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 experience 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 safe to use at all hours.
As always, follow basic safety precautions such as not walking alone late at night in deserted areas or leaving your belongings unattended.
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.
However, as with any major city, it’s always smart to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially during the evenings and in crowded areas. Remain aware of your surroundings, particularly in less crowded areas outdoors or late at night.
As a solo female traveler, you should always pay attention to your intuition. If something feels off, you leave that situation. Avoid dark and isolated areas at night, and keep your personal belongings secure.
Overall, Oslo provides a safe environment for solo female travelers.
📍 EpicNomadLife Tips For A Safe Holiday:
- Dont get visibly intoxicated.
- Ask your host or hotel staff for advice about the area where you are staying.
- Keep your pockets and bags closed.
- Be normally vigilant of your surroundings in crowded areas.
- Don’t leave your drink out of sight in bars and restaurants.
- Take registered taxis or public transportation.
Crime Rate In Oslo Is Low
The general crime rate in Oslo is very low and decreasing.
It is 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 below 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%.
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 areas, being visibly intoxicated, 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.
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 (you DONT 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.
Petty theft and violence do occur. Follow basic safety precautions as you would anywhere.
📍 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 assist you if any issue should occur.
Women typically report feeling very secure, 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.
You should avoid taking pirate taxis or unregistered taxis, as they are illegal and are not vetted or registered anywhere.
📍 EpicNomadLife Tips: Safe Solo Female Travel Transport In Oslo:
- Book online through an app or taxi service to register your ride and driver.
- Take a photo of the taxi license plate or taxi sign before getting in.
- Text a friend the number of the taxi and tell them where you are going.
Registered taxi companies in Oslo:
- Oslo Taxi 02323
- Norgestaxi 08000
- Christiania Taxi 02365
- Uber
- Bolt
Is Oslo Safe At Night For Solo Female Travelers?
Oslo is generally a very safe city in which to walk alone at night. Incidents of serious crimes, violence, or sexualized crimes are relatively low.
You can feel safe walking the streets of Oslo at night, even as a solo traveler.
However, as with any major city, incidents do occur. It’s always smart to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially during the late evenings. Remain especially aware of crowded areas during both day and night and avoid dark and desolate areas alone at night.
Overall, Oslo provides a safe environment for 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.
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.
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)
