Silvesterchlausen
Every year on 31 December and 13 January, costumed groups with bells and yodelling roam through Herisau and the Appenzell villages bringing New Year wishes. The custom is part of Switzerland's intangible cultural heritage.
PlizioGo
This filled gingerbread is a must-try. Buy it fresh at one of the traditional bakeries on Obstmarkt.
Try Switzerland's spiciest cheese at a local cheese shop or as 'Käseschnitte' (cheese toast) in a tavern.
Cured and smoked beef, thinly sliced and served as part of a traditional Appenzeller platter.
The center of Herisau with various shops and the site of the regular weekly market.
Look for shops offering traditional leather goods or handcrafted wooden items.
A popular local recreation area above Herisau with paths through green meadows and forests.
Hike towards Schwellbrunn for absolute peace and picture-excellent views.
Water temperature…
Herisau is the capital of the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden and the seat of the cantonal government and administration. The city is located in the pre-Alpine hill country and is characterized by its rich industrial history, closely linked to textile production and embroidery. In the 19th century, Herisau was a globally significant center for textile products, which is still reflected today in the magnificent merchant houses in the town center. Architecturally, the Church of St. Lawrence with its striking late-Gothic tower is a central landmark. Herisau gives a high quality of life through the combination of urban infrastructure and direct proximity to the nature of the Appenzellerland. The economy is now diversified, including traditional craft businesses alongside modern companies in electronics and medical technology. Culturally, the city maintains bustling customs such as Bloch-pulling and Silvesterchlausen, which are deeply rooted in regional identity. Herisau is also known as a literary site, as the writer Robert Walser spent the final years of his life here.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | -1 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 99 | 77 | 95 | 92 | 147 | 156 | 158 | 166 | 116 | 101 | 89 | 104 |
See what it looks like near Herisau right now.
Schwellbrunn › South-east · 4.4 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your day at the lively Obstmarkt, the heart of Herisau. Stroll to the imposing St. Lawrence Church and the nearby Government Building. After a glimpse into local history at the Herisau Museum, refuel with a traditional lunch. The afternoon is for a walk to the Rosenburg ruins, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view over the town and the rolling hills of Appenzell.
The day starts at Obstmarkt, where colorful facades brighten even the greyest sky. A quick walk leads to St. Lawrence Church, a perfect refuge from the rain. At midday, the Herisau Museum offers deep insights into Appenzell culture while the rain falls outside. The afternoon is spent enjoying a cozy traditional lunch, followed by a brief, rainy ascent to the Rosenburg ruins to wrap up the day.
Winter magic in Herisau begins at the frosty Obstmarkt. St. Lawrence Church radiates a contemplative peace before the Herisau Museum lures you in with cozy warmth and history. An Appenzell lunch is particularly hearty in winter. The day ends with clear views of the snowy surroundings from the Rosenburg ruins, just as early dusk starts to light up the town.
Get on your bike and start at the Obstmarkt. Explore the historic landmarks in the center before immersing yourself in culture at the museum. After lunch, the route takes you to the Rosenburg ruins for a fantastic view. Then cycle through the green Ebnet and end the day with a climb to Schwänkelberg to enjoy the panoramic view in the evening sun - a perfect end to an active tour.
Despite the rain, Herisau offers an exciting bike tour. We start at Obstmarkt and cycle quickly to the cultural gems in the center. The museum provides a dry break before we continue through the misty hills. The path to Rosenburg requires caution, but the ruins feel mystical in the rain. We finish with the lush, moisture-rich views from Schwänkelberg.
A winter bike tour through Herisau is refreshing. From the frosty Obstmarkt, we cycle through the crisp air to the museum. The snowy hills around Ebnet and Schwänkelberg offer postcard-perfect views. A hearty lunch provides the energy needed for the afternoon. Since it gets dark early, we use the daylight hours for Rosenburg before returning to the illuminated town.
Your car day in Herisau starts with parking in the center to explore the historic core around the Obstmarkt and the church on foot. After a deep dive into local culture at the museum, drive to the Rosenburg ruins after lunch. From there, it's just a short walk to the Old Armoury. The grand finale is a drive up to Schwänkelberg, where you can take in the vastness of the Appenzell region.
By car, Herisau remains easy to explore even during heavy rain. We park near Obstmarkt and hop out briefly for photos. The Herisau Museum then provides a long, dry indoor program. For lunch, we head to a cozy restaurant in the old town. Rosenburg and the Old Armoury are easily reached, and the drive to Schwänkelberg offers great views without getting wet.
Herisau in winter is especially comfortable by car. We start at the illuminated Obstmarkt and drive to St. Lawrence Church. The Herisau Museum offers a warm break before we treat ourselves to a typical Appenzell lunch. The drive to the Rosenburg ruins provides great views of snow-covered rooftops. We conclude at Schwänkelberg to admire the winter panorama at sunset.
The museum showcases the history and culture of the municipality of Herisau.
A museum in Herisau dedicated to the art of puppet theatre.
