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

4.2/ 10
Average
Population
3,160
Commune type
Village

Living in Brienz (BE), a commune of 3160 inhabitants in Canton Bern — with an overall score of 4.2/10, this commune is below average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Noise (9.6/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (9.5/10). Its score is below the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
9.6
Air Quality
8.9
Public Transport
1.1
Education & Culture
2.9
Nightlife & Dining
2.8
Nature & Green Spaces
9.5
Healthcare
2.0
Taxation
1.2
Annual Sunshine
0.1
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

Nature
Average
mediantop
Young Professional
Average
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 (3.5/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Brienz (BE) excels in Noise (9.6/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Nature & Green Spaces (9.5/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Air Quality (8.9/10) — clean air with low pollutant concentrations.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Annual Sunshine (0.1/10), Public Transport (1.1/10) — limited public transport connections, Taxation (1.2/10) — a higher tax burden than average.

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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
Brienz (BE) excels in environmental quality, with a noise score of 9.6 and nature access at 9.5, creating a serene setting for those seeking tranquility. Air quality also rates highly at 9.1, reflecting the commune's clean surroundings. However, infrastructure for transport remains minimal at 0.6, meaning car dependency is substantial. Educational facilities score only 0.9, and restaurant options are similarly limited at 1.1, indicating fewer urban conveniences. Healthcare availability reaches 2.7, a modest provision for daily needs. Fiscal conditions stand at 1.2, suggesting less favorable tax advantages. This profile suits nature lovers and retirees most strongly, as the commune prioritizes environmental peace over urban accessibility and services.
How sunny and clean is the air in Brienz (BE)?
Brienz excels in air quality with a score of 9.1, making it exceptionally clean. Nature lovers will appreciate the remarkable 9.5 nature score reflecting its pristine surroundings. By contrast, sunshine is notably absent, scoring 0, meaning the commune experiences minimal direct sunlight year-round. The low ensoleillement reflects its topographical setting, likely nestled in valleys. Meanwhile, noise pollution remains minimal at 9.6, complementing the clean air. Despite these environmental strengths, transport connectivity lags significantly at 0.6. This commune suits nature lovers and those prioritizing clean air and quiet surroundings over sunny weather and accessibility.
How well-connected is Brienz (BE)? Transport, schools, dining
Brienz excels in environmental quality, with a noise score of 9.6, but connectivity presents significant challenges. Transport infrastructure scores merely 0.6, indicating limited public transit options and accessibility. Educational facilities fare only slightly better at 0.9, suggesting sparse local schooling resources. The dining scene similarly underperforms with a score of 1.1, offering minimal restaurant and café options. Meanwhile, the commune's natural environment remains exceptional at 9.5, and air quality reaches 9.1, reflecting its pristine surroundings. Healthcare services score 2.7, which is modest relative to its environmental strengths. Brienz suits nature lovers and those prioritizing tranquility over urban conveniences, though families and young professionals seeking robust schools and dining may find limited appeal.
What are the neighboring communes of Brienz (BE) and how big is it?
Brienz (BE) is a small commune in the Bern canton with a population of 3,160 residents. Its neighboring communes are Brienzwiler, Schwanden bei Brienz, and Hofstetten bei Brienz. The commune excels with a noise score of 9.6, reflecting exceptional acoustic tranquility, and air quality ranks at 9.1. Nature access scores impressively at 9.5, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. By contrast, transport connectivity is minimal at 0.6, and education facilities are limited at 0.9. Healthcare services also lag at 2.7. This profile suits nature lovers and retirees seeking peaceful, clean surroundings over urban convenience.
Is Brienz (BE) a tax-friendly municipality?
Brienz scores remarkably low on tax friendliness, with a fiscal rating of 1.2 out of 10—indicating this is not a tax-advantaged location. By contrast, the commune excels in environmental quality, boasting a noise score of 9.6 and air quality of 9.1. Notably, nature access ranks equally high at 9.5. Meanwhile, practical services lag significantly: transport scores just 0.6, education 0.9, and healthcare 2.7. The commune's neighbors—Brienzwiler, Schwanden bei Brienz, and Hofstetten bei Brienz—likely present similar fiscal conditions. This profile suits nature lovers and retirees prioritizing environmental tranquility over cost 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
17 July 2026

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