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Although our teenagers are well-traveled and know how to keep themselves safe on the road, as they get older, I am finding myself more concerned with safety than I was when they were children.
When they were children, everything was organized for them, and everything we did together as a family. As my teens get older, they start to want more independence; their own hotel room and some downtime to talk with friends, that kind of thing. They’re also turning into young adults and soon-to-be independent travelers themselves. Our eldest has already traveled to Europe with friends, and it’s because we know she was visiting safe destinations in Europe for teens that we were happy for her to go.
Of course, we don’t recommend shipping your teens off on a vacation solo until they’re of legal age, but it’s not uncommon for eighteen-plus-year-olds to go interrailing or backpacking across Europe; solo or with company.
Whether your teen is looking to go with friends or you’re planning a trip together as a family, if you’re wondering what the safest destinations in Europe for teenagers are, then we’re happy to share our ten top picks based on our own experience, and also with statistics from the Global Safety Index.
Zurich, Switzerland
- Global Peace Index Score: 1.363
- Crime and Safety Score: 75.8
- Political stability: 16.2
- Healthcare Quality (EHCI Score): 893
Zurich is a very clean, easy-to-navigate city with excellent healthcare facilities, a low crime rate, and tons of things to do; so that’s why it’s high on our list of safe places in Europe for families with teens. In terms of things to do, there’s enough to keep every day interesting for teens, from swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Zurich, to bike rides along the river, to checking out world-class museums. Our teen would enjoy simply wandering the cobbled streets of the Altstadt (Old Town). It’s also well placed to take day trips to the Alps for the perfect Sound of Music adventure.
You may have heard people say “I’m not getting involved, I’m Switzerland” when put in the middle of conflict. This is because it has a long-standing reputation for political stability and having a strong rule of law, and rarely gets involved in other countries’ business. It has exceptionally low levels of violent crime, so you can explore with peace of mind.
Zurich feels quaint, relaxed, and orderly, so if your older teens feel they want more independence and want to explore alone while parents take a break, you’ll be comforted by the fact that Zurich is one of Europe’s safest and most stable destinations.
Related reading: Tips For Traveling With Teens (Age 13-17) + Where To Go
Reykjavik, Iceland
- Global Peace Index Score: 1.161
- Crime and Safety Score: 75.2
- Political stability: 15.2
- Healthcare Quality (EHCI Score): 797
Iceland has been crowned the safest country on Earth, and so of course it should be considered on this list. Although not part of the European Union, Iceland is still well connected to Europe and is considered part of the European Economic Area (EEA).
Reykjavik is a fascinating city, filled with brightly painted rooftops, creative and artistic energy, and being just a short drive away from some of the most otherworldly landscapes on Earth, there is so much to inspire your teens here. From whale-watching trips to swimming in geothermal lagoons to hiking across volcanic terrain, visiting thundering waterfalls and exploring lava caves… or simply gazing up at the shimmering Northern Lights. No one leaves Iceland without fond memories and their jaw dragging across the floor.
It also has low crime rates, a strong economy and political climate, and excellent public infrastructure, so anyone visiting can feel quickly at ease. Although safe, it’s worth noting it’s not the cheapest destination to visit with teenagers, so be sure to save your pennies.
Vienna, Austria
- Global Peace Index Score: 1.421
- Crime and Safety Score: 70.5
- Political stability: 23.1
- Healthcare Quality (EHCI Score): 799
We visited Vienna with our teens on a Danube River Cruise back in the summer of 2023 and not only was it a fascinating destination with so many things for teenagers to do, but it also felt very safe. It has low levels of violent crime and well-developed public services, so we felt we could explore without ever having to look over our shoulders or worry about our teens and tweens.
Vienna has a kind of imperial grandeur about it, paired with youthful energy. Our teens loved exploring the grand palaces, riding the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel at the Prater amusement park, and relaxing on the riverside beaches along the Danube.
One of the things we loved the most about Vienna was that you didn’t need to spend much, either. You could sit on a terrace outside a cafe and just enjoy the charming architecture, a delicious apfelstrudel, and finish it off with a bit of shopping in boutique stores. It’s also on the Interrail route, so you can pair it with some of the other destinations on this list.
Read more: Exciting Things To Do In Vienna With Teenagers
Copenhagen, Denmark
- Global Peace Index Score: 1.504
- Crime and Safety Score: 73.7
- Political stability: 15.9
- Healthcare Quality (EHCI Score): 855
Creative, compact, and cycle-friendly, Copenhagen is growing in popularity as a place to visit with teenagers. Our teen would love riding a bike through the colorful neighborhoods or riding the roller coasters at Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks.
Copenhagen has the perfect combination of thrill and chill. You could be strolling along the iconic Nyhavn waterfront one minute and then kayaking through the city’s canals the next.
