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

5.8/ 10
Average
Population
4,949
Commune type
Village

Living in Sachseln, a commune of 4949 inhabitants in Canton Obwalden — with an overall score of 5.8/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Noise (10/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (9.6/10). Its score is above the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
10.0
Air Quality
8.7
Public Transport
5.0
Education & Culture
2.3
Nightlife & Dining
2.0
Nature & Green Spaces
9.6
Healthcare
5.7
Taxation
3.5
Annual Sunshine
5.0
Cantonal average

Sachseln's national strengths

Per our methodology ↗

Recommended Profiles

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

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Sachseln achieves a compatibility score of 7.6/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (5/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Sachseln excels in Noise (10/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Nature & Green Spaces (9.6/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Air Quality (8.7/10) — clean air with low pollutant concentrations.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Nightlife & Dining (2/10) — limited dining and nightlife options, Education & Culture (2.3/10) — limited educational and cultural infrastructure, Taxation (3.5/10) — a higher tax burden than average.

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Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Museum Bruder KlausMuseum
Schule SachsenSchool
Primarschule & KindergartenSchool

Public Transport

SachselnTrain Station
Ewil MaxonTrain Station
SteinenBus Stop
FelsenheimBus Stop
Ewil MaxonBus Stop
Sachseln DorfBus Stop
ChilchwegBus Stop
Sachseln BahnhofBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

Zahnpraxis SachselnDoctor
Kinesiologie RaffaelaDoctor
Hausarztpraxis DorfplatzDoctor

Guides to read for this area

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

Considering buying property in Sachseln 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 Sachseln

What's it like to live in Sachseln? Resident impressions and quality of life
Sachseln stands out with exceptional nature access, scoring 9.6 for outdoor living. Air quality is strong at 8.9, though public transport lags significantly at 0. Educational and dining amenities score just 0.8 each, presenting limited local options. Meanwhile, healthcare reaches 5.5, offering moderate services. Sunlight exposure and fiscal conditions score lower at 0 and 3.5 respectively, by contrast to the commune's natural strengths. Noise levels are notably excellent at 10. This Obwalden commune of roughly 4,949 residents appeals primarily to those prioritizing peaceful, nature-rich living near Lucerne's agglomeration, trading urban conveniences for rural tranquility alongside neighbors Kerns, Lungern, and Sarnen. Explore detailed scores on the map to match your lifestyle preferences.
How sunny and clean is the air in Sachseln?
Sachseln stands out with exceptional air quality, scoring 8.9 out of 10. The commune boasts minimal noise pollution at 10, reflecting its peaceful Alpine setting. However, sunshine hours are limited, with an ensoleillement score of 0, typical for valleys in the region. Air quality remains a genuine strength, supported by the surrounding natural environment that scores 9.6 for nature. Meanwhile, healthcare access presents more modest conditions at 5.5. Nestled between neighbors Kerns, Lungern, and Sarnen, Sachseln offers clean air and tranquility despite limited direct sunlight. Explore the detailed environmental data on the map to understand these conditions better.
How well-connected is Sachseln? Transport, schools, dining
Sachseln's nature score of 9.6 reflects its appeal as a serene Alpine location, though connectivity presents challenges. Public transport accessibility scores zero, indicating limited regional connections. Educational facilities similarly score just 0.8, suggesting minimal nearby options. By contrast, the restaurant and dining scene is equally modest at 0.8. Meanwhile, the commune's noise level of 10 and air quality of 8.9 emphasize its environmental strengths over urban amenities. Healthcare services fare better at 5.5, providing reasonable support. Sachseln clearly prioritizes tranquility over convenience—suited for those valuing nature over metropolitan infrastructure. Explore the detailed map to assess whether this quieter profile matches your needs.
What are the neighboring communes of Sachseln and how big is it?
Sachseln, with a population of 4,949 residents, sits in the Lucerne agglomeration area of Obwalden. The commune is bordered by three neighbors: Kerns, Lungern, and Sarnen. Its scoring profile reveals notable strengths in nature and air quality, with nature at 9.6 and air quality at 8.9, reflecting its alpine setting. By contrast, dimensions like education and dining options score considerably lower at 0.8 each, meanwhile transportation and sunshine reach minimal levels at 0. Health services perform moderately at 5.5, though fiscal conditions lag at 3.5. Explore the detailed map to understand how Sachseln's rural character and environmental advantages shape daily life here.
Is Sachseln a tax-friendly municipality?
Sachseln scores notably low on tax friendliness, with a fiscal rating of just 3.5 out of 10, suggesting it is not particularly tax-advantaged. However, the municipality compensates with exceptional environmental quality, achieving a nature score of 9.6. Healthcare services are moderately available at 5.5, yet educational and dining infrastructure are minimal at 0.8 each. Meanwhile, air quality remains strong at 8.9, and noise pollution is virtually absent at 10. Located near Kerns, Lungern, and Sarnen, Sachseln appeals more to those prioritizing natural surroundings than fiscal optimization. Explore the full profile on the map to compare tax rates and services across neighboring communes.

Neighboring communes of Sachseln

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 21 %20–64 years 59.7 %65 and over 19.3 %
Density
96 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+6.6 %
Vacant housing
3.5 %
New dwellings
7.9 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
0.8 %
Tertiary employment
32.1 %

Land use

Built-up area 3.6 %Agricultural land 44.2 %Forest 41 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Obwalden (OW)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
46.8323, 8.2451
BFS Number
1406
Last updated
29 June 2026

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