Standard TimeCET |
UTC+1 |
Daylight Saving Time
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UTC+2 |
IANA Time Zone |
Europe/Zurich |
Herisau time compared to Beijing time (China) |
7 hours ahead |
Herisau is the capital of the canton of Appenzell Outer Rhoden in northeastern Switzerland. It is located in the hilly region south of St. Gallen and has a population of about 15,000 people. One of the smallest cantonal capitals in Switzerland, its history dates back to the 9th century and it is known for its traditional textile industry and idyllic Alpine foothills.
Herisau was the center of the Swiss cotton textile industry in the 18th and 19th centuries, and retains much of the architectural heritage of the Industrial Revolution, such as the red-brick factory buildings and the waterwheel workshop. Today, the economy is based on precision manufacturing, medical technology and tourism, and the annual Appenzell Folklore Festival attracts many visitors to experience the traditional culture of the region.
The city is surrounded by gently sloping pastures and forests, and hiking trails lead up to the 2,500-meter Sentis peak. Landmarks include the baroque town hall, the textile museum and traditional wooden houses with painted facades. The old democratic tradition of the "Cantonal Square Gathering" still exists in the area and is a window on Switzerland's direct democracy.
With close rail connections to Zurich (1 hour away) and St. Gallen, Herisau combines rural tranquillity with urban convenience. Visitors can sample Appenzell's specialty herbal cheeses, visit the family brewery or take part in the seasonal Alpine shepherds' festival.
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