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

4.8/ 10
Average
Population
238
Commune type
Hamlet

Living in Guttannen, a commune of 238 inhabitants in Canton Bern — with an overall score of 4.8/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Noise (10/10) and Air Quality (9.6/10). Its score is below the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
10.0
Air Quality
9.6
Public Transport
5.0
Education & Culture
0.5
Nightlife & Dining
0.5
Nature & Green Spaces
9.6
Healthcare
5.0
Taxation
1.4
Annual Sunshine
1.2
Cantonal average

Guttannen's national strengths

Per our methodology

Recommended Profiles

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

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Guttannen achieves a compatibility score of 7/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (4.1/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

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

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Nightlife & Dining (0.5/10) — limited dining and nightlife options, Education & Culture (0.5/10) — limited educational and cultural infrastructure, Annual Sunshine (1.2/10).

Considering buying property in Guttannen 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

Guttannen, BreitwaldBus Stop
Handegg, GelmerbahnBus Stop
KunzentännleinBus Stop
RäterichsbodenBus Stop
Grimsel HospizBus Stop
SummerlochBus 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 Guttannen

What's it like to live in Guttannen? Resident impressions and quality of life
Guttannen excels as an exceptionally quiet, pristine Alpine community where nature dominates daily life. With a noise score of 10 and air quality at 9.7, residents experience outstanding environmental conditions rarely found in Switzerland. The commune's nature score of 9.6 reflects its mountain setting near neighbors Innertkirchen, Schattenhalb, and Obergoms. However, this rural character comes with significant tradeoffs: public transport, education, dining, and healthcare services score near zero, meaning residents depend heavily on external resources for these essentials. Guttannen suits those prioritizing pristine natural surroundings and tranquility over urban convenience and local amenities.
How sunny and clean is the air in Guttannen?
Guttannen excels in air quality with a score of 9.7, making it one of the cleanest air environments in the region. The commune also scores 9.6 for nature preservation, reflecting its pristine Alpine setting. However, sunshine is notably limited, with an ensoleillement score of just 1.2, likely due to its mountainous terrain and valley location between peaks. This Alpine commune presents a clear tradeoff: exceptional air purity and natural landscape come at the cost of reduced direct sunlight exposure throughout much of the year.
How well-connected is Guttannen? Transport, schools, dining
Guttannen faces significant connectivity challenges across urban services. The commune scores critically low in public transport (0), education (0), and dining options (0.2), reflecting its remote Alpine location with a population of just 238 residents. What distinguishes Guttannen instead is its exceptional environmental quality, with noise levels at 10 and air quality at 9.7, alongside outstanding access to nature at 9.6. Healthcare and fiscal services also lag substantially. Situated between neighbors Innertkirchen, Schattenhalb, and Obergoms, Guttannen represents a tradeoff: those seeking Alpine tranquility and pristine natural surroundings must accept minimal urban infrastructure and services.
What are the neighboring communes of Guttannen and how big is it?
Guttannen is a very small Alpine commune in Bern canton with a population of 238 residents. It borders three neighbors: Innertkirchen, Schattenhalb, and Obergoms. Despite its tiny size, Guttannen excels in environmental quality, scoring 10 for noise levels and 9.7 for air quality, reflecting its remote mountain setting. Nature access ranks similarly high at 9.6. The commune's main tradeoff is clear: exceptional natural conditions and tranquility come at the cost of minimal urban services, with scores near zero for education, transport, and restaurants.
Is Guttannen a tax-friendly municipality?
Guttannen is not a tax-friendly municipality. Its fiscal score stands at 1.4, placing it well below average for Swiss communes. This reflects relatively high tax burdens compared to other regions in the country. The commune's strengths lie elsewhere: it excels in environmental quality, with exceptional noise levels (10) and air quality (9.7), alongside strong natural amenities (9.6). However, these environmental advantages come with a significant fiscal tradeoff—residents benefit from pristine surroundings and tranquility but must accept higher tax obligations than in many comparable Swiss locations.

Neighboring communes of Guttannen

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 13.4 %20–64 years 50.8 %65 and over 35.8 %
Density
1 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
-18.1 %
Vacant housing
2.8 %
New dwellings
0.0 per 1,000 inhab.
Tertiary employment
24 %

Land use

Built-up area 0.5 %Agricultural land 3.8 %Forest 9.3 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Bern (BE)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
46.6017, 8.2503
BFS Number
782
Last updated
29 June 2026

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