At a time when we are bombarded by negative headlines almost every minute, many people wonder what the general safety situation in the world is actually like. Various companies, including insurers, use hard facts and data to try to assess and evaluate risks. This includes travelers. The Swedish software company Safeture creates the so-called Risk Map based on its assessments every year. It shows where in the world the risk for travelers is particularly high and particularly low. Here they are:

Europe's safest countries in 2024 

Germany

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In international comparison, Germany is considered a very safe country to travel to. The crime rate is comparatively low. In addition, Germany is generally spared major natural disasters and political stability is also considered strong. Here, you can enjoy the North Sea and Baltic Sea as well as extensive forests, mountains and modern cities such as Munich, Berlin and Hamburg.

Finland

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Violent crime, theft and robberies are particularly rare in the far north. The healthcare system is excellent and medical care is of a high quality, even for visitors. The infrastructure is well developed too. It's a well-deserved place on the list of the safest travel destinations in Europe 2024. Helsinki, the Northern Lights, Lapland and the many national parks can be explored without any worries. Here are 10 highlights in Finland.

Ireland

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Tourists can feel very safe throughout the country. The transportation system is reliable and public safety is taken very seriously. The police and emergency services are well organized and respond quickly. Both the healthcare system and the low crime rate also speak in favor of a vacation on the Emerald Isle. There're many additional reasons why Ireland should be on your bucket list.

Iceland

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In a country that's so small, and an island to boot, it's very common for locals not even to lock their front doors. Iceland is that safe! The social and political situation is extremely stable. Social tensions and unrest are rare. As Iceland is known for its natural hazards, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, it may come as a surprise that it's on the list of the safest countries in Europe in 2024. In fact, these dangers are well known and well prepared for. They also contribute significantly to the fascination of Iceland.

Croatia

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Beautiful coastal landscapes, great beaches, historic cities with special flair and excellent cuisine: it's no wonder that Croatia is one of the most popular destinations. But it's also one of the safest countries in Europe in 2024, thanks in part to its modern healthcare system, friendly locals and high level of public safety. The political climate can also be classified as relatively relaxed. So let's head off to the highlights in Croatia!

Norway

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Low crime rate, good infrastructure, stable political situation: despite the terrorist attack in Oslo city center in 2022, Norway is one of the safest countries in Europe. That's a good thing, because we wouldn't want to miss out on the combination of natural beauty, cultural wealth and interesting cuisine.

Portugal

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It's better to eat well, enjoy a glass of wine and go surfing on the coast than commit a crime: This is perhaps how you could summarize the safety situation in Portugal. The locals have better things to do on the breathtakingly beautiful coastline and in the enchanting hinterland as well as in the vibrant cities than to make life difficult for travelers.

Switzerland

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Switzerland is probably the country that you automatically think of when you hear the word security. The crime rate is also really low. So low, in fact, that Switzerland is considered one of the safest countries in the world. Here you can enjoy cheese, chocolate, mountains and lakes with a clear conscience.

Slovakia

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Of course, the security risk cannot be completely ruled out anywhere. And due to its geographical location with its border to Ukraine, tensions in Slovakia have now increased somewhat. However, according to Safeture, these are not sufficiently noticeable to classify the country as less safe for travelers.

Czech Republic

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You might argue that a country that's so masterful at brewing beer cannot be unsafe. In fact, the historic cities Prague, Brno and Co. are extremely safe. Violent crime is comparatively rare. Culture, cuisine and nature - think of Bohemian Switzerland, for example - are just as inviting as the population.

Cyprus

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Even though Cyprus has recently attracted attention with headlines about the arrival of refugees, it's a safe country. Beaches, historical sites and nature can be enjoyed without hesitation. Even the division between Northern Cyprus and Cyprus is barely noticeable for tourists. You can also stroll around the divided capital Nicosia without hesitation.

Big surprises in the ranking

Attentive readers will rightly ask themselves where popular vacation destinations such as Austria, Italy, Greece, Spain and Sweden have gone. Safeture does indeed give them not the very best safety ratings. However, the software company still classifies these vacation evergreens as countries with a low safety risk. The situation is worse for Belarus, Latvia and Turkey ("medium risk") and, of course, Ukraine ("high" to "critical risk").