Quality of life in Hergiswil (NW) (Nidwalden) — scores, review and neighborhoods

5.8/ 10
Good
Population
5,654
Commune type
Town

Living in Hergiswil (NW), a commune of 5654 inhabitants in Canton Nidwalden — with an overall score of 5.8/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Noise (9.5/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (9.5/10). Its score is in line with the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
9.5
Air Quality
7.4
Public Transport
0.1
Education & Culture
4.9
Nightlife & Dining
5.5
Nature & Green Spaces
9.5
Healthcare
6.2
Taxation
6.0
Annual Sunshine
3.1
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

Nature
Good
mediantop
Retirement
Good
mediantop
Young Professional
Good
mediantop
Family
Good
mediantop

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Hergiswil (NW) achieves a compatibility score of 7.1/10. 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: Hergiswil (NW) excels in Noise (9.5/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Nature & Green Spaces (9.5/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Air Quality (7.4/10) — clean air with low pollutant concentrations.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Public Transport (0.1/10) — limited public transport connections, Annual Sunshine (3.1/10), Education & Culture (4.9/10) — limited educational and cultural infrastructure.

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

Glasi HergiswilMuseum
DorfSchool
GrossmattSchool
MattSchool
Kindergarten MattSchool

Public Transport

Hergiswil NWTrain Station
Hergiswil MattTrain Station
BüelstrasseBus Stop
Ober BuolterliBus Stop
BuolterlistrasseBus Stop
RenggstrasseBus Stop
AlthuserbrückeBus Stop
GrauensteinBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

Praxis ProjeunesseDoctor
Praxis UrologiezentrumDoctor
Praxis Dr. Petroviv DjordjeDoctor
Praxis Dr. Suter AlexDoctor
ArgusaugenDoctor
Praxis Dr. Britschgi ArthurDoctor
Praxis CuraMedDoctor

Guides to read for this area

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

Considering buying property in Hergiswil (NW) or moving to Canton Nidwalden? Our interactive map lets you explore quality of life at the neighborhood level and compare with nearby communes.

Frequently asked questions about Hergiswil (NW)

What's it like to live in Hergiswil (NW)? Resident impressions and quality of life
Hergiswil excels as a peaceful lakeside community where nature and tranquility define daily life. Its exceptional noise levels (score 9.5) and pristine air quality (score 8.1) create an exceptionally calm environment, while abundant natural surroundings (score 9.5) offer direct access to outdoor recreation. The commune sits within the Lucerne agglomeration alongside neighbors Kriens, Horw, and Ennetmoos, providing regional connectivity. By contrast, dining and education options remain limited (scores 2.3 and 1.8 respectively), reflecting its small-town character. Healthcare services are moderately available at 5.8. This profile suits nature lovers and retirees seeking escape from urban intensity, though those prioritizing cultural amenities or dining variety may find options constrained.
How sunny and clean is the air in Hergiswil (NW)?
Hergiswil excels in air quality with a score of 8.1, reflecting notably clean surroundings that support healthy living. The commune's strength in environmental conditions is further reinforced by an exceptional nature score of 9.5, indicating extensive green spaces and minimal noise pollution at 9.5 as well. By contrast, sunshine levels score only 3.1, meaning cloudier conditions prevail—a typical characteristic of the Lucerne agglomeration region. The combination of pristine air and robust natural environment makes this commune particularly appealing to nature lovers and families seeking a cleaner, quieter residential setting near urban conveniences.
How well-connected is Hergiswil (NW)? Transport, schools, dining
Hergiswil's connectivity presents a mixed profile. The commune scores 0 for transport, indicating limited public transit infrastructure, which may challenge those relying on trains or buses. Education and dining fare similarly weak, with scores of 1.8 and 2.3 respectively, suggesting minimal schools and restaurants within immediate reach. However, this small lakeside community of 5,654 residents compensates with exceptional environmental quality—air quality and nature both score 9.5—alongside its position within the Lucerne agglomeration, which provides access to broader services. Hergiswil suits nature lovers and retirees who prioritize tranquility over urban convenience, though those requiring robust schools or dining options should explore neighboring Kriens, Horw, or Ennetmoos.
What are the neighboring communes of Hergiswil (NW) and how big is it?
Hergiswil is a small commune in Nidwalden with 5,654 inhabitants, nestled within the Lucerne agglomeration. Its neighbors are Kriens, Horw, and Ennetmoos. The commune excels in environmental quality, with exceptional scores for air quality at 8.1 and nature at 9.5, reflecting its proximity to pristine landscapes. By contrast, transport connectivity scores at 0, indicating limited public transit infrastructure typical of smaller Alpine settlements. Educational and dining amenities are similarly modest at 1.8 and 2.3 respectively. This profile suits nature lovers and retirees seeking tranquility over urban convenience.
Is Hergiswil (NW) a tax-friendly municipality?
Hergiswil achieves a tax score of 6.0, placing it in a moderate position rather than as a distinctly tax-friendly destination. While this reflects reasonable fiscal conditions, it does not rank among the canton's most advantageous tax environments. By contrast, the commune's real strengths lie elsewhere: it boasts exceptional noise and nature scores of 9.5 each, alongside solid air quality at 8.1. These environmental and quality-of-life factors make Hergiswil particularly appealing to nature lovers and those seeking peaceful lakeside living near the Lucerne agglomeration, even if tax optimization is not a primary draw.

Neighboring communes of Hergiswil (NW)

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 14.6 %20–64 years 62.5 %65 and over 22.8 %
Density
404 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+5.6 %
Vacant housing
2.1 %
New dwellings
3.5 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
1.2 %
Tertiary employment
82.6 %

Land use

Built-up area 10.5 %Agricultural land 28.8 %Forest 45.9 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Nidwalden (NW)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
46.9852, 8.2781
BFS Number
1507
Last updated
29 June 2026

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