June 3, 2026, 10:24 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Sweden was long considered one of the safest vacation destinations in Europe. However, in recent years, the Scandinavian country has faced significant issues with rampant gang crime and violence. The Foreign Office has now updated its safety advisories, particularly urging caution for campers.
Sweden is generally regarded as a safe vacation spot. With rising temperatures, it is increasingly seen as a fantastic, nature-oriented, and pleasantly temperate travel destination–such as for a “coolcation.” And it is. The following lines are not meant to change that perception or reality. However, Sweden is not entirely safe. The Foreign Office has now revised its travel advisories for the Scandinavian country. And they sound less like the friendly, tolerant, prosperous nation Sweden is generally known to be.
Sweden’s Gang Crime Problem
The reason for the changes in the Foreign Office’s safety advisories is the rampant gang crime that the country has been grappling with for years. Sweden’s murder rate is high compared to its European neighbors, with gang crime claiming numerous victims each year. According to the IJAB, the International Youth Work Agency of the Federal Republic of Germany, it is particularly young people under 18 who are recruited into criminal networks in Sweden. According to IJAB, “criminal actors (…) increasingly exploit children and adolescents not only for drug-related crimes but also for carrying out violent and risky crimes such as shootings, explosions, or attacks.” The victims of these violent acts are not only gang members; uninvolved individuals are also affected.
According to the updated safety advisories from the Foreign Office, “gang crime–with sometimes violent confrontations–(…) predominantly occurs in larger cities.” The office does not specify which cities these are. Various media have repeatedly reported shootings, explosions, killings, and other violent acts in numerous locations across the country in recent years. For instance, Deutschlandfunk wrote in early 2024: “Violence is a daily occurrence not only in the suburbs of the Swedish metropolises Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and Uppsala. Even in tranquil small towns like Helsingborg or Umeå, murders occur.” In most cases, these are “territorial disputes in the drug trade,” sometimes “just about wounded pride.”
Police Report Slight Improvements
According to the Swedish Police Authority, both the number of shootings and the number of deaths and injuries are currently declining. In May, there were a total of six shootings in Sweden, the same as in the previous month, with three deaths and two injuries in April. “Between January and May 2026, there were a total of 37 shootings,” the police report, adding: “In the same period in 2025, there were 73.” Additionally, there were 13 explosions in May and 14 in April; between January and May, there were 63. In the same period in 2025, there were still 94. Furthermore, in May, “16 preparations for public destruction were registered, meaning the police were able to prevent many explosions,” according to the authority.
Impacts for Travelers
The Foreign Office specifically warns travelers about petty crime, such as pickpocketing. These occur “particularly in city centers, tourist areas, and transit points like ferries and airports.” Guests are apparently not safe from thefts in hotels either, such as handbag thefts.
Even camping tourists should be cautious according to the office’s advisories. “Car break-ins and robberies of caravan and motorhome owners” are “not uncommon even at official campsites,” according to the Foreign Office.
At the same time, the threat of terrorist attacks, which the Foreign Office continues to warn about in Sweden, seems to have decreased recently. The office states: “The Swedish Security Service SÄPO lowered the terror alert level from four to three (out of five levels) at the beginning of 2025.”
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How Can Travelers Protect Themselves?
What can vacationers do if they have already planned a trip to Sweden for the upcoming summer holidays? As is often the case in the Foreign Office’s safety advisories, the ones for Sweden also suggest keeping money, IDs, driver’s licenses, and other important documents separate. Travelers are also advised to make electronic copies. Additionally, the office recommends carrying only the cash needed for the day and no unnecessary valuables. Generally, cashless payment is advised. Travelers should be particularly vigilant “in large crowds such as at airports, train stations, and on public transport, as well as on bicycles,” and keep an eye on their belongings. Attention is also advised “during unusual, non-everyday events.”
Those traveling to Sweden for camping should use supervised campsites. At night, they should secure their motorhomes “with additional locking devices.” Simply locking from the inside is apparently not sufficient.
Caution is also advised with: “unfamiliar emails, phone calls, prize notifications, offers, and requests for help from supposed acquaintances.” If unsure, one should contact the police or personally verify credibility. Under no circumstances should personal data be shared.
What Sweden’s Leading Campsite Operator Says
The campsite chain First Camp contacted TRAVELBOOK following this article. Its CEO Johan Söör states: “Sweden remains a safe and popular camping destination, and we take the safety of our guests very seriously.” Regarding the Foreign Office’s recommendation to use only supervised campsites, Söör writes: “First Camp’s campsites are staffed, well-organized, and have on-site personnel. We actively work with security routines and clear guest information and encourage our guests to contact our staff at any time with questions.” Accordingly, camping at First Camp’s Swedish sites remains “safe, easy, and beautiful.”