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

6.1/ 10
Top 25% in SwitzerlandVery good
Population
726
Commune type
Hamlet

Living in Heiligenschwendi, a commune of 726 inhabitants in Canton Bern — with an overall score of 6.1/10, this commune is attractive for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Noise (9.6/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (9.6/10). Its score is above the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
9.6
Air Quality
7.6
Public Transport
2.7
Education & Culture
6.1
Nightlife & Dining
3.9
Nature & Green Spaces
9.6
Healthcare
8.8
Taxation
0.9
Annual Sunshine
5.7
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

Nature
ExcellentTop 10% in Switzerland
mediantop
Retirement
Very goodTop 25% in Switzerland
mediantop
Family
Very goodTop 25% in Switzerland
mediantop
Young Professional
Good
mediantop

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Heiligenschwendi achieves a compatibility score of 7.5/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (4.9/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Heiligenschwendi excels in Noise (9.6/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Nature & Green Spaces (9.6/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Healthcare (8.8/10) — excellent access to doctors, clinics, and hospitals.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Taxation (0.9/10) — a higher tax burden than average, Public Transport (2.7/10) — limited public transport connections, Nightlife & Dining (3.9/10) — limited dining and nightlife options.

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Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Realschule HeiligenschwendiSchool

Public Transport

StapfebodeBus Stop
HalteneggBus Stop
Heiligenschwendi SchulhausBus Stop
Heiligenschwendi alte PostBus Stop
Heiligenschwendi DörfliBus Stop
Reha ZentrumBus Stop
HünibodeBus Stop
MulteneggBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

Reha HeiligenschwendiHospital

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 Heiligenschwendi 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 Heiligenschwendi

What's it like to live in Heiligenschwendi? Resident impressions and quality of life
Heiligenschwendi offers exceptional natural surroundings that define daily life in this small Bernese commune. Residents enjoy pristine air quality and remarkably low noise levels, with scores of 8.2 and 9.6 respectively, creating a peaceful environment. Yet the commune presents significant limitations in public transport and dining options, both scoring just 1.6, requiring reliance on personal vehicles and limiting restaurant access. Educational facilities score modestly at 2.8, though healthcare services perform better at 7.7. The fiscal burden remains notably light at 0.9, offering financial relief to residents. Nonetheless, limited sunshine at 5.7 tempers the outdoor lifestyle somewhat. The core tradeoff here is clear: Heiligenschwendi delivers outstanding environmental quality and low taxes, but residents sacrifice convenient public services and amenities for that tranquility.
How sunny and clean is the air in Heiligenschwendi?
Heiligenschwendi offers notably clean air, with an air quality score of 8.2, yet its sunshine levels are more moderate at 5.7. This small Bernese commune benefits from strong environmental conditions overall, reflected in its excellent noise score of 9.6. The air quality ranks well above average for the region, though sunlight exposure remains closer to midrange for Alpine communities. Nature preservation is equally impressive at 9.6, supporting the clean environment, although limited educational facilities and recreational services suggest trade-offs in urban amenities. For those prioritizing fresh air over abundant sunshine, Heiligenschwendi delivers commendably on air purity while offering reasonable but not exceptional daylight exposure.
How well-connected is Heiligenschwendi? Transport, schools, dining
Heiligenschwendi is a small, nature-focused commune where connectivity remains limited. Transportation infrastructure scores just 1.6, reflecting sparse public transit options in this rural setting. Educational facilities are equally modest, with a score of 2.8, yet the commune borders three neighbors—Oberhofen am Thunersee, Hilterfingen, and Homberg—which may provide supplementary services. Dining and restaurant options score 1.6, indicating minimal local commercial activity. However, Heiligenschwendi excels in environmental quality, with air (8.2) and noise protection (9.6) scores reflecting peaceful conditions. Healthcare services score 7.7, providing reasonable medical access despite isolation. The fundamental tradeoff here is clear: those seeking vibrant connectivity and convenience will find this commune wanting, while residents prioritizing tranquility and natural surroundings benefit substantially.
What are the neighboring communes of Heiligenschwendi and how big is it?
Heiligenschwendi is a small rural commune in Bern with a population of just 726 residents. It borders three communes: Oberhofen am Thunersee, Hilterfingen, and Homberg. Despite its modest size, the commune excels in environmental quality, with noise and nature scores of 9.6, yet it struggles significantly with public transport connectivity at 1.6. Educational and dining infrastructure also lag considerably at 2.8 and 1.6 respectively. The commune compensates with strong air quality at 8.2 and reasonable healthcare access at 7.7. This small settlement represents a tradeoff between pristine natural surroundings and limited urban services.
Is Heiligenschwendi a tax-friendly municipality?
Heiligenschwendi stands out for its exceptionally low tax burden, with a fiscal score of 0.9—among the lowest in the region. This makes it highly attractive for tax-conscious residents seeking to minimize their tax obligations. However, the commune's appeal extends only partially to other lifestyle dimensions. Its transport infrastructure scores just 1.6, limiting convenient mobility options, while dining and restaurant amenities also rank low at 1.6. On the positive side, natural surroundings are exceptional at 9.6, and air quality matches this strength at 8.2, offering residents a pristine environment. The main tradeoff is clear: Heiligenschwendi delivers outstanding fiscal advantages and natural beauty yet demands compromise on urban conveniences and connectivity.

Neighboring communes of Heiligenschwendi

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 19 %20–64 years 56.9 %65 and over 24.2 %
Density
127 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+6.2 %
Vacant housing
0.9 %
New dwellings
7.3 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
1.4 %
Tertiary employment
91.6 %

Land use

Built-up area 7.3 %Agricultural land 49 %Forest 43.2 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Bern (BE)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
46.7503, 7.6830
BFS Number
927
Last updated
29 June 2026

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

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