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

5.4/ 10
Fair
Population
355
Commune type
Hamlet

Living in Grandval, a commune of 355 inhabitants in Canton Bern — with an overall score of 5.4/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Noise (10/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (9.8/10). Its score is in line with the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
10.0
Air Quality
7.2
Public Transport
1.4
Education & Culture
3.8
Nightlife & Dining
4.2
Nature & Green Spaces
9.8
Healthcare
6.3
Taxation
1.3
Annual Sunshine
4.3
Cantonal average

Grandval's national strengths

Per our methodology

Recommended Profiles

Nature
Good
mediantop
Retirement
Fair
mediantop
Family
Fair
mediantop
Young Professional
Fair
mediantop

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Grandval achieves a compatibility score of 7.1/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (4.3/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Grandval excels in Noise (10/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Nature & Green Spaces (9.8/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Air Quality (7.2/10) — clean air with low pollutant concentrations.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Taxation (1.3/10) — a higher tax burden than average, Public Transport (1.4/10) — limited public transport connections, Education & Culture (3.8/10) — limited educational and cultural infrastructure.

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

Key Infrastructure

Public Transport

GrandvalTrain Station
Chapeau NoirBus Stop

Guides to read for this area

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

Frequently asked questions about Grandval

What's it like to live in Grandval? Resident impressions and quality of life
Grandval stands out as a nature-focused rural commune where environmental quality takes priority. The air quality is strong at 8 and noise levels are exceptionally low at 10, creating a peaceful setting ideal for those seeking calm. Nature access scores an outstanding 9.8, making outdoor recreation a defining feature. However, amenities are minimal—education scores just 1.8, dining options rate 1.4, and transport connectivity is severely limited at 0.7. Healthcare availability sits at 5.9. With only 355 residents and neighbors including Crémines, Eschert, and Belprahon, this commune offers isolation and natural surroundings rather than services or convenience. Grandval suits nature lovers and retirees prioritizing tranquility over accessibility, though those requiring frequent services should look elsewhere.
How sunny and clean is the air in Grandval?
Grandval excels in air quality with a score of 8, reflecting its clean alpine environment. Nature lovers will particularly appreciate the commune's exceptional nature score of 9.8, which pairs well with its pristine air. Sunshine, however, is more modest at 4.3, typical for elevated Bernese locations that experience greater cloud cover and seasonal variation. The commune's neighbors—Crémines, Eschert, and Belprahon—share similar mountainous terrain and climatic patterns. This combination of excellent air quality alongside limited sunshine makes Grandval well-suited for retirees and nature lovers seeking a clean, quiet environment rather than sun-intensive living.
How well-connected is Grandval? Transport, schools, dining
Grandval is a quiet, nature-focused commune with limited urban connectivity. Its transport score of 0.7 reflects sparse public transit options, making a personal vehicle essential for residents. Education and dining infrastructure are similarly modest, scoring 1.8 and 1.4 respectively, indicating minimal local schools and restaurants. However, Grandval compensates with exceptional environmental qualities: air quality ranks at 8 and nature access at 9.8, alongside very low noise pollution at 10. The commune borders Crémines, Eschert, and Belprahon. This profile suits nature lovers and retirees seeking tranquility over urban amenities, rather than young professionals or families prioritizing educational and dining convenience.
What are the neighboring communes of Grandval and how big is it?
Grandval is a very small commune in the Bern canton, with a population of just 355 residents. It borders three communes: Crémines, Eschert, and Belprahon. Despite its modest size, Grandval stands out for its exceptional natural environment, scoring 9.8 on nature and 10 on noise pollution, reflecting pristine surroundings with minimal urban disturbance. Air quality is also strong at 8. However, public transport connectivity is limited, scoring only 0.7. This intimate, quiet setting suits nature lovers and those seeking peaceful rural living over urban convenience.
Is Grandval a tax-friendly municipality?
Grandval does not stand out as particularly tax-friendly, with a tax score of 1.3, placing it among the less advantageous communes for tax considerations. The municipality's strongest appeal lies elsewhere—notably in its exceptional environmental quality, with an air quality score of 8 and outstanding nature access rated at 9.8. Healthcare services are moderately available at 5.9. With its very small population of 355 residents and location near the Biel/Bienne agglomeration, alongside neighbors Crémines, Eschert, and Belprahon, Grandval attracts those prioritizing natural surroundings and clean air over fiscal advantages. This profile suits nature lovers and those seeking rural tranquility rather than individuals making tax optimization their primary relocation criterion.

Neighboring communes of Grandval

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 20.2 %20–64 years 60.4 %65 and over 19.4 %
Density
48 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+13.1 %
Vacant housing
3.8 %
New dwellings
5.1 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
2.7 %
Tertiary employment
73 %

Land use

Built-up area 4.3 %Agricultural land 44.3 %Forest 50.7 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Bern (BE)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.2804, 7.4305
BFS Number
694
Last updated
29 June 2026

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