And what’s more is that Denmark is consistently ranked among one of the world’s safest, happiest, and most politically stable countries. Copenhagen especially is known for its low levels of violent crime and excellent cycling infrastructure, so you can be sure to have a stress-free time when exploring here.
Read more: Unique Things To Do In Denmark For Cultural Immersion
Gibraltar
- Global Peace Index Score: N/A
- Crime and Safety Score: 79.77
- Political stability: N/A
- Healthcare Quality: N/A
Gibraltar isn’t the first place you think of when you think of European destinations for teenagers, but it shouldn’t be skipped over, either. This British Overseas Territory is famous for being the last line of defence between Europe and Africa, though don’t let that reputation fool you into thinking it’s a war zone; it’s not. It’s very safe (ranked the 6th safest place in the world). In fact, with less than 40,000 residents, crime is extremely rare, as it has a close-knit community. Its economy is very strong, with high employment rates, so there is virtually no street crime.
Despite belonging to England, this 6.8 square kilometer country has a unique culture that’s a cross between Spanish, British, and Mediterranean. It has the warmth and laid-back vibes of Spain, and the hospitality and etiquette of Britain, and the deliciousness of Mediterranean cuisine. I visited here with friends on my Eurovan tour when I was 22 and LOVED it. I felt very safe and it was small, vibrant, and unique.
In terms of things to do, Gibraltar is best known for its landscape, dominated by the famous Rock of Gibraltar (a 426-meter-high limestone ridge), and the limestone cave network (St Michael’s Cave), which teenagers would love to explore. The cable car up to the top of the Rock is a great activity to do with teenagers as it gives you a great view of the airplanes taking off and landing from the airport. At the top, you’ll find the native Barbary Macaques (which are Europe’s only free-roaming wild monkey population), and incredible views of three countries over two continents. For those who have sturdy legs, walk along the Windsor Bridge, a suspension bridge over a 70-foot-deep ravine, or the Skywalk, for 360-degree views. If your teens love wildlife, there’s an abundance of dolphin spotting tours, too.
Gibraltar is a place you might want to add on to the end of a Spain itinerary. You wouldn’t need more than a few days in Gibraltar; you can see it all in 2-3 days. When I visited, we also popped over to Morocco for the day on the ferry.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Global Peace Index Score: 1.619
- Crime and Safety Score: 82.23
- Political stability: 45.9
- Healthcare Quality (EHCI Score): 644
I am sure your teenagers have heard of, read, or watched Game of Thrones. It’s what put Dubrovnik on the map, although it was always a worthwhile travel destination before it became the setting of Westeros.
Encircled by ancient stone walls and framed by the sparkling Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is like a fairytale fantasy come to life. In terms of things to do, teenagers will enjoy exploring the city’s famous medieval ramparts and fortifications, as well as getting out of the UNESCO-listed Old Town to swim in the ocean, take the cable car up Mount Srđ, or hop on a boat to nearby Lokrum Island for swimming, hiking, and spotting resident peacocks.
Unlike in Game of Thrones, Croatia is a politically stable member of the European Union and is listed as one of the safer destinations in southeastern Europe. Dubrovnik has low levels of violent crime, and because it’s compact and pedestrian-friendly, it’s quite stress-free to explore.
Read more: Awesome Things To Do In Dubrovnik, Croatia
Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Global Peace Index Score: 1.369
- Crime and Safety Score: 78.2
- Political stability: 26.1
- Healthcare Quality (EHCI Score): 678
I visited Slovenia on a 10-day tour in July 2026, and it was a country that I never had high on my radar, but after visiting, it will certainly be a country I will return to. As well as ranking as the fourth safest country in the world, Slovenia has so much to do. The country is so small, you can travel across it in 3 hours, so we highly recommend using Ljubljana as a base and exploring from there.
What I loved about Slovenia, and what my teen and tween would love too, is that it’s wonderfully green. I loved cycling along the leafy banks of the Ljubljanica River, riding the funicular to Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views, and taking day trips out to go hiking in Triglav National Park, stand-up paddleboarding on the fairytale waters of Lake Bled, and checking out the spectacular Postojna Cave.
The Slovenian capital is also worth exploring; it has lots of cool street art, quirky cafés, and has a kind of youthful energy about it.
Slovenia is a country that doesn’t get fanfares and whistles, but it’s also one of Europe’s most peaceful and politically stable countries, so we hope this is about to change…
Read more: Best Places to Visit in Slovenia For Nature & History. We stayed at the stunning Heritage Hotel (a friend researched and found it was in the safest area of Ljubljana. This is also a fantastic locally guided bike tour of the city.
