Is Gothenburg safe?
A university survey, police statistics and travel advice on safety in Gothenburg, with dates.
Short answer
A 2025 survey by the University of Gothenburg's SOM Institute found a record 65 percent of respondents agreeing that Gothenburg is a safe and secure city. Police region Väst recorded 7 shootings between 1 October 2025 and 30 September 2026, and the UK government lists Gothenburg among cities with reported gang-related crime.
Why
- According to the University of Gothenburg (13 May 2026), 65 percent now consider Gothenburg a safe and secure city, an increase of 17 percentage points since the low in 2020, and 80 percent feel safe in their own residential area.
- According to the same survey, 59 percent said they perceive that crime has increased over the last three years.
- According to the Swedish Police, police region Väst (Halland and Västra Götaland counties) recorded 7 shootings, no deaths and 2 injured between 1 October 2025 and 30 September 2026, out of 83 shootings in the whole country.
Details
The UK government says gang-related crime, including knife crime, shootings and explosions, has been reported in Gothenburg, and that pickpockets often target tourists in major cities. For the city see Gothenburg, for the weather see what the weather is like in Gothenburg, and for emergencies see emergency numbers 112 and 1177 in Sweden.
Tip
Report a theft on 114 14 and call 112 if a crime is happening now, as the Swedish Police advise. Keep your bag in front of your body.
What may differ
The survey records what residents think, not crime counts, and the shooting figures cover the two counties of police region Väst, not only the city of Gothenburg.
Common misconception
Gothenburg is getting less safe every year.
What actually happens
According to the University of Gothenburg, a record 65 percent now consider the city safe and secure, 17 percentage points more than at the low in 2020.
People also ask
- Is Gothenburg a safe city?
- Is Gothenburg safe for tourists?
Sources
- University of Gothenburg (SOM Institute): Safety and loss of right-wing support in Gothenburg (13 May 2026)Checked at:
- Swedish Police: Shootings per police region, 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2026Checked at:
- Swedish Police: Postal and e-mail addresses (police regions)Checked at:
- UK government: Foreign travel advice, Sweden (safety and security)Checked at:
- Swedish Police: Pickpocketing and luggage theftChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Figures change, so check the Swedish Police and your own government's travel advice before you travel.
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