10 Safest Countries in Europe to Visit in 2026, According to Security Experts

If you’ve been scrolling through travel feeds lately, Europe probably looks like a dream full of ancient castles and perfect streets.

But the reality is a little different these days—visiting some major cities means you have to be super careful about your phone, watch out for pickpockets, and maybe skip walking around certain areas at night.

It feels like things have changed, and staying safe has become a bigger part of planning a trip than just picking out the best gelato spot.

However, that doesn’t mean you have to cancel your summer plans or stop exploring entirely. There are still plenty of amazing places where you can relax without constantly looking over your shoulder.

Security experts have crunched the numbers to find the spots where chill vibes meet serious safety. We’re going to dive into the top 10 countries that are bucking the trend and keeping things peaceful, so you can focus on having an epic adventure instead of worrying about what’s happening around you.

Ireland

Ireland scores a solid 83.5 on the Safety Index, proving it’s a chill place to visit. The country is famous for being super welcoming, so you don’t have to worry much about fitting in.

Whether you are hanging out in Dublin or checking out other towns, the locals are usually ready to help you with directions or just chat, making the whole trip feel secure and friendly.

Getting out of the city is just as safe. The green hills and wild coasts are perfect for exploring without stress. Serious crime is super rare here, so you can focus on the cool folklore and amazing views instead of watching your back.

It’s the kind of place where you can just wander around and enjoy the moment, knowing that safety is just part of the deal.

Netherlands

With a solid score of 84.4 on the Safety Index, the Netherlands is a place where you can feel totally secure while having a great time. Life here is super chill, thanks to its famous bike culture and easy-to-navigate cities.

Whether you are riding along the canals in Amsterdam or checking out the cool medieval streets of Utrecht, the vibe is friendly and safe. The biggest worry for most visitors isn’t crime, but rather figuring out which awesome café to visit next.

Outside of the busy city centers, the safety vibes continue into the countryside. You can explore flower fields, quiet dunes, and long bike paths without stressing about petty theft or danger.

Public transport is reliable, and help is always nearby if you need it, meaning you can focus on enjoying the cheese, culture, and scenery. It’s a country that lets you explore freely without constantly looking over your shoulder.

Germany

Germany scores an 84.7 on the Safety Index, making it a dependably safe place for any kind of traveler.

Known for its super-efficient setup and organized cities, Germany’s main hubs, like the creative districts in Berlin or the beer gardens in Munich, have great public safety and low rates of serious crime. This makes exploring its famous sights feel secure.

Even though a big city like Berlin might seem intense with all its energy and nightlife, its well-organized public transportation and visible police presence create a comfortable environment for visitors.

Smaller towns like Heidelberg offer a more chilled-out vibe, where you can walk on old cobblestone streets without a care. Across the country, Germany mixes cultural richness with well-kept towns, letting you explore everything from castles to forests with confidence.

Austria

Austria scores a solid 85.6 on the Safety Index, making it one of Europe’s most peaceful and worry-free places to visit. It’s where you can find old palaces and huge town squares that feel both grand and super calm.

In cities like Vienna and Salzburg, people go about their day without any obvious stress, and small crimes like pickpocketing are much less common than in other big capitals.

This feeling of security isn’t just for the cities. When you head out to the countryside for hiking, skiing, or checking out the lake towns, you can enjoy the amazing views with very few safety concerns.

Austria’s high score shows it’s a country where you can fully get into the experience, whether you’re listening to classical music or exploring mountain roads, without needing to stress about your surroundings.