Safety in Switzerland

There are not many issues with safety in Switzerland. The chances are that you will be safer here than you were back in your home country. In fact, the historically neutral country is known for its low crime rates and cleanliness.

Crime in Switzerland

Switzerland consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. The Global Peace Index 2024 places Switzerland among the most peaceful nations, alongside Iceland, Ireland, and Austria. Crime rates are lower here than in most of Europe, and violent crime is particularly rare. That said, property crime still happens, especially in major cities and tourist spots.

Swiss police are known for their efficiency and high standards. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing may receive lower priority simply due to their frequency. In places like Zurich, Geneva, and Interlaken, pickpocketing remains the most common issue. Thieves often operate in crowded spots such as public transport, train stations, and tourist attractions. Luggage theft, ATM skimming, and distraction scams – like fake petitions or someone ‘accidentally’ spilling something on you – are also known tactics.

Despite this, the country’s public transport is widely considered safe, even at night. Most locals and expats feel comfortable travelling on trains and trams at any hour, although it’s always wise to keep an eye on your belongings. In larger cities, occasional incidents of verbal harassment or petty theft do occur, but violent encounters are rare.

Weather in Switzerland

Switzerland’s beauty comes with unpredictable weather, which can sometimes be hazardous. When out in nature, always be ready for sudden shifts in weather conditions.

Before heading into the mountains, check the forecast. Avalanches often follow heavy snowfall or sudden temperature swings, and rockfalls or landslides can happen in higher elevations. Hikers and skiers should stick to marked trails, travel in groups, and carry essential safety equipment, such as an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel for off-piste skiing.

Rega, Switzerland’s air rescue service, provides emergency medical evacuation in remote areas. Download the Rega app if you’re hiking or skiing in isolated locations, as it enables emergency calls and GPS tracking.

Weather in Switzerland

Useful links

• Rega App

Emergency numbers in Switzerland

Switzerland has a highly efficient emergency response system, with multiple services available depending on the type of emergency. You can always dial 112 in an emergency, but local numbers might connect you to help more quickly.

Emergency response times are excellent in major cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, with help often arriving within minutes. In rural or mountainous areas, response times can be longer due to difficult terrain and weather conditions. If you’re spending time in remote locations, having a mountain rescue plan is a smart precaution.

Most emergency responders in urban areas speak English, but in rural regions, it helps to know basic German, French, or Italian. If you don’t speak the local language, 112 operators are trained to handle calls in multiple languages.

For medical evacuation from remote areas, Rega offers one of the quickest and most reliable air rescue services in the world. While Swiss residents are often automatically covered, visitors should ensure they have insurance that includes mountain rescue services.

• General emergencies – 112 (works EU-wide, including Switzerland)
• Police – 117
• Fire service – 118
• Ambulance – 144
• Mountain rescue (Rega) – 1414