Quality of life in Wassen (Uri) — scores, review and neighborhoods

5.2/ 10
Average
Population
371
Commune type
Hamlet

Living in Wassen, a commune of 371 inhabitants in Canton Uri — with an overall score of 5.2/10, this commune is average for quality of life in Switzerland. It stands out for Noise (9.8/10) and Nature & Green Spaces (9.6/10). Its score is in line with the cantonal average.

Scorecard

Noise
9.8
Air Quality
9.5
Public Transport
5.0
Education & Culture
1.3
Nightlife & Dining
0.9
Nature & Green Spaces
9.6
Healthcare
1.2
Taxation
4.2
Annual Sunshine
5.0
Cantonal average

Wassen's national strengths

Per our methodology ↗

Recommended Profiles

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

For nature lovers looking to settle in Switzerland, Wassen achieves a compatibility score of 7.5/10. Key strengths for this profile include Nature & Green Spaces and Noise. The Young Professional profile (4.7/10) would find better alternatives in neighboring communes.

Strengths: Wassen excels in Noise (9.8/10) — a quiet environment, ideal for rest and focus, Nature & Green Spaces (9.6/10) — a green environment with many accessible green spaces, Air Quality (9.5/10) — clean air with low pollutant concentrations.

Areas to consider: Lower scores are noted for Nightlife & Dining (0.9/10) — limited dining and nightlife options, Healthcare (1.2/10) — more limited healthcare access, Education & Culture (1.3/10) — limited educational and cultural infrastructure.

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Key Infrastructure

Education & Culture

Freilichtmuseum Steinbruch AntoniniMuseum

Public Transport

WassenTrain Station
FärnigenBus Stop
Wassen DorfBus Stop
WattingenBus Stop
PfaffensprungBus Stop

Guides to read for this area

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

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

Frequently asked questions about Wassen

What's it like to live in Wassen? Resident impressions and quality of life
Wassen excels in environmental quality, with a noise score of 9.8 and air quality of 9.6, creating a remarkably peaceful setting. Nature access matches this strength at 9.6, offering residents abundant outdoor opportunities in this Uri commune of 371 people. The tranquil alpine environment attracts those seeking escape from urban pressures, though limited public transport and minimal dining options present practical trade-offs. Healthcare services are modest at 2.0, and educational facilities score just 0.5. Tax conditions are moderately favorable at 4.2. Located near Altdorf, Wassen's character suits nature lovers and retirees prioritizing serene surroundings over urban convenience, with neighbors Göschenen, Gurtnellen, and Attinghausen sharing similarly rural mountain character.
How sunny and clean is the air in Wassen?
Wassen excels in environmental quality, with an air quality score of 9.6 that reflects notably clean atmospheric conditions. The commune's noise level reaches 9.8, indicating an exceptionally quiet setting ideal for those seeking peaceful surroundings. Nature access scores equally high at 9.6, offering residents direct contact with alpine landscapes. However, sunshine exposure scores at 0, reflecting Wassen's deep valley location in Uri, where steep terrain limits direct sunlight year-round. This combination of pristine air and natural beauty, despite limited sunshine, makes Wassen particularly suited for nature lovers and those prioritizing environmental wellness over climate exposure.
How well-connected is Wassen? Transport, schools, dining
Wassen's environmental quality stands out remarkably, with air purity and nature access both scoring 9.6, while noise levels reach 9.8. However, connectivity presents challenges. Public transport scores 0, indicating limited options for commuting beyond the immediate area. Educational facilities and dining establishments are similarly sparse, scoring 0.5 and 0.3 respectively. Healthcare access is modest at 2. This small commune of 371 residents, nestled among neighbors Göschenen, Gurtnellen, and Attinghausen, prioritizes natural tranquility over urban amenities. Thus, Wassen suits nature lovers and retirees seeking peaceful mountain living, rather than families or young professionals requiring robust services and connectivity.
What are the neighboring communes of Wassen and how big is it?
Wassen is a very small commune in Uri with a population of just 371 residents. Its neighbors are Göschenen, Gurtnellen, and Attinghausen. Despite its tiny size, Wassen boasts exceptional environmental quality, with an air quality score of 9.6 and noise pollution score of 9.8, reflecting its pristine mountain setting. Nature accessibility is similarly strong at 9.6. However, the commune scores notably lower on education at 0.5, indicating limited local educational facilities. This profile suits nature lovers and those seeking tranquility in an Alpine setting, though families requiring comprehensive services may prefer larger regional centers like nearby Altdorf.
Is Wassen a tax-friendly municipality?
Wassen's fiscal rating of 4.2 suggests moderate tax competitiveness rather than exceptional tax-friendliness. The commune excels dramatically in environmental quality, with noise and air pollution scores of 9.8 and 9.6 respectively, alongside outstanding nature accessibility at 9.6. However, these strengths don't compensate for limited fiscal advantages. Health services score only 2, and education infrastructure scores just 0.5, indicating sparse amenities overall. Furthermore, transport connectivity is virtually absent at 0. Wassen appeals most strongly to nature lovers and retirees seeking pristine Alpine surroundings, though those prioritizing tax savings or comprehensive services may find better-suited alternatives among its neighbors Göschenen, Gurtnellen, and Attinghausen.

Neighboring communes of Wassen

Demographic profile

Age structure

0–19 years 17.3 %20–64 years 57 %65 and over 25.7 %
Density
4 inhab./km²
Change over 10 yrs
-6.7 %
Vacant housing
1.5 %
New dwellings
0.0 per 1,000 inhab.
Tertiary employment
76.9 %

Land use

Built-up area 1.1 %Agricultural land 11.5 %Forest 22.8 %

Source: FSO — Regional portraits of municipalities, 2021

Information

Canton
Uri (UR)
Language region
German-speaking Switzerland
Coordinates
46.7309, 8.5245
BFS Number
1220
Last updated
29 June 2026

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