
Vienna has been ranked as the fifth cleanest city in Europe, following the Scandinavian capitals of Helsinki, Stockholm, Reykjavik and Oslo, according to a new study by the German health portal DE Medz.
The study evaluated 48 European cities using several criteria, including air and water quality, the proportion of green spaces, public satisfaction with waste management and the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) for water.
Salzburg secured the eighth position.
In a statement, DE Medz noted that Scandinavian cities topped the rankings thanks to their clean air, superior water quality and plentiful green spaces. These factors play a key role in enhancing the physical and mental well-being of their populations.
The top 15 cities are:
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- Helsinki
- Stockholm
- Reykjavik
- Oslo
- Vienna
- Valencia
- Hamburg
- Salzburg
- Edinburgh
- Munich
- Zurich
- Frankfurt
- Copenhagen
- Dublin
- Madrid
The study also assessed tap water quality, with Vienna ranking third, scoring 95.1. Reykjavik and Helsinki took the top two spots. The report described Vienna’s result as “a testament to Austria’s tradition and leadership in environmental responsibility.”
Vienna’s drinking water is sourced from the Alps, specifically high-altitude springs that are stringently protected. This alpine water undergoes natural filtration through layers of rock, resulting in exceptional purity and mineral richness, requiring minimal treatment.