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Herisau

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City
PlizioGo—°1136
Herisau (Switzerland)
ℹ️

Practical info — Herisau

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit Museum Herisau in the old town hall to learn about the unique history of Appenzell Ausserrhoden.
  • Enjoy the Herisau Panorama Path, which features fantastic views of Mount Säntis and the Alpstein massif.
  • If visiting in winter, don't miss the 'Old New Year' (January 13th) with the impressive Silvesterchläuse mummers.
  • The area is famous for its rolling hills; sturdy footwear is recommended for any walk around the town.
  • Herisau has one of the largest stations in the region; take the Appenzell Railways for a scenic ride through the hills.

🍽 Food

🍽
Appenzeller Biberli

This filled gingerbread is a must-try. Buy it fresh at one of the traditional bakeries on Obstmarkt.

🍽
Appenzeller Cheese

Try Switzerland's spiciest cheese at a local cheese shop or as 'Käseschnitte' (cheese toast) in a tavern.

🍽
Mostbröckli

Cured and smoked beef, thinly sliced and served as part of a traditional Appenzeller platter.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Obstmarkt

The center of Herisau with various shops and the site of the regular weekly market.

🛍
Appenzell Crafts

Look for shops offering traditional leather goods or handcrafted wooden items.

🧘
Kreckel Area

A popular local recreation area above Herisau with paths through green meadows and forests.

🧘
Schwellbrunn Viewpoint

Hike towards Schwellbrunn for absolute peace and picture-excellent views.

Highlights of 2026

1

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.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-1-14812171818141040
Rain mm9977959214715615816611610189104

Live webcam – Herisau

See what it looks like near Herisau right now.

Schwellbrunn › South-east · 4.4 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
15,744
Coordinates
47.38500, 9.27900

Facts

  • Herisau is the seat of the cantonal parliament of Appenzell Ausserrhoden
  • The town was first mentioned in documents in 837 as Herisauua
  • The city is located at an altitude of 771 meters above sea level
  • Robert Walser spent 23 years in the psychiatric clinic of Herisau
  • The reformed Church of St. Lawrence dates in part from the 15th century
  • The municipal area covers an area of approximately 25.2 square kilometers

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Herisau (13)

Museum Herisau🏛 museum

The museum showcases the history and culture of the municipality of Herisau.

🕒 May-Dec: We-Su 13:00-17:00; easter+50 days 13:00-17:00 || "f

Ruine Rosenberg🏰 castle

Castle ruins Rosenberg on a hill near Herisau.

Ruine Rosenburg🏰 castle

The ruins of a once-significant castle complex in the Herisau area.

Sedel Spielparadies👨‍👩‍👧 family

A leisure and play park for children and families in Herisau.

Kulturzentrum Casino🎭 culture

An important cultural center in Herisau for theatre, music, and events.

Figurentheater-Museum🏛 museum

A museum in Herisau dedicated to the art of puppet theatre.

🕒 We 14:00-17:00; Su 11:00-17:00

Alte Stuhlfabrik🎭 culture

A cultural and theatre house housed in a former factory in Herisau.

Nieschberg🌿 nature

A popular viewpoint near Herisau with a panorama over the Appenzellerland.

Katholische Kirche St. Peter und Paul⛪ religious

The main Catholic church of Herisau with striking architecture.

Bruder-Klaus-Kirche St. Gallen-Winkeln⛪ religious

A modern church building in Winkeln on the border of Herisau, designed in the 1950s.

Rückstau Wehranlage Urnäsch Tobel🌿 nature

Backwater of the weir on the Urnäsch river in the Tobel gorge near Herisau.

Gübsensee🌿 nature

Gübsensee, an idyllic lake near Herisau, popular for fishing and walks.

Generationenplatz Kreckel👨‍👩‍👧 family

Generationenplatz Kreckel in Herisau is a meeting place for all ages with various activities.

Frequently asked questions

In which canton is Herisau located?
Herisau is the capital of the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden.
What can you see at the Herisau Museum?
The museum showcases the history of the textile industry and local customs.
Are there historical buildings in the center?
Yes, around the Obstmarkt there are magnificent 18th-century townhouses.
What is the view like from Wilen hill?
From the hill, you have a wide view over Herisau all the way to the Säntis massif.
What festival is famous in Herisau?
The 'Bloch' is a traditional carnival custom held every two years.
Herisau: where is it located?
Herisau is located in Switzerland.
Herisau: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museum Herisau, Ruine Rosenberg, Ruine Rosenburg.
Herisau: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Herisau: why is it worth visiting?
Herisau is the capital of the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden and the seat of the cantonal government and administration.
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