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About Herisau
General Information
Herisau is the capital of canton Appenzell Ausserrhoden and at the same time the largest village of Switzerland. Surrounded from the picturesque hilly landscape, it combines tradition and modernity. On the one hand, the proximity to Säntis and Appenzell, on the other hand, only a stone's throw away from St. Gallen's city life, different worlds meet here. Herisau is the gateway to Appenzellerland, known for its traditional crafts and cattle shows, snowy winters, fog-free autumn days and wonderfully warm summers. Herisau is also the ideal starting point for hikers, mountain bikers or e-bikers; in the immediate vicinity there are numerous theme trails, mountain railways and remote restaurants, which will take you into another world. The Lake Constance offers a variety of activities, especially in summer. For people addicted to culture, there is also much to discover. Numerous museums and the St. Gallen Abbey District, which is UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, invite you for a visit.
History
Herisau was first mentioned in 821. 1789 Herisau became capital of the canton Säntis. Herisau survived several fires and destructions, the arrangements of houses changed a lot and even the train station was completely relocated.
Climate
Herisau knows cold snowy winters, but also hot summers. It is known for a lot of rainfall and even in dry summers there is still a lot of green to see.
Location or Arrival
By train
From Zurich you take the train to St. Gallen. Already in Gossau SG you can easily change to the Appenzell Railway and reach Herisau train station in just 7 minutes. Zurich-Herisau, 80km in less than 1.5 hours.
On the road
On the motorway A1 you reach Herisau from Basel in 2 hours, from Chur in 1 hour. From point where three countries meet (in Bregenz/ Lindau/ Altenrhein) you will reach Herisau also within 1 hour.
Churches
Protestant Church
This church is considered as cultural monument of national importance. In the steeple you will find the second heaviest bell of Switzerland, which is supposed to be the most beautiful bell in Europe. It can be visited at a church tower tour.
Museums
Old Town Hall Schwänberg
The Schwänberg is the oldest settlement in the Appenzellerland. In the museum of the Old Town Hall you can discover moments from six centuries or celebrate great parties.
Museum Herisau
The Museum Herisau provides an insight into the lifestyle in the Appenzellerland. You see how people used to live, learn about musical culture, knights and castles, mills, medicine, their politics and about the writer Robert Walser, to which a whole room is dedicated.
Sights
Houses
In the centre of the village there are many preserved old factory houses, but also typical Appenzell houses with loom-cellars.
Fountains
You will find a lot of different fountains in the village centre.
Castles
Three castles ruins in and around Herisau invite you for barbeque and stay along.
Sports facilities
Hiking
Countless hiking trails lead around Herisau. To mention is the famous Way of St. James and the theme trails Cultural Trail and Robert Walser Way. From the “Höhenweg” you a wonderful view on the Appenzell hills, the mountain Säntis and the village centre.
Sport Centre
Herisau is known for is ice rink, the indoor pool and the outdoor pool from which you have a nice view on the Säntis.
Golf
To the golf courses Waldkirch and Gonten, it takes only 20 minutes by car.
Hotels in Herisau
Hotel Herisau
Herisau
Breakfast included
Complimentary WLAN
Guest satisfaction
Excellent
87%
From 305 reviews
The Hotel Herisau is located directly in the center of the village, making it the ideal starting point for your trips to Appenzellerland, St. Gallen or Lake of Constance.
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Hotel Herisau Apartments
Herisau
The Herisau Apartments are located directly in the center of the village, making it the ideal starting point for your trips to Appenzellerland, St. Gallen or Lake of Constance. Fully equipped with everything you need.
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