safest countries in Europe are among the top 12 positions in the global ranking, together with Canada and Japan.

 

10. Czech Republic

 

Prague: The "City of a Hundred Spires" is located on the Vltava River and is known for its beer, old town and cafes. © Ouael ben Salah

On the international list, the "Česká republika" makes it to 12th place. In the list of the safest countries in Europe, the country occupies a solid tenth place. Anyone who has ever strolled through the historic streets of Prague will love it as much as those who appreciate castles and chateaus, endless nature and one of the oldest beer brewing cultures in Europe.

9. Poland

The capital city of Warsaw is an exciting metropolis between tradition and modernity. © Unsplash

On the global list, Poland shares the 10th place with Japan. Both countries have a score of 5.97. While wandering through the national parks (Poland counts a whopping 23!), admiring the old town of Gdansk, immersing yourself in the nightlife of Warsaw or Krakow, or hiking through the lush green mountains, there is little to worry about.

8. The Netherlands

 

Built close on water: Amsterdam has more canals than Venice and more bridges than Paris. © Miltiadis Fragkidis

With 6.15 points on the safety index, you can feel at ease. A must on your bucket list: a visit to the capital Amsterdam with its grachts, museums and numerous sights. An oft-neglected destination is Utrecht. The fourth-largest city in the country scores particularly high on quality of life thanks to its many students.

7. Portugal

 

Portugal's beaches are equally worthwhile as its bustling cities. © Jose Maria Sava

Europe's number one surfing destination ranks 8th with a safety score index of 6.88, making it even safer than the much-lauded Canada in a global comparison. Beautiful cities like Porto or Lisbon beckon with culinary highlights, destinations like the Algarve score with breathtaking nature.

6. Spain

 

Spain's cities may be noisy – but they're also safe. At least according to the latest study by Bounce. © Sam Williams

With a score of 6.97, Spain is closely behind Portugal. The country and its bodegas, the beaches of the Balearic Islands and the lively cities, such as Madrid and Barcelona, are safe destinations worthy of exploration, even for female solo travelers.

5. Switzerland

 

Lucerne is culturally and economically one of the most important cities in Central Switzerland, with about 1.4 million annual visitors. © Zuzanna Kacerová

High mountain peaks, illustrious winter sports resorts and glittering lakes for summer holidays: Switzerland is not stingy with its scenic attractions or culinary delights. It is also the country with the lowest incidences of violence against women on the entire list. So how about a trip to Basel, Lake Lucerne or Zurich?

4. Slovenia

 

Just before the Croatian border, Piran lies like a jewel on the Slovenian Adriatic coast. © Mikita Karasiou

Ljubljana definitely deserves a spot on your Slovenia bucket list. The capital is considered an insider tip among European city break destinations. However, the coastal town of Piran about 122 km further south on the border to Croatia is just stunning as well. Freshly caught fish on the coast, Potica and Prekmurska Gibanica further north, plus Karst bacon and excellent wines – Slovenia is a foodie paradise.

3: Norway

 

Rorbuer, the traditional red wooden houses, are an idyllic sight in the rugged landscape, which is bursting with natural beauty. © Johnny Goerend

Fjords, northern lights, reindeer – and that's just the tip of the iceberg that is Norway. There are the auroras, enchanting villages and mysterious islands like the Lofoten. Nowhere else do women feel as safe at night when traveling alone. Ranked the third safest country in Europe, it scores 7.45 out of a possible 10 points.

2. Austria

 

Typical Viennese charm and urban flair in the capital in the east, down-to-earth hospitality and breathtaking landscapes in the west: Austria is small but mighty! © Anton Dcojove

With 7.7 points, it's ahead of Norway and slightly behind the number 1 (7.88 points), the alpine republic occupies a close second place. Explore the most livable city in the world – Vienna – with its historic stately buildings and old cafes, or embark on a journey to the mountains to experience outdoor adventures: Austria is a safe destination for solo travelers.

1. Ireland

 

The Temple Bar, perhaps one of the most famous pubs in the world and also the namesake of an entire entertainment district. © Unsplash

From the Cliffs of Moher to the Ring of Kerry, and The Temple Bar in Dublin to Blarney Castle or Connemara National Park: the Republic of Ireland has an incredible amount to offer in a relatively small area. For women who are traveling alone for the first time, Ireland is a good place to start. You can get by with English and the country is easily manageable in size. The people are considered friendly and open-minded. You might just make some friends for life.