Quality of life in Brienz (BE) (Bern): scores, review and neighborhoods

5.5/ 10
Fair
Population
3,160
Commune type
Village

Living in Brienz (BE), a commune of 3160 inhabitants in Canton Bern. With an overall score of 5.5/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Noise (9/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (8.9/10). Its score is below the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
9.0
Air Quality
6.1
Public Transport
2.0
Education & Culture
7.6
Nightlife & Dining
8.5
Nature & Green Spaces
8.9
Healthcare
2.0
Taxation
1.2
Annual Sunshine
3.9
Cantonal average

These scores summarise the living environment where residents actually live, not across the whole municipal territory. The map, by contrast, colours the territory: a highly rated commune can still show large, often uninhabited areas with weaker values.

Recommended Profiles

Young Professional
Fair
mediantop
Nature
Fair
mediantop
Family
Average
mediantop
Retirement
Average
mediantop

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Brienz (BE) achieves a compatibility score of 6.3/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (5.2/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Brienz (BE) excels in Noise (9/10, a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus), Nature & Green Spaces (8.9/10, a green environment with many accessible green spaces), Nightlife & Dining (8.5/10, a rich selection of restaurants, bars, and entertainment).

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Taxation (1.2/10, a higher tax burden than average), Healthcare (2/10, more limited healthcare access), Public Transport (2/10, limited public transport connections).

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Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Schweizer Holzbildhauerei Museum BrienzMuseum
Bilbliothek BrienzLibrary
Kinotheater BrienzCinema / Theatre
Schweizer GeigenbauschuleSchool
Schule Brienz DorfSchool
Schule KienholzSchool

Public Transport

Brienz WestTrain Station
PlanalpTrain Station
Brienzer RothornTrain Station
BrienzTrain Station
Brienz BRBTrain Station
BramiseggBus Stop
GlyssibachBus Stop
DindlenBus Stop

Guides to read for this area

Four guides by lifestyle profile and three analyses of this area's strongest criteria.

Considering buying property in Brienz (BE) or moving to Canton Bern? Our interactive map lets you explore quality of life at the neighborhood level and compare with nearby communes.

Frequently asked questions about Brienz (BE)

What's it like to live in Brienz (BE)? Resident impressions and quality of life
Living in Brienz (BE) means enjoying exceptional quiet, with a noise score of 9, alongside strong nature access at 8.9. Meanwhile, dining options score 8.5, and education reaches 7.6, so daily life feels calm and well-rounded. By contrast, transport is limited at 2, and healthcare access is equally thin at 2, which matters for anyone needing frequent medical care. Notably, fiscal pressure is heavy at 1.2, and sunshine is modest at 3.9, while air quality sits at a middling 6.1. Neighboring Brienzwiler, Schwanden bei Brienz, and Hofstetten bei Brienz share this rural lakeside setting. Overall, the profile fits nature lovers and retirees seeking tranquility, though young professionals may find mobility and tax burdens limiting.
How sunny and clean is the air in Brienz (BE)?
Brienz (BE) records a nature score of 8.9 and a noise score of 9, making environmental calm its standout strength. Air quality reaches 6.1, a moderate but acceptable figure. Meanwhile, sunshine sits at only 3.9, so expect frequent cloud cover and grey days. Transport access scores just 2, and healthcare provision is equally thin at 2, which limits everyday convenience. Notably, the fiscal framework is the weakest dimension at 1.2, while education at 7.6 and dining at 8.5 remain solid. The commune borders Brienzwiler, Schwanden bei Brienz and Hofstetten bei Brienz. Overall, this profile suits nature lovers and retirees who prioritise quiet, clean surroundings over sun exposure and urban services.
How well-connected is Brienz (BE)? Transport, schools, dining
Brienz (BE) scores 9 for noise, its strongest result, reflecting a remarkably quiet setting. Nature follows at 8.9, while dining reaches 8.5. Meanwhile, transport sits at only 2, so connections beyond the commune are limited, and healthcare also scores 2. Education is a relative strength at 7.6, though air quality (6.1) and sunshine (3.9) are middling. Notably, fiscal pressure is high, with a taxation score of just 1.2. Neighboring communes Brienzwiler, Schwanden bei Brienz and Hofstetten bei Brienz share this rural lakeside context. Overall, the profile fits nature lovers and retirees seeking calm and outdoor access, while young professionals dependent on frequent transit may find the low transport score a drawback.
What are the neighboring communes of Brienz (BE) and how big is it?
Brienz (BE) stands out for its quiet setting, scoring 9 on noise, the commune's strongest dimension. Its nature score of 8.9 reinforces that appeal, while the restaurant offering of 8.5 adds some variety. Meanwhile, education sits at a solid 7.6, though air quality is a moderate 6.1. By contrast, transport is weak at 2, and healthcare matches that low figure at 2. Notably, fiscal pressure is heavy, with taxation scoring just 1.2, and sunshine is limited at 3.9. The commune has around 3,160 residents and borders Brienzwiler, Schwanden bei Brienz, and Hofstetten bei Brienz. Given this mix, Brienz best suits nature lovers and retirees seeking calm over connectivity.
Is Brienz (BE) a tax-friendly municipality?
Brienz (BE) is not tax-friendly, with a fiscalité score of just 1.2, the weakest dimension in its profile. By contrast, the commune excels on quietness at 9 and nature at 8.9, making it attractive for those prioritising environment over tax savings. Meanwhile, restaurant access scores 8.5 and education 7.6, both solid strengths. Air quality sits at a moderate 6.1, while sunshine reaches only 3.9. Transport and healthcare are notably weak, each scoring 2, which limits car-free living and medical convenience. Neighbouring communes include Brienzwiler, Schwanden bei Brienz and Hofstetten bei Brienz, all sharing this rural lakeside setting. Overall, the low tax score means Brienz best suits nature lovers and retirees rather than young professionals or families seeking fiscal advantages.

Neighboring communes of Brienz (BE)

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 18.7 %20–64 years 57.7 %65 and over 23.5 %
Density
65 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+4.6 %
Vacant housing
1.4 %
New dwellings
9.6 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
2.7 %
Tertiary employment
64.6 %

Land use

Built-up area 4.5 %Agricultural land 38.6 %Forest 33.6 %

Source: FSO, Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Bern (BE)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
46.7326, 8.0405
BFS Number
573
Last updated
7 October 2026

Data: FSO, geo.admin.ch, OSM. Scores normalised 0-10