Munich, Germany
- Global Peace Index Score: 1.657
- Crime and Safety Score: 78.3
- Political stability: 24
- Healthcare Quality (EHCI Score): 785
Germany is incredibly cool, and each city is unique. I was torn between Berlin and Munich as a destination to take my teen; Berlin is famously artistic, but Munich has a rich Bavarian culture and access to green spaces for hiking and biking, which would appeal more to our teen.
Munich has a diverse mix of attractions, from fairytale-like palaces to sprawling parks (don’t miss a chance to watch people surfing on the Eisbach wave in Wildblumenwiese) to some incredible hands-on exhibits at the Deutsches Museum, one of the world’s largest museums of science and technology.
As the birthplace of Oktoberfest, it has a youthful energy, but it’s not Oktoberfest every day here; outside of beer-drinking month, it’s peaceful and relaxed. It’s also close to the Bavarian Alps, where you can go hiking, mountain biking, or go skiing/snowboarding in the winter.
Munich has excellent public infrastructure and low-crime rates, and it has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
Read more: Unmissable Things To Do In Munich For First Timers!
Oslo, Norway
- Global Peace Index Score: 1.688
- Crime and Safety Score: 65.6
- Political stability: 12.7
- Healthcare Quality (EHCI Score): 857
If your teen has dreamt of shimmering fjords, forested hills, Viking heritage, and Northern Lights, then Norway is the place to take them.
The capital, Oslo, has a delightful mix of attractions that combine thrill and chill. Some top things a teenager would like to do are paddle through the Oslofjord on a kayak, go for a cold plunge from one of the harborside beaches (or maybe not!), check out the fascinating Viking Ship Museum, or get out of the city to explore the network of hiking and cycling trails just outside.
Norway is ranked in the top 10 safest countries in the Global Safety Index, and has a strong democracy, low levels of violent crime, and exceptional public services. It has a kind of peaceful pace; everything is well-maintained, and the myriad of things to do make it a great destination. Fair warning, it’s pricey though!
Valencia, Spain
- Global Peace Index Score: 1.654
- Crime and Safety Score: 62.2
- Political stability: 44
- Healthcare Quality (EHCI Score): 698
Last but certainly not least, the sun-soaked city of Valencia is one of our top destinations in Spain to take a teenager, and it’s considered very safe. It has a laid-back Mediterranean vibe but also has some world-class attractions; both would appeal to our teenagers.
It boasts Europe’s largest aquarium, the leafy Turia Gardens, golden beaches, and an atmospheric Old Town with vibrant plazas and colorful street art.
Spain is also a politically stable country, and for decades, has had a well-developed tourism infrastructure, so it’s not only safe but easy to travel to and around. It’s also walkable, which makes it easy to explore as a family, and has a strong sense of community, which makes it feel safer.
Read more: Unmissable Things To Do In Valencia, Spain
What do these numbers mean?
In case you’re wondering what these numbers actually mean, here’s a quick overview.
The Global Peace Index is a snapshot of the state of peace in a place. The lower the number, the safer the destination. In 2026, Iceland ranks as the lowest on the state of peace scale, making it the safest place in the world. These scores are calculated by 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators, looking into things like ongoing conflict, societal safety and security, and militarisation. A country with a score of below 1.90 is considered a high risk of peace, 1.91 – 2.35 is considered a medium risk of peace, 2.36 – 2.8 is low risk of peace, and 2.9- 3.3 is considered a very low risk of peace.
The Crime Rates and Safety Score in this article are based on the Numbeo Crime Stats, which compares information gathered by established scientific and governmental surveys. It looks at the general public’s perception of crime levels, and how people feel about safety during day and nighttime, their concerns about specific crimes (from street crime such as mugging, robbery, car theft), as well as violent crime such as homicides and physical attacks, and property crime. When calculating the safety index, the higher the score, the safer the city. A very unsafe city would score below 20; 20.01- 40 is considered high risk of crime, 40.01-60 is considered moderate risk of crime, 60.01-80 is considered low risk of crime, and anything above 80.01 is very low risk.
In terms of Political Stability, these results come from research by The Fragile States Index and look at the likelihood of conflict, such as a disorderly transfer of government power, armed conflict, and violent demonstrations/social unrest, as well as terrorism and/or regional conflicts. The higher the score, the higher the political instability. The most recent research, conducted in 2024, found the highest score was 111.3 for Somalia, which had the highest risk of political instability, and the lowest was 12.7 for Norway, which had the lowest rate of political instability.
The quality of healthcare has been assessed by the World Population Review, which used the 2020 Euro Health Consumer Index to rank countries’ healthcare by consumer friendliness. It measured waiting times, results, and generosity. The higher the score, the more accessible the healthcare. Scoring above 750 is considered a high-performing healthcare system, and below 650 is considered lower-performing healthcare. The highest score possible is 1,000, while the minimum possible score is 333.
Do you have any safe destinations in Europe for teens that you love?