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.

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.

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.