Herisau

Herisau, capital, Appenzell Ausser-Rhoden Halbkanton (demicanton) northeastern Switzerland. It lies along on the Glatt River, just southwest of Sankt Gallen. Its Church of St. Laurence was mentioned in the 10th century, although the present building dates from the 16th century. Above the town are the ruined castles of Rosenberg and Rosenburg. Herisau is a cattle market and also serves as a manufacturing centre for cotton textiles, electrical products, and metal goods. There are health resorts nearby, and the town is an excursion centre for tours of the Alpstein Säntis region. The people are German speaking and largely Protestant. Pop. (2007 est.) 15,205.