Quality of life in Alpnach (Obwalden) — scores, review and neighborhoods

5.1/ 10
#3 in the cantonAverage
Population
5,738
Commune type
Town

Living in Alpnach, a commune of 5738 inhabitants in Canton Obwalden — with an overall score of 5.1/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Nature & Green Spaces (9.6/10) and Noise (9.4/10). Its score is in line with the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
9.4
Air Quality
7.4
Public Transport
0.1
Education & Culture
2.3
Nightlife & Dining
2.4
Nature & Green Spaces
9.6
Healthcare
5.8
Taxation
3.3
Annual Sunshine
5.6
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

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

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Alpnach achieves a compatibility score of 7.1/10. 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: Alpnach excels in Nature & Green Spaces (9.6/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Noise (9.4/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, 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, Education & Culture (2.3/10) — limited educational and cultural infrastructure, Nightlife & Dining (2.4/10) — limited dining and nightlife options.

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Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Schule AlpnachSchool

Public Transport

Pilatus KulmTrain Station
ÄmsigenTrain Station
Alpnach DorfTrain Station
Alpnachstad (Pilatus-Bahn)Train Station
AlpnachstadTrain Station
SchoriedBus Stop
Untere FeldstrasseBus Stop
HofmättelikreuzBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

zahnarztDoctor
Gruppenpraxis RömerhofDoctor
Praxis Dr. WickiDoctor
Praxis Dr. Issakidu KaterinaDoctor
Unterdorf PraxisDoctor

Guides to read for this area

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

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

Frequently asked questions about Alpnach

What's it like to live in Alpnach? Resident impressions and quality of life
Alpnach stands apart from neighbors Hergiswil, Schwarzenberg, and Ennetmoos through exceptional natural surroundings and air quality. This Obwalden commune of nearly 5,740 residents excels most notably in nature access, scoring 9.6, and noise levels, at 9.4—reflecting a genuinely peaceful alpine setting. Air quality similarly impresses at 8.3. However, public transport connectivity remains underdeveloped at 0, and educational facilities score minimally at 0.5, which may concern families relocating here. Healthcare services offer moderate support at 5.5. The commune suits nature lovers and those seeking tranquil living most strongly, though prospective residents should anticipate limited urban conveniences and plan accordingly for schooling and mobility needs.
How sunny and clean is the air in Alpnach?
Alpnach stands out favorably for environmental quality compared to neighbors Hergiswil, Schwarzenberg, and Ennetmoos. The commune excels particularly in air purity, scoring 8.3 out of 10, reflecting clean atmospheric conditions ideal for health-conscious residents. Nature lovers will appreciate an exceptional 9.6 rating for natural surroundings, among the canton's highest. Sunshine exposure is moderate at 5.6, typical for the Lucerne region's climate patterns. Noise levels remain minimal with a 9.4 score, ensuring peaceful living conditions. This combination of pristine air, low pollution, and quiet environment makes Alpnach particularly suited to nature lovers and families seeking healthful, serene settings.
How well-connected is Alpnach? Transport, schools, dining
Compared to its neighbors Hergiswil, Schwarzenberg, and Ennetmoos, Alpnach presents a notably different connectivity profile. The commune excels in environmental dimensions, with an outstanding nature score of 9.6 and air quality rating of 8.3, reflecting its Alpine setting. However, urban connectivity tells a different story. Transport infrastructure scores 0, indicating limited public transit options, while dining and restaurant amenities register just 1, and education facilities score merely 0.5—among the lowest dimensions. This pattern suggests Alpnach prioritizes natural appeal over built infrastructure. The commune suits nature lovers and those seeking quiet, scenic surroundings, yet prospective residents should anticipate relying on private transport and sourcing services elsewhere for everyday needs like dining and schooling.
What are the neighboring communes of Alpnach and how big is it?
Alpnach, with a population of 5,738, sits among three neighbors: Hergiswil in Nidwalden to the northwest, Schwarzenberg, and Ennetmoos. This modest-sized commune in the Lucerne agglomeration excels particularly in environmental quality, scoring 9.6 for nature access and 9.4 for low noise pollution. Air quality also rates strongly at 8.3. However, urban amenities lag significantly, with transport connectivity scoring just 0 and restaurant options at only 1. The commune's environmental strengths and moderate size make it most appealing to nature lovers and retirees seeking quieter Alpine surroundings over urban convenience.
Is Alpnach a tax-friendly municipality?
Compared to its neighbors Hergiswil, Schwarzenberg, and Ennetmoos, Alpnach presents a moderate fiscal profile. The commune's tax favorability score stands at 3.3, positioning it as neither particularly tax-advantaged nor burdensome. While nature lovers will appreciate Alpnach's exceptional environmental quality—with a nature score of 9.6 and air quality at 8.3—the fiscal dimension remains a weaker attraction. Nonetheless, the low tax score reflects typical Swiss municipal structures rather than exceptional disadvantage. Alpnach suits nature lovers and those seeking clean, quiet surroundings over tax optimization, making it ideal for retirees and families prioritizing environmental quality and tranquility rather than fiscal benefits.

Neighboring communes of Alpnach

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 20.6 %20–64 years 63.4 %65 and over 16 %
Density
113 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+8.7 %
Vacant housing
0.6 %
New dwellings
3.0 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
1.1 %
Tertiary employment
58.3 %

Land use

Built-up area 5.3 %Agricultural land 31.8 %Forest 54.2 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Obwalden (OW)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
46.9472, 8.2331
BFS Number
1401
Last updated
29 June 2026

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