Planning your first European adventure from India? Safety, ease of travel, and cultural openness are probably at the top of your checklist. While Europe is generally a safe continent, some countries stand out for their exceptional safety, welcoming locals, reliable infrastructure, and low crime rates.
Here’s a curated list of the 13 safest European countries for first-time Indian travelers in 2025, whether you’re a solo explorer, couple, or family.
1. Switzerland 🇨🇭
Why It’s Safe: Low crime, clean cities, excellent transport.
Best For: Nature lovers, luxury travel, scenic train rides.
Highlight: Jungfrau region, Lake Lucerne, Zermatt.
Indian-Friendly Tip: Indian restaurants are common, and Bollywood made Switzerland famous among Indian tourists.
2. Austria 🇦🇹
Why It’s Safe: Ranked as one of the world’s most peaceful countries.
Best For: Music, classical architecture, Alpine charm.
Highlight: Vienna, Salzburg, Hallstatt.
Indian-Friendly Tip: Vienna has good Indian food options and efficient local transport.
3. Portugal 🇵🇹
Why It’s Safe: Friendly locals, relaxed pace, low violent crime.
Best For: Coastal towns, historic cities, mild climate.
Highlight: Lisbon, Porto, Sintra.
Indian-Friendly Tip: Portugal offers visa-free entry for Schengen visa holders from the UK, US, or Canada (double-check 2025 rules).
4. Slovenia 🇸🇮
Why It’s Safe: One of Europe’s best-kept secrets with extremely low crime.
Best For: Lakes, mountains, quiet escapes.
Highlight: Lake Bled, Ljubljana.
Indian-Friendly Tip: Perfect for honeymooners seeking peaceful surroundings.
5. Finland 🇫🇮
Why It’s Safe: Ranked #1 in safety by many global indexes.
Best For: Northern lights, nature, unique culture.
Highlight: Rovaniemi (Santa Claus Village), Helsinki, Lapland.
Indian-Friendly Tip: Great for winter travel lovers; consider a Northern Lights tour from Helsinki.
6. Iceland 🇮🇸
Why It’s Safe: Virtually no violent crime, and solo travel is common.
Best For: Natural wonders, hot springs, waterfalls.
Highlight: Golden Circle, Blue Lagoon, Vik.
Indian-Friendly Tip: Self-drive is popular, but group tours are better for first-timers.
7. Denmark 🇩🇰
Why It’s Safe: Extremely safe, family-friendly, and easy to navigate.
Best For: Urban cool meets fairy tale charm.
Highlight: Copenhagen, Aarhus, Tivoli Gardens.
Indian-Friendly Tip: Indian food and vegetarian options are easily available.
8. Netherlands 🇳🇱
Why It’s Safe: Well-lit cities, excellent public transport, bike-friendly.
Best For: Art, canals, culture.
Highlight: Amsterdam, Giethoorn, Keukenhof (spring tulips).
Indian-Friendly Tip: Amsterdam has a large South Asian population—making it easier to feel at home.
9. Norway 🇳🇴
Why It’s Safe: Clean, organized, and low crime.
Best For: Fjords, hiking, Arctic adventures.
Highlight: Oslo, Bergen, Geirangerfjord.
Indian-Friendly Tip: High cost of living, so plan ahead if you’re on a budget.
10. Ireland 🇮🇪
Why It’s Safe: Friendly locals and easy English communication.
Best For: Rolling green landscapes, folklore, pubs.
Highlight: Dublin, Cliffs of Moher, Galway.
Indian-Friendly Tip: Visa options are smoother if you already have a UK visa.
11. Czech Republic (Czechia) 🇨🇿
Why It’s Safe: Low crime and excellent tourism infrastructure.
Best For: Castles, beer, and affordable travel.
Highlight: Prague, Český Krumlov.
Indian-Friendly Tip: Affordable yet rich in European charm—perfect for young travelers.
12. Germany 🇩🇪
Why It’s Safe: Well-policed, reliable public transport.
Best For: History, modern cities, castles.
Highlight: Berlin, Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle.
Indian-Friendly Tip: Indian restaurants and grocery stores are widely available.
13. Spain 🇪🇸
Why It’s Safe: Vibrant yet tourist-friendly and safe for solo women.
Best For: Beaches, architecture, flamenco.
Highlight: Barcelona, Madrid, Seville.
Indian-Friendly Tip: Watch out for pickpockets in touristy areas—keep your belongings close.
Bonus Travel Tips for Indian Travelers:
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Schengen Visa: Most of these countries fall under the Schengen Zone—apply at least 6–8 weeks in advance.
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Travel Insurance: Mandatory for visa and peace of mind.
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Connectivity: Get an international SIM or local eSIM for navigation.
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Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Basic local phrases help.
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Currency: Euro is common; only a few like Switzerland (CHF), Iceland (ISK), and Norway (NOK) have separate currencies.
Final Thoughts
If you’re traveling to Europe for the first time from India, these 13 countries offer not just safety, but also unforgettable beauty, culture, and comfort. Whether you’re a solo backpacker or family planner, picking the right destination makes all the difference in your experience.