Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Exploring Herisau (BFS 3001) in Bezirk Hinterland, Appenzell Ausserrhoden links you directly to Gübsensee, Sitterviadukt, and the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) network at Bahnhof Herisau (0.8 km). At 780 m elevation (pop. 15,763), Herisau rewards visitors with walkable town squares and authentic Bircher muesli and Swiss artisanal chocolate.
Within Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region (Bezirk Hinterland region), Herisau (Herisau (BFS 3001)) serves as a prefectural capital of appenzell ausserrhoden region. Travelers exploring Appenzell Ausserrhoden often combine a stop in Herisau with regional highlights such as Historic Altstadt / Old Town, Panoramic mountain & lake views, Marked SwitzerlandMobility hiking trails, Local heritage museum.
| Fact | Details for Herisau (Herisau (BFS 3001)) |
|---|---|
| Switzerland Name | Herisau (BFS 3001) (Herisau) |
| Administrative Status | Prefectural capital of Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region |
| Region & Capital | Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region (Capital: Herisau) |
| Region of Switzerland | Bezirk Hinterland |
| Population | 15,763 residents |
| Total Area / Density | Regional km² · Urban/Town people per km² |
| Municipal Incorporation | Official Municipality |
| Coordinates | 47.3829°N, 9.2741°E |
Getting to Herisau & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Herisau Central Station (SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways)): Connected via hourly SBB CFF FFS rail and PostBus services; fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.
- Local rail & SBB EasyRide / transit cards: Once in Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region, SBB regional trains, narrow-gauge mountain railways, and yellow PostBuses connect Herisau with Herisau. The SBB Mobile app (EasyRide swipe) and Swiss Half Fare Card & regional transit passes cover trains, PostBuses, trams, and boats nationwide.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Appenzell Ausserrhoden have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Herisau en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with SBB Luggage Transfer.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Herisau are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways station or airport in Appenzell Ausserrhoden can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and high Alpine passes. Read our Renting a Car in Switzerland Guide.
What to Eat in Herisau & Appenzell Ausserrhoden
Herisau shares the culinary traditions of Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region and the wider Bezirk Hinterland region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:
- Cheese fondue — a signature specialty across Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region.
- Raclette — a signature specialty across Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region.
- Rösti — a signature specialty across Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region.
- Bircher muesli — a signature specialty across Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region.
- Swiss artisanal chocolate — a signature specialty across Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Switzerland Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Switzerland dietary explanations at restaurants in Herisau.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
Best time to visit Appenzell Ausserrhoden: Jun–Sep (summer trails), Dec–Mar (winter sports).
Regional highlights across Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region that pair well with a visit to Herisau include: Historic Altstadt / Old Town, Panoramic mountain & lake views, Marked SwitzerlandMobility hiking trails, Local heritage museum.
Practical Travel Tips for Herisau
- Tourist information office (Tourist Info): Look for the official Switzerland Tourism or local tourist office counter inside or right outside the main train station in Herisau (or at Herisau Central Station (SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Herisau accept international cards and contactless / SBB EasyRide payment, smaller family-run restaurants, Alpine huts (Berghütten), and farm stands may prefer cash or Twint. Swiss PostFinance and cantonal bank (Kantonalbank) ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Herisau (Herisau (BFS 3001)) located in Switzerland?
Herisau (Herisau (BFS 3001)) is a municipality (gemeinde / commune) located in Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region in the Bezirk Hinterland region of Switzerland (coordinates: 47.3829°N, 9.2741°E). It has a population of approximately 15,763 across an area of Regional km².
How do I get to Herisau by train?
Most visitors reach Herisau via the main prefectural gateway of Herisau Central Station (SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways). Connected via hourly SBB CFF FFS rail and PostBus services; fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. From the regional hub, connect by SBB regional trains, PostBus (PostAuto), or lake steamer to Herisau. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways Fare Calculator.
What local food is Herisau and Appenzell Ausserrhoden known for?
In Herisau and across Appenzell Ausserrhoden Region, top local dishes include Cheese fondue, Raclette, Rösti, as well as Bircher muesli and Swiss artisanal chocolate. Look for traditional Swiss Stuben, Alpine cheese dairies, and weekly town markets near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Herisau?
Best time to visit Appenzell Ausserrhoden: Jun–Sep (summer trails), Dec–Mar (winter sports). Check our Switzerland Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: