Quality of life in Lachen (Schwyz) — scores, review and neighborhoods

7.1/ 10
Top 3% in Switzerland#1 in the cantonExceptional
Population
8,570
Commune type
Town

Living in Lachen, a commune of 8570 inhabitants in Canton Schwyz — with an overall score of 7.1/10, this commune is attractive for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Healthcare (10/10) and Nightlife & Dining (9.9/10). Its score is above the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
8.3
Air Quality
4.1
Public Transport
2.8
Education & Culture
9.7
Nightlife & Dining
9.9
Nature & Green Spaces
6.7
Healthcare
10.0
Taxation
7.8
Annual Sunshine
4.3
Cantonal average

Lachen's national strengths

Per our methodology

Recommended Profiles

Young Professional
ExceptionalTop 3% in Switzerland
mediantop
Family
ExcellentTop 5% in Switzerland
mediantop
Retirement
ExcellentTop 10% in Switzerland
mediantop
Nature
Average
mediantop

For families looking to settle in Switzerland, Lachen achieves a compatibility score of 7.1/10. Key strengths for this profile include Education & Culture and Noise. The Nature profile (6.4/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Lachen excels in Healthcare (10/10) — excellent access to doctors, clinics, and hospitals, Nightlife & Dining (9.9/10) — a rich selection of restaurants, bars, and entertainment, Education & Culture (9.7/10) — excellent access to schools, libraries, and cultural venues.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Public Transport (2.8/10) — limited public transport connections, Air Quality (4.1/10) — degraded air quality from traffic emissions, Annual Sunshine (4.3/10).

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Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Mediothek LachenLibrary
Schulhaus am ParkSchool
Schulhaus SeefeldSchool
Schule SeefeldSchool
Gerbi-ChindsgiSchool
Kaufmännische Berufschule LachenSchool

Public Transport

Lachen SZTrain Station
Lachen KapelleBus Stop
SchlössliwegBus Stop
Lachen KircheBus Stop
Obersee-CenterBus Stop
Lachen BahnhofBus Stop
EschenwegBus Stop
Lachen SpitalBus Stop

Healthcare Facilities

Spital LachenHospital
Praxis zum SchützenDoctor
Internationale Apotheke Dr. BruhinDoctor
Zahnärzte Zentrum LachenDoctor
Ortho LachenDoctor
AescuMed PraxisDoctor
Dr. med. univ. (A) Martin MikolaschDoctor
Frauenpraxis OberseeDoctor

Guides to read for this area

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

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

Frequently asked questions about Lachen

What's it like to live in Lachen? Resident impressions and quality of life
Lachen compares favorably to its neighbors Wangen, Galgenen, and Altendorf in several dimensions. Residents benefit from notably strong education services with a score of 8.0, alongside excellent health infrastructure at 8.2. Sound fiscal conditions score 7.8, supporting household finances effectively. However, public transport connectivity remains quite limited at 1.7, which may challenge those relying on commuting options. Air quality registers at a moderate 5.9, while natural amenities score 6.7, offering reasonable outdoor access. Dining and leisure options are adequate at 6.2, though notably quieter neighborhoods yield a strong noise score of 8.3. It is worth noting that sunshine exposure remains below average at 4.3. Lachen suits families most, given its strong schools and health services, though retirees may also appreciate the peaceful environment and fiscal stability.
How sunny and clean is the air in Lachen?
Compared to its neighbors Wangen, Galgenen, and Altendorf, Lachen presents a mixed environmental picture. The commune excels in noise levels, scoring a strong 8.3, which reflects a relatively peaceful setting despite proximity to the Zurich agglomeration. Air quality is moderate at 5.9, suggesting some environmental pressure from regional activity. Sunshine exposure is notably limited, with an ensoleillement score of just 4.3—one of the commune's weaker dimensions. It is worth noting that this lower sunshine rating may reflect Lachen's location near larger lakes and valleys that can reduce direct solar exposure. Health and sanitation services score well at 8.2, providing reassurance for residents concerned about environmental health. The combination of modest air quality and limited sunshine suggests Lachen suits retirees and nature lovers seeking quieter surroundings rather than those prioritizing bright, clear conditions.
How well-connected is Lachen? Transport, schools, dining
Lachen lags behind its neighbors Wangen, Galgenen, and Altendorf in public transport accessibility, scoring only 1.7 compared to regional expectations. However, education quality stands out strongly at 8.0, rivaling top-performing communes in the area. Dining options are moderate at 6.2, offering reasonable variety without exceptional breadth. It is worth noting that while transport connectivity presents a significant challenge for daily commuting, the commune compensates with robust educational infrastructure. Healthcare quality at 8.2 further strengthens amenities for families prioritizing service access. The combination of limited public transport but strong schools and healthcare makes Lachen most suitable for families willing to rely on private transportation in exchange for quality education and medical facilities.
What are the neighboring communes of Lachen and how big is it?
Lachen is a moderately sized commune in Schwyz with a population of 8,570, comparable to its neighbors Wangen, Galgenen, and Altendorf in scale. The commune scores exceptionally well on noise pollution at 8.3, suggesting a relatively quiet environment compared to larger agglomerations. However, transport connectivity remains a significant weakness at 1.7, which may limit commuting options. Education scores strongly at 8, while air quality lags at 5.9. Healthcare services rank highly at 8.2, yet recreational dining options are moderate at 6.2. It is worth noting the fiscal attractiveness at 7.8 contrasts with limited sunshine at 4.3. Lachen's profile suits families and retirees seeking peaceful living with solid services, though those prioritizing easy transport should consider alternatives.
Is Lachen a tax-friendly municipality?
Compared to its neighbors Wangen, Galgenen, and Altendorf, Lachen demonstrates solid fiscal appeal with a score of 7.8. The municipality excels in noise control at 8.3 and healthcare provision at 8.2, creating a stable residential environment. However, public transport connectivity remains weak at 1.7, which may offset tax advantages for commuters. Education quality is strong at 8.0, supporting families seeking value. Worth flagging: air quality scores only 5.9, a notable weakness in an otherwise pleasant setting. Restaurant and dining options are moderate at 6.2, reflecting a quieter character. The combination of reasonable taxation, good schools, and health services positions Lachen as an attractive option for retirees and families prioritizing affordability and local services over urban accessibility.

Neighboring communes of Lachen

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 18.3 %20–64 years 63.1 %65 and over 18.6 %
Density
3,656 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
+13.2 %
Vacant housing
1.1 %
New dwellings
10.7 per 1,000 inhab.
Social assistance
2 %
Tertiary employment
74.4 %

Land use

Built-up area 66.2 %Agricultural land 24.2 %Forest 5.8 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Schwyz (SZ)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
47.1958, 8.8536
BFS Number
1344
Last updated
29 June 2026

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