Air Quality in Bern: best neighborhoods and areas

Air Quality blends three major pollutants: NO₂, PM2.5 and PM10. Immissions are mapped by the NABEL network and FOEN, referenced to WHO 2021 thresholds. A high score means cleaner air.

On this criterion, the Bern area performs particularly well. The average score of 6.8/10, computed across 85 communes, sits on par with the national average (7.3/10). Scores span from 5.3/10 to 8.1/10 across the communes analysed.

The standard deviation of 0.5 signals relative homogeneity; results are comparable from one commune to the next.

Geographic Patterns and Contrasts

With a spread of only 2.8 points between extremes (8.1/10 to 5.3/10), the Bern communes offer relatively uniform conditions on this criterion.

Top-ranked communes typically benefit from several convergent factors (location, long-standing infrastructure, geographic exposure); the weakest often compound structural disadvantages. The interactive map makes these spatial clusters visible at a glance.

Who Weighs This Criterion Most

Among the four VivaMap profiles, the Nature profile weights this criterion most heavily (weight 95 out of 100). The other profiles apply the following weights: Retirement (weight 90), Family (weight 80), Young Professional (weight 40).

Practically, a high Air Quality score carries significant impact on the ranking for the Nature profile, whereas it matters less for a profile that de-emphasises this criterion. This explains why the same commune can lead one ranking and fall mid-pack in another.

Comparison Across Swiss Agglomerations

Among the 21 major Swiss agglomerations analysed by VivaMap, Bern sits in the lower half for Air Quality — rank 13/21 (ahead of 43% of the agglomerations).

Its immediate neighbours in the ranking are Frauenfeld (rank 12) and Winterthur (rank 14). This context helps calibrate absolute scores: an agglomeration that looks average in isolation can sit well among its peers, and vice versa.

Key Takeaway

To prioritise Air Quality in the Bern area, Riggisberg (BE) leads with 8.1/10. Explore the interactive map to compare communes in real time, adjust weights to your profile, and see variation at the neighbourhood scale. See the national Air Quality page for the full ranking and methodology.