Cars are whizzing past on the street, someone is hammering away on the building site next door, a drone is buzzing overhead – our world is full of noise. In the midst of this noise, our longing for quietness is growing. Tranquillity has long been more than just a luxury: it is an essential factor in good health and quality of life. For this reason, the Federal Office for the Environment is committed to better protecting and promoting quiet areas inside and outside urban areas.
Urban development in Switzerland is increasingly being directed inwards due to denser construction in towns and cities, while the population is growing and traffic is increasing. As a result, it is increasingly important to combat noise to ensure a pleasant acoustic environment in living and community spaces. Quietness must consistently be protected as a valuable resource, as this is the only way to keep spaces noise-free for current and future generations.
More than silence: what quietness really means
Quietness is not the absence of noise. It is created in places where the main sounds you hear are natural, such as birds chirping and leaves rustling. These places stand in stark contrast to their hectic surroundings, whether it’s a green courtyard in a city or a shady spot by a river. Visual features such as trees and water also help us to experience a stronger sense of tranquillity.
The unconscious search for quietness
We often search unconsciously for quiet places: when choosing a home, going for a walk or visiting a restaurant. These spaces are havens that help us to rest and socialise. They are where we talk, relax or simply enjoy the feeling of breathing deeply. Unfortunately, we often only realise the value of quietness when it is no longer there, and we experience the disruptive impact noise can have on our lives.
Quietness as a factor in protecting health
Studies prove that noise harms and silence heals. While constant noise causes stress, high blood pressure and sleep disorders, quietness reduces stress levels, improves concentration and supports physical and mental recovery. It is therefore crucial to protect and appreciate quiet areas in our surroundings – for ourselves and for a more harmonious community.
Strategies for creating more tranquillity
The best way to combat noise is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. This can be achieved by creating quiet areas and introducing targeted measures to reduce noise directly at source. Examples include low-noise road surfaces, quieter goods trains and speed reductions on busy streets. In urban areas, quietness needs to play a greater role in urban planning, so that we can create more spaces where people can rest and socialise.
Last modification 19.06.2025
