Perceived beauty of the landscape
A landscape is perceived as being of quality when it is unique and of particular value, and when it meets the diverse demands of people and the environment. The 'Beauty of the landscape' parameter presents a superordinate concept of landscape aesthetics. Landscape aesthetics is theoretically influenced by biologically determined and culturally shaped preferences, as well as by individually varying factors.
Perceived beauty, meanwhile, is influenced by other landscape characteristics such as uniqueness, fascination and authenticity or by the perceived structure of the landscape. Beauty is therefore used as a superordinate term for the overall impression of perceived landscape quality. The beauty and diversity of the landscape are also key elements of the vision presented in the Swiss Landscape Concept (SLC) approved by the Federal Council.
good
positive
The Swiss population generally finds the landscape in their place of residence beautiful: On a scale of 1 to 5, beauty scores 4.16. The assessment of beauty has not changed significantly between the 2011 survey and the 2020 survey. The greatest positive changes between 2011 and 2020 are with regard to the peri-urban area.
In 2020, residents of rural communes were most pleased with their surrounding landscape (mean value: 4.46). The landscapes in the peri-urban area followed in second place (mean value: 4.23). The landscapes in urban communities are rated least highly by their residents (mean value: 4.05).
Women and people who have lived in the commune for a long time or those who own their own home also rate the beauty of the landscape higher than men, people who have recently moved to the commune or tenants.
The indicator is not comparable at international level.
The data were collected in a representative survey of 2,093 persons on the perception of the landscape in Switzerland, conducted in 2011 and 2020. In order to assess the perceived beauty of the landscape, the respondents were asked to rate the following statements on a scale from 1 (disagree completely) to 5 (agree completely):
- 2011/20: The landscape in the commune where I live is very beautiful.
- 2011: The landscape in the commune where I live is very attractive.
- 2011/20: I like the landscape in the commune where I live very much.
- 2011: There are many things in the landscape in the commune where I live that I find very beautiful.
The survey was conducted by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) as part of the Swiss Landscape Monitoring (LABES) project.
| Targeted trend | Initial value | Final value | Variation in % | Observed trend | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stabilisation or growth | 2011 | 2020 | (1) 0.73% | Stabilisation | positive |
| (1) Switzerland | |||||
Further information
