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Quality of life in Erlenbach im Simmental (Bern) — scores, review and neighborhoods

4.9/ 10
Average
Population
1,783
Commune type
Village

Living in Erlenbach im Simmental, a commune of 1783 inhabitants in Canton Bern — with an overall score of 4.9/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Noise (9.7/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (9.7/10). Its score is in line with the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
9.7
Air Quality
8.3
Public Transport
0.3
Education & Culture
2.4
Nightlife & Dining
2.5
Nature & Green Spaces
9.7
Healthcare
4.0
Taxation
1.5
Annual Sunshine
5.9
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

Nature
Very goodTop 25% in Switzerland
mediantop
Retirement
Fair
mediantop
Family
Average
mediantop
Young Professional
Average
mediantop

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Erlenbach im Simmental achieves a compatibility score of 7.2/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (3.7/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Erlenbach im Simmental excels in Noise (9.7/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Nature & Green Spaces (9.7/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Air Quality (8.3/10) — clean air with low pollutant concentrations.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Public Transport (0.3/10) — limited public transport connections, Taxation (1.5/10) — a higher tax burden than average, Education & Culture (2.4/10) — limited educational and cultural infrastructure.

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Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Agenstein HausMuseum
Sekundarschule Erlenbach i/SSchool

Public Transport

RingoldingenTrain Station
ErlenbachTrain Station

Guides to read for this area

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

By lifestyle profile

Family
Where to Live in Thun as a Family
Young Professional
Where to Live in Thun as a Young Professional
Retirement
Where to Live in Thun in Retirement
Nature
Where to Live in Thun Close to Nature
Explore the map for more details →

Considering buying property in Erlenbach im Simmental 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 Erlenbach im Simmental

What's it like to live in Erlenbach im Simmental? Resident impressions and quality of life
Erlenbach im Simmental is a small mountain commune defined by exceptional natural surroundings and remarkable quiet. With air quality and noise pollution scores both reaching 9.7 and 9.8 respectively, residents enjoy some of the cleanest air and most peaceful conditions in the region. Nature access scores equally high at 9.7, making outdoor recreation seamless. However, transport connectivity is minimal at 0.1, and dining and education options are extremely limited, scoring 0.8 and 1.1. It is worth noting that this commune's main tradeoff is clear: those seeking pristine environmental quality and tranquility must accept very limited urban amenities and virtually no public transit. Located near neighbors Därstetten, Pohlern, and Diemtigen, Erlenbach suits residents prioritizing nature over convenience.
How sunny and clean is the air in Erlenbach im Simmental?
Erlenbach im Simmental excels in environmental quality, with an air quality score of 8.8 reflecting exceptionally clean conditions in this small alpine valley. The noise environment is equally impressive at 9.7, among the quietest in the region. Nature scores similarly high at 9.7, underscoring the commune's pristine mountain setting shared with neighbors Därstetten, Pohlern, and Diemtigen. Sunshine is more moderate at 5.9, a typical constraint for settlements nestled in valleys with limited southern exposure. It is worth noting that this commune's greatest strength lies in its combination of air purity and tranquility—assets that define rural mountain living. The main tradeoff is between exceptional natural conditions and limited daylight hours typical of alpine terrain.
How well-connected is Erlenbach im Simmental? Transport, schools, dining
Erlenbach im Simmental is a small mountain commune with minimal urban connectivity. Transport accessibility is severely limited, scoring just 0.1, reflecting its remote location in the Simmental valley. Education and dining options follow similarly, with scores of 1.1 and 0.8 respectively, indicating sparse local infrastructure. It is worth noting that this isolation is offset by exceptional environmental quality—air and nature both score 9.7, offering pristine surroundings and clean conditions. The commune's main tradeoff is clear: residents sacrifice convenient access to services and amenities in exchange for a tranquil, unspoiled natural setting near neighbors Därstetten, Pohlern, and Diemtigen.
What are the neighboring communes of Erlenbach im Simmental and how big is it?
Erlenbach im Simmental is a small commune of 1,783 inhabitants in the Bern canton, bordered by Därstetten, Pohlern, and Diemtigen. Its defining strength lies in its exceptional natural environment, with a nature score of 9.7 and air quality equally impressive at 8.8. The commune's quiet character is underscored by a noise level of 9.7. Worth flagging is the minimal transport infrastructure, scoring just 0.1, which reflects its rural positioning away from major transit corridors. Education and dining options are similarly limited. It is worth noting that this commune embodies a classic Alpine tradeoff: pristine landscape and clean air in exchange for sparse public services and connectivity.
Is Erlenbach im Simmental a tax-friendly municipality?
Erlenbach im Simmental is not particularly tax-friendly, with a fiscal score of 1.5 that places it among less favorable communes in this dimension. The municipality's weakest areas extend beyond taxation—transport scores just 0.1, and dining and education options are similarly limited at 0.8 and 1.1 respectively. Where Erlenbach excels is in its natural environment and air quality, both scoring 9.7, along with an air quality score of 8.8. It is worth noting that this small commune of 1,783 inhabitants, situated near the Thun agglomeration and bordered by Därstetten, Pohlern, and Diemtigen, reflects a rural tradeoff: exceptional nature and air quality come at the cost of limited urban services and unfavorable tax conditions.

Neighboring communes of Erlenbach im Simmental

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 17.7 %20–64 years 59.6 %65 and over 22.7 %
Density
47 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+1.7 %
Vacant housing
1.0 %
New dwellings
0.6 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
3.5 %
Tertiary employment
63 %

Land use

Built-up area 3.5 %Agricultural land 50.6 %Forest 38 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Bern (BE)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
46.6537, 7.5288
BFS Number
763
Last updated
17 July 2026

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

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