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

4.9/ 10
Average
Population
6,888
Commune type
Town

Living in Schwarzenburg, a commune of 6888 inhabitants in Canton Bern — with an overall score of 4.9/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Noise (9.6/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (9.6/10). Its score is in line with the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
9.6
Air Quality
6.5
Public Transport
1.4
Education & Culture
3.4
Nightlife & Dining
3.1
Nature & Green Spaces
9.6
Healthcare
5.1
Taxation
1.0
Annual Sunshine
4.8
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

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

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Schwarzenburg achieves a compatibility score of 6.7/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (3.9/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Schwarzenburg 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, Air Quality (6.5/10) — clean air with low pollutant concentrations.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Taxation (1/10) — a higher tax burden than average, Public Transport (1.4/10) — limited public transport connections, Nightlife & Dining (3.1/10) — limited dining and nightlife options.

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Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Heimatmuseum der Region SchwarzwasserMuseum
SekundarschuleSchool
Eidgenössisches Ausbildungszentrum Schwarzenburg (EAZS)School
Primarschule ThunstrasseSchool
Primarschule SchlossgasseSchool
Primarschule SchlossgasseSchool

Public Transport

SchwarzenburgTrain Station
LanzenhäusernTrain Station
SchwarzwasserbrückeTrain Station
Schwarzenburg, ThunstrasseBus Stop
Schwarzenburg, ZelgBus Stop
Schwarzenburg, MilkenstrasseBus Stop
Schwarzenburg BahnhofBus Stop
Mamishaus, SchönentannenBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

Schwarzwasser ApothekeDoctor

Guides to read for this area

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

Considering buying property in Schwarzenburg 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 Schwarzenburg

What's it like to live in Schwarzenburg? Resident impressions and quality of life
Schwarzenburg distinguishes itself as a commune where environmental quality dominates the living experience. The weakest dimensions are fiscal policy and restaurant availability, both scoring below 1.5, suggesting limited commercial services and a lean tax environment. Transportation infrastructure is minimal at 0.8, reflecting its rural character. By contrast, noise levels and natural surroundings are exceptional, both scoring 9.6, making this an exceptionally quiet and green setting. Air quality is solid at 7.5. It is worth noting that healthcare access is moderate at 4.9, while education and sunshine scores hover around mid-range. Schwarzenburg's main tradeoff is clear: residents gain remarkable tranquility and nature access but accept sparse services and challenging mobility options in return.
How sunny and clean is the air in Schwarzenburg?
Schwarzenburg excels in environmental quality but shows moderate sunshine exposure. The commune scores exceptionally on air quality at 7.5, reflecting clean atmospheric conditions that support well-being. However, sunshine is less favorable, with an ensoleillement score of only 4.8, indicating fewer bright days compared to sunnier regions. It is worth noting that despite moderate solar exposure, the area's strong air quality compensates, making it a healthful environment. The tradeoff here is typical of higher-altitude and forested locations: residents enjoy notably cleaner air but should not expect abundant sunshine year-round.
How well-connected is Schwarzenburg? Transport, schools, dining
Schwarzenburg struggles significantly with connectivity across transport, education, and dining amenities. Transport infrastructure scores just 0.8, making it challenging to rely on public transit or regional links. Education facilities are similarly limited at 1.3, and dining options score 1.1, indicating sparse restaurant availability. It is worth noting that the commune's main strength lies elsewhere: noise pollution control reaches 9.6 and natural surroundings are equally excellent at 9.6. Health services are moderate at 4.9. Bordered by Heitenried, Überstorf, and Oberbalm, Schwarzenburg appears oriented toward quietness and nature rather than urban convenience, suggesting a tradeoff between rural tranquility and practical accessibility to services.
What are the neighboring communes of Schwarzenburg and how big is it?
Schwarzenburg is a small commune in the Bern agglomeration with a population of 6,888 residents. It borders three communes: Heitenried, Ueberstorf, and Oberbalm. Despite its modest size, Schwarzenburg stands out for exceptional environmental quality. Its noise pollution score of 9.6 and nature score of 9.6 rank among its strongest dimensions, reflecting a peaceful, green setting. However, the commune faces notable challenges in accessibility and services, with transport scoring just 0.8 and education at 1.3. It is worth noting that fiscal conditions are also constrained at 1.0. The core tradeoff here is clear: Schwarzenburg offers remarkable tranquility and natural surroundings for those prioritizing environmental quality, yet limited public transport and educational infrastructure for families or commuters requiring convenient connectivity.
Is Schwarzenburg a tax-friendly municipality?
Schwarzenburg is not distinguished by tax-friendliness. Its fiscal score stands at a notably low 1.0, placing it among less competitive communes on taxation. Worth flagging: this weakness contrasts sharply with the commune's environmental strengths. Schwarzenburg excels in noise protection and natural surroundings, both scoring 9.6, reflecting its quiet, nature-rich setting between neighbors Heitenried, Überstorf, and Oberbalm. Healthcare also registers solid performance at 4.9. The core tradeoff is clear: those seeking low taxes should look elsewhere, but those prioritizing environmental quality and tranquility will find Schwarzenburg highly appealing despite its fiscal position.

Neighboring communes of Schwarzenburg

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 18.1 %20–64 years 58.8 %65 and over 23.1 %
Density
151 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+1.0 %
Vacant housing
1.0 %
New dwellings
1.8 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
3.1 %
Tertiary employment
51.7 %

Land use

Built-up area 7.8 %Agricultural land 62.2 %Forest 27.9 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Bern (BE)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
46.8284, 7.3510
BFS Number
855
Last updated
17 July 2026

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