Is Oslo Safe For Solo Female Travelers: Advice From A Local! (2024)

Is Oslo safe for solo female travelers?

Oslo is generally an extremely safe city for solo female travelers, solo travelers, and travelers in general.

I have lived in Oslo for 20 years, walking the streets day and night alone as a woman, and I have never had a threatening or uncomfortable experiences in Oslo.

Statistics support this: the Norwegian capital has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. You will find the locals to be helpful and respectful, most of the city streets are well-lit at night, and public transportation is generally safe to use at all hours.

Yet, as always, follow basic safety precautions such as not walking alone late at night in deserted areas or leaving your belongings unattended.

Oslo Solo Travel Tips!

First of all, solo travel should be mostly about having fun!

I like experiencing new places and cultures, meeting new people, growing as a person, loving the world, and lots more things like that.

However, in order to succeed with that, you also need to make sure you are having a safe solo trip.

And that is really not difficult, but (depending on your destination) it sometimes requires some research and planning. As an Oslo local (and world solo traveler), I am sharing with you my best tips for safe solo travel in Oslo in this article!

Crime Rate In Oslo Is Low

First up, the general crime rate in Oslo is very low and decreasing.

This means it is also generally safe for travelers to move around in the public sphere in Oslo at all hours of the day and night.

I have walked everywhere in Oslo alone thousands of times, day and night, and have never experienced anything threatening or uncomfortable.

The table above displays the total registered number of offenses in all categories in Oslo. The largest part is annual private property offenses, which amounts to about 30%.

To avoid being targeted, the general precautions you should still take as a traveler are things like avoiding being visibly intoxicated, not walking alone late at night in deserted, dark areas, or leaving your belongings unattended in bars and restaurants.

If you left your drink alone for some reason, get a new one (so don’t leave your drink alone, as cocktails in Norway are expensive!).

Also, always choose public transportation, Uber, or registered taxis, and avoid unregistered pirate taxis in the streets.

📍 EpicNomadLife Tip: Consider taking the world’s most beautiful cruise, the Hurtigruten Coastal Ferry, for a few stops (or the entire Norwegian Coast) starting from Bergen!

Will You Experience Street Harassment In Oslo?

Street harassment incidents in Oslo are basically non-existent compared to many other cities around the world.

People tend to respect personal space, unwanted attention on the streets is uncommon, and catcalling is extremely rare.

In fact, many foreigners initially find Norwegians a bit unapproachable and cold, which is a misunderstood interpretation of intentions.

The thing is, Norwegians intend to show respect for your boundaries by staying out of your way and expect the same in return.

Things like avoiding eye contact with strangers and choosing a free seat on the bus or subway (fun fact: you DON’T sit down next to someone if there are other seats free!) are actually a sign of respect for your personal space and integrity in Oslo.

However, it’s always wise to keep your guard up and be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night or in less crowded areas.

📍 EpicNomadLife Tip: Get the Oslo Pass for free entry to more than 30 sights, Ruter city transport, city walking tour, as well as discounted prices for selected sightseeing and activities.

Is Public Transport Safe For Solo Female Travelers in Oslo?

Oslo has a well-functioning public transportation network comprised of trams, buses, and trains. Its public transport is considered among the safest in the world, including for solo female travelers.

You can feel very secure on public transportation, regardless of the time of day or city district.

CCTV is common, most stations are well-lit, and drivers and fellow passengers are likely to help you out if any issue should occur.

Women typically report feeling very secure in Oslo, regardless of the time of day or district.

Are Taxi Fares Safe In Oslo?

Uber and registered taxis are very safe in Oslo. I have never had any negative experiences over the years, and statistics support that taxis in Oslo are a very safe option.

That said, there are some reports of unwanted and uncomfortable incidents.

When taking a taxi in Oslo, you can do things like always sitting in the back seat, talking (or pretending to talk) to someone on the phone, telling them you are on your way, and avoiding telling the driver that you are traveling solo.

Some women I know also sometimes take photos of the car registration or taxi number on top of the taxi and send it to a friend.

Like anywhere else, you should also avoid taking pirate taxis or unregistered taxis, as they are illegal and are not vetted or registered anywhere.

Registered taxi companies in Oslo:

• Oslo Taxi 02323
• Norgestaxi 08000
• Christiania Taxi 02365
• Uber
• Bolt

Is Oslo Safe At Night For Solo Female Travelers?

Is Oslo Safe At Night For Solo Female Travelers?

Oslo is generally a safe city to walk alone at night. Incidents of petty crimes are very low, and serious crime rates are low. Incidents of serious crimes, violence, or sexualized crimes are also relatively low.

You can feel safe walking the streets of Oslo at night, even as a solo traveler.

However, as with any major city, it’s always smart to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings for safe solo female travel, especially during the evenings and in crowded areas.

Remain aware of your surroundings, particularly in less crowded areas outdoors or late at night.

