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

5.5/ 10
Average
Population
3,619
Commune type
Village

Living in Giswil, a commune of 3619 inhabitants in Canton Obwalden — with an overall score of 5.5/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Noise (9.9/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (9.7/10). Its score is in line with the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
9.9
Air Quality
8.4
Public Transport
5.0
Education & Culture
1.0
Nightlife & Dining
2.1
Nature & Green Spaces
9.7
Healthcare
3.7
Taxation
3.3
Annual Sunshine
6.8
Cantonal average

Recommended Profiles

Nature
ExcellentTop 10% in Switzerland
mediantop
Retirement
Fair
mediantop
Young Professional
Average
mediantop
Family
Average
mediantop

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Giswil achieves a compatibility score of 7.7/10. 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: Giswil excels in Noise (9.9/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Nature & Green Spaces (9.7/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Air Quality (8.4/10) — clean air with low pollutant concentrations.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Education & Culture (1/10) — limited educational and cultural infrastructure, Nightlife & Dining (2.1/10) — limited dining and nightlife options, Taxation (3.3/10) — a higher tax burden than average.

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Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Primar- OrientierungsschuleSchool

Public Transport

GiswilTrain Station
JwiBus Stop
MörlialpBus Stop
Abzweigung BrosmattBus Stop
Kleinteil, Mittlere BucheneggBus Stop
BuecheneggBus Stop
BäreckenBus Stop
RütimattBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

Praxis Dr. Schleich ChristianDoctor
Gemeinschaftspraxis GiswilDoctor

Guides to read for this area

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

Considering buying property in Giswil 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 Giswil

What's it like to live in Giswil? Resident impressions and quality of life
Giswil excels in environmental quality, with a noise score of 9.9 offering exceptional tranquility. Air quality is similarly impressive at 8.9, while nature access scores 9.7, providing abundant outdoor recreation. It is worth noting that public transport connectivity is minimal at 0, making car ownership essential for residents. Healthcare services are moderately available at 4.0, though educational facilities are limited at 0.9. Dining and cultural amenities are sparse at 0.7. Sunshine exposure is decent at 6.8, and fiscal conditions are reasonable at 3.3. This commune appeals primarily to those seeking a peaceful, nature-rich setting near Lucerne, alongside neighbors Lungern, Flühli, and Hofstetten bei Brienz. Explore the detailed neighborhood profile on the map to discover what suits your lifestyle best.
How sunny and clean is the air in Giswil?
Giswil excels in environmental quality, with an outstanding noise score of 9.9 reflecting a remarkably peaceful setting. Air quality is similarly strong at 8.9, indicating notably clean conditions. Sunshine exposure reaches 6.8, offering moderate daylight throughout the year. The commune's natural environment scores 9.7, reinforcing its appeal as a tranquil location. However, education facilities score just 0.9, and restaurant options are limited at 0.7. Public transport connectivity registers 0, suggesting reliance on personal vehicles. It is worth noting that despite modest scores in urban amenities, the combination of clean air and low noise makes Giswil attractive for those prioritizing environmental well-being. Explore the detailed map to compare these factors with neighboring communities like Lungern, Flühli, and Hofstetten bei Brienz.
How well-connected is Giswil? Transport, schools, dining
Giswil scores exceptionally low on transport connectivity at 0.0, making car dependency a significant consideration for residents. The commune similarly struggles with educational amenities, rating just 0.9, and dining options score marginally higher at 0.7. It is worth noting that Giswil compensates with outstanding environmental quality, earning 9.9 for noise levels and 9.7 for nature access. Air quality also performs well at 8.9. Worth flagging is the health infrastructure score of 4.0, which provides moderate support. The commune's location near neighbors Lungern, Flühli, and Hofstetten bei Brienz may offer some services within reasonable reach. Explore the detailed map to assess how these connectivity gaps align with your lifestyle priorities.
What are the neighboring communes of Giswil and how big is it?
Giswil is a small commune in Obwalden with a population of 3,619 residents. It borders three neighbors: Lungern, Flühli, and Hofstetten bei Brienz. The commune stands out for exceptional environmental quality, with a noise score of 9.9 and nature score of 9.7, reflecting its peaceful Alpine setting. However, it faces notable challenges in public transport accessibility, which scores at 0, and education resources lag significantly at 0.9. Healthcare services show moderate provision at 4.0, while restaurant and dining options remain limited. It is worth noting that despite these gaps, the area offers strong air quality and natural appeal. Explore the detailed profile on the map to discover more about this quiet mountain commune.
Is Giswil a tax-friendly municipality?
Giswil's fiscal score of 3.3 indicates it is not particularly tax-friendly compared to other Swiss communes. The municipality does show notable strengths in environmental quality, with exceptional noise protection at 9.9 and strong air quality at 8.9, alongside excellent access to nature scored at 9.7. However, these environmental advantages are offset by limited public transport connectivity at 0 and minimal educational and restaurant amenities. Healthcare availability scores modestly at 4. Among its neighbors Lungern, Flühli, and Hofstetten bei Brienz, Giswil's tax position warrants comparison. It is worth noting that fiscal policy varies significantly across the region. Explore the detailed commune profile on the map to assess whether Giswil's overall quality of life aligns with your priorities.

Neighboring communes of Giswil

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 20.3 %20–64 years 62.1 %65 and over 17.6 %
Density
43 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+1.2 %
Vacant housing
1.3 %
New dwellings
1.6 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
0.8 %
Tertiary employment
49.3 %

Land use

Built-up area 2.6 %Agricultural land 35.4 %Forest 53.3 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Obwalden (OW)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
46.8358, 8.1122
BFS Number
1403
Last updated
29 June 2026

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