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

4.7/ 10
Average
Population
777
Commune type
Hamlet

Living in Oberwil im Simmental, a commune of 777 inhabitants in Canton Bern — with an overall score of 4.7/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Noise (9.9/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (9.7/10). Its score is below the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
9.9
Air Quality
8.7
Public Transport
1.2
Education & Culture
0.7
Nightlife & Dining
1.3
Nature & Green Spaces
9.7
Healthcare
3.6
Taxation
1.5
Annual Sunshine
5.9
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

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

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Oberwil im Simmental achieves a compatibility score of 7.3/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (3.6/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Oberwil im Simmental excels in Noise (9.9/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Nature & Green Spaces (9.7/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Air Quality (8.7/10) — clean air with low pollutant concentrations.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Education & Culture (0.7/10) — limited educational and cultural infrastructure, Public Transport (1.2/10) — limited public transport connections, Nightlife & Dining (1.3/10) — limited dining and nightlife options.

Considering buying property in Oberwil 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.

Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Realschule Oberwil i/SSchool

Public Transport

OberwilTrain Station
EngeTrain Station
Oberwil i.S., HeidenweidliBus Stop
Enge i.S., Abzweigung BahnhofBus 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 Oberwil im Simmental

What's it like to live in Oberwil im Simmental? Resident impressions and quality of life
Oberwil im Simmental excels as a serene Alpine community where environmental quality defines daily life. The commune's weakest dimension is education access, scoring just 0.3, reflecting its small size and rural character. By contrast, nature and quietness emerge as defining strengths, with scores of 9.7 and 9.9 respectively—residents enjoy pristine landscapes and minimal noise pollution. Air quality also scores notably high at 9.1. With only 777 inhabitants and neighbors including Därstetten, Erlenbach im Simmental, and Boltigen, the commune offers peaceful countryside living. Meanwhile, transport connectivity remains limited at 0.6, typical for remote Alpine settlements. Healthcare services score modestly at 3.9. For those prioritizing natural surroundings and tranquility over urban amenities, this Simmental location delivers substantially. Explore the detailed profiles on the map to compare specific dimensions with nearby villages.
How sunny and clean is the air in Oberwil im Simmental?
Oberwil im Simmental excels in environmental quality but scores modestly on sunshine. Air quality stands out at 9.1, reflecting notably clean conditions typical of rural Alpine settings. Nature preservation scores an impressive 9.7, supporting the clean air profile. Noise levels are equally exceptional at 9.9, creating a serene environment. By contrast, sunshine exposure reaches only 5.9, reflecting the valley's topography and seasonal cloud cover common in the Simmental region. Despite limited direct sunlight, the commune's strong air and noise scores make it an attractive destination for those prioritizing environmental cleanliness over solar exposure. Explore the detailed environmental metrics on the map to discover how these factors compare with neighboring Därstetten, Erlenbach im Simmental, and Boltigen.
How well-connected is Oberwil im Simmental? Transport, schools, dining
Oberwil im Simmental faces significant challenges in connectivity and local services. Transport access scores critically low at 0.6, while education and dining options are equally limited at 0.3 each. This rural commune of 777 residents, nestled among neighbors Därstetten, Erlenbach im Simmental, and Boltigen, prioritizes natural environment over urban convenience. By contrast, the commune excels in environmental quality, with air purity at 9.1 and noise levels at 9.9. Those seeking a quieter lifestyle away from dense services may find appeal here, though residents should expect limited public transit and local amenities. Explore the detailed map to assess whether this trade-off matches your needs.
What are the neighboring communes of Oberwil im Simmental and how big is it?
Oberwil im Simmental is a small commune in Bern's Simmental valley with a population of 777 residents. It borders three neighbors: Därstetten, Erlenbach im Simmental, and Boltigen. Despite its modest size, the commune scores exceptionally well on environmental quality, with noise pollution at 9.9 and nature accessibility at 9.7, reflecting its rural Alpine setting. Air quality also ranks high at 9.1. Meanwhile, urban services lag significantly, with transport connectivity scoring only 0.6 and education infrastructure at 0.3. This profile suits those seeking tranquility over convenience. Explore the interactive map to discover how Oberwil im Simmental compares across all dimensions.
Is Oberwil im Simmental a tax-friendly municipality?
Oberwil im Simmental presents modest tax conditions compared to other Swiss communes. With a fiscal score of 1.5, it ranks among the less tax-advantaged municipalities in the Bern canton. By contrast, the commune excels in environmental quality, scoring 9.9 for noise levels and 9.7 for nature access, making it particularly attractive for those prioritizing landscape and tranquility over tax optimization. Healthcare services score 3.9, while education and dining options remain limited. Those considering this 777-person commune should weigh tax implications against its strong environmental appeal. Explore the detailed scoring on the map to compare with neighboring Därstetten, Erlenbach im Simmental, and Boltigen.

Neighboring communes of Oberwil im Simmental

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 18.3 %20–64 years 54.4 %65 and over 27.4 %
Density
17 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
-2.0 %
Vacant housing
1.0 %
New dwellings
2.5 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
1.5 %
Tertiary employment
21.1 %

Land use

Built-up area 2.5 %Agricultural land 51.5 %Forest 33.8 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Bern (BE)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
46.6512, 7.4306
BFS Number
766
Last updated
29 June 2026

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