←See on the map

Quality of life in Schwanden bei Brienz (Bern) — scores, review and neighborhoods

4.5/ 10
Average
Population
636
Commune type
Hamlet

Living in Schwanden bei Brienz, a commune of 636 inhabitants in Canton Bern — with an overall score of 4.5/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Noise (10/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (9.5/10). Its score is below the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
10.0
Air Quality
8.5
Public Transport
0.2
Education & Culture
5.3
Nightlife & Dining
3.3
Nature & Green Spaces
9.5
Healthcare
1.4
Taxation
1.2
Annual Sunshine
1.5
Cantonal average

Schwanden bei Brienz's national strengths

#1 in Switzerland · Noise ↗
Per our methodology ↗

Recommended Profiles

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

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Schwanden bei Brienz achieves a compatibility score of 6.5/10. 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: Schwanden bei Brienz excels in Noise (10/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Nature & Green Spaces (9.5/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Air Quality (8.5/10) — clean air with low pollutant concentrations.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Public Transport (0.2/10) — limited public transport connections, Taxation (1.2/10) — a higher tax burden than average, Healthcare (1.4/10) — more limited healthcare access.

Thinking of selling your property here?An established local broker will contact you for a first conversation — free and with no obligation.
Get connected →

We'll connect you with BetterHomes

Some partner links (mortgages, relocation) earn VivaMap a commission. This never influences our scores or rankings. How VivaMap is funded

Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

altes SchulhausSchool
Schule SchwandenSchool

Public Transport

Schwanden, DerfliplatzBus Stop
StockiBus Stop
OberschwandenBus Stop
BirgliBus Stop

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 Schwanden bei Brienz 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 Schwanden bei Brienz

What's it like to live in Schwanden bei Brienz? Resident impressions and quality of life
Schwanden bei Brienz stands out with exceptional air quality at 8.9, reflecting its rural mountain setting in the Bern canton. Nature scores an impressive 9.5, offering residents direct access to pristine landscapes and outdoor recreation. However, transport connectivity remains minimal at 0.1, making car dependency unavoidable for most daily activities. Educational facilities score just 2.1, yet dining and healthcare options are equally limited at 1.1 and 2.2 respectively. The commune benefits from outstanding noise levels at 10, creating a peaceful residential environment. With only 636 inhabitants, Schwanden bei Brienz appeals to those prioritizing environmental quality and tranquility over urban convenience. Its neighbors—Hofstetten bei Brienz, Brienz (BE), and Brienziwhler—share similar characteristics. Explore the detailed scores on the map to discover whether this Alpine community suits your lifestyle priorities.
How sunny and clean is the air in Schwanden bei Brienz?
Schwanden bei Brienz boasts exceptional air quality with a score of 8.9, reflecting its rural Alpine setting. Yet sunshine remains limited, scoring just 1.5 due to the region's topography and climate patterns. The commune excels further in nature preservation, achieving 9.5, though air quality stands as its most remarkable environmental strength. Noise levels are outstanding at 10, creating a serene atmosphere. However, access to public transport is minimal at 0.1, and educational facilities score modestly at 2.1. This small community of 636 residents, nestled among neighbors like Brienz and Brienzwiler, offers clean air enthusiasts a genuinely quiet natural refuge. Explore the detailed environmental metrics on the map to discover more about what this Alpine setting provides.
How well-connected is Schwanden bei Brienz? Transport, schools, dining
Schwanden bei Brienz excels with outstanding air quality at 8.9, yet transport connectivity scores only 0.1, indicating limited public transit options. The commune's nature score of 9.5 reflects its scenic alpine setting, though education facilities score just 2.1. Dining options are sparse at 1.1, and healthcare accessibility scores 2.2. This small village of 636 residents sits in the Thun agglomeration near Hofstetten bei Brienz, Brienz, and Brienswiler, making it primarily suited for those prioritizing natural surroundings over urban amenities. Explore the detailed scores on the map to understand how this location aligns with your needs.
What are the neighboring communes of Schwanden bei Brienz and how big is it?
Schwanden bei Brienz impresses with an exceptional noise score of 10, reflecting its peaceful mountain setting. This tiny commune of just 636 inhabitants borders three neighbors: Hofstetten bei Brienz, Brienz (BE), and Brienzwiler. Its natural environment scores an outstanding 9.5, yet transport connectivity remains minimal at 0.1, typical for such small, remote settlements. Air quality registers at 8.9, supporting the area's pristine character. However, educational and healthcare facilities score considerably lower at 2.1 and 2.2 respectively, reflecting limited local services. Dining options are similarly sparse at 1.1. Despite these constraints, the commune's remarkable environmental qualities make it distinctive within the Thun agglomeration. Explore the detailed scores on the map to understand what this small Bernese community offers.
Is Schwanden bei Brienz a tax-friendly municipality?
Schwanden bei Brienz scores 1.2 out of 10 on fiscal friendliness, indicating it is not a tax-advantaged location. The commune's fiscal burden ranks among the less competitive in the region. However, the municipality compensates with exceptional environmental qualities, notably a 9.5 nature score and outstanding air quality at 8.9. Transportation infrastructure remains limited at 0.1, reflecting its rural character shared with neighbors Hofstetten bei Brienz, Brienz, and Brienzwiler. Educational and healthcare services also score modestly at 2.1 and 2.2 respectively. For those prioritizing natural beauty over tax incentives, Schwanden bei Brienz offers distinctive appeal. Explore the detailed scores on the map to assess whether this commune aligns with your priorities.

Neighboring communes of Schwanden bei Brienz

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 17.3 %20–64 years 55.7 %65 and over 27 %
Density
89 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+2.9 %
Vacant housing
0.7 %
New dwellings
3.3 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
1.9 %
Tertiary employment
43.9 %

Land use

Built-up area 5 %Agricultural land 10.4 %Forest 49.6 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Bern (BE)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
46.7732, 8.0531
BFS Number
592
Last updated
29 June 2026

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

Terms of useLegal notice