This includes being careful with the wine and cocktails (don’t make yourself a target), taking Uber or registered taxis home, walk streets that have street lights – all things you are already aware of.

As a solo female traveler, you should always pay attention to your intuition. If something feels off, you leave that situation; no excuses needed.

Overall, Oslo provides a safe environment for solo female travelers.

Is Oslo Safe To Travel Alone?

Oslo is a very safe destination for solo travelers, including solo female travelers. The general crime rate is low, and walking alone in the city day and night is safe.

Street harassment and catcalling are rare in Oslo, and violent crimes are statistically not common.

As long as you take care of your personal belongings, don’t get visibly intoxicated on your own, and choose registered transportation, you are unlikely to encounter bad situations.

Also read: Is Oslo Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons to Explore Norway’s Capital

Are Oslo Streets Safe To Walk As A Solo Female?

The streets and public areas in Oslo are generally very safe and comfortable. In Norway, people tend to respect personal space, unwanted attention on the streets is uncommon, and catcalling hardly happens.

In fact, many foreigners initially find Norwegians a bit unapproachable and cold, which is a misunderstood interpretation of their intentions.

Norwegians intend to show respect for your boundaries and personal space and expect the same in return.

The Norwegian culture is very different and appears a bit strange to people from especially southern Europe, the US, and Latin cultures.

Striking up a conversation with strangers is not common in Norway and can be interpreted as uncomfortable and a violation of your personal space.

The same goes for avoiding eye contact with strangers and choosing a free seat on the bus or subway (you DON’T sit down next to someone on the bus in Norway if there are other seats free!).

This is actually a token of respect for your personal space and integrity in Oslo, but it might feel rude or unapproachable to people from cultures where things are very different.

Also read: 6 Best Hotels In Bergen Norway From A Local

Petty Crime In Oslo

Oslo, like any other city, does have instances of petty crime, such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded tourist spots and public transportation.

However, compared to other major cities around the world, the risk of this is relatively low. The citizens are generally law-abiding, and the city is considered safe for travelers.

In fact, if you forget something somewhere, it is not unlikely that someone will come running after you to give it back!

Still, be smart. It is wise to remain cautious, guard your valuables out in public, keep pockets and bags closed, and don’t leave your things unattended anywhere.

Health Risk & Advice For Oslo

There are no specific vaccine requirements for visiting Oslo, but you should check with your country’s travel advice in case there are recommendations for you.

The water in Oslo is safe to drink from the tap, and food safety is good.

Risk Of Terrorism Is Very Low

The risk of terrorist attacks in Oslo is very low.

There have been three terrorist attacks in Oslo directed at specific targeted groups and places in the last 13 years.

An attack in 2022 was directed at the LGBTQ+ community in a famous bar in central Oslo. In 2011, a single individual set off a bomb at a government building and attacked political left-wing youth.

These attacks are assessed to be isolated incidents and have not increased the risk of attacks in Oslo in general.

FAQs Oslo

Can You Drink Tap Water In Oslo?

Drinking water straight from the tap in Oslo is considered safe and clean.

The water undergoes rigorous treatment and testing to ensure it is of high quality and harmless for consumption. In fact, the tap water in Oslo is often noted for its fresh and clean taste.

Is Oslo Expensive For Tourists?

Yes, Oslo is a bit expensive for travelers visiting from countries with lower income rates than Norway.

As Norway is one of the countries in the world with the highest salaries and prices, Oslo’s price level is often considered very expensive for travelers.

Is Oslo A Good Place To Visit?

Oslo is a small, modern, and beautiful capital with lots of entertainment and shopping, a beautiful fjord, a rich culture and history, great dining, and close to nature. If you like city holidays, Oslo is a great place to visit.

Is Oslo A Good Solo Destination?

Oslo is a really safe destination for solo travelers. There are lots of fun things to see and do without worrying about personal safety or crime.

That said, in Oslo and Norway in general, connecting with the locals is not as easy as in many other destinations. You will find the locals friendly and polite but often not inclined to connect further than a casual conversation, helping you find your way or something.

How To Get From Airport Oslo To City Center?

From Oslo Gardermoen International Airport, there are three ways to get to the city center.

The airport train is the fastest way; it leaves every 10 minutes and takes 19-22 minutes to Oslo Central Station. There is also an airport bus that takes longer and has more stops. The train is about $24 one way.

Lastly, you can get a taxi outside the airport’s arrivals area that will take you to the door of your accommodation. The price for a taxi with up to four seats is around $200.

Wrap-Up Is Oslo Safe For Solo Female Travelers

Oslo is a very safe destination to visit in all aspects. You can walk and take public transport or taxi around Oslo day and night while feeling very safe.

Oslo is a great city to visit safety-wise, including for families, solo travelers, and solo female travelers. It also has a lot of fun experiences to offer!

Related blog posts:

Is Oslo Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons to Explore Norway’s Capital (and one downside)

Easy Guide: How To Plan A Solo Trip For Beginners

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