Urnäsch

Infobox Swiss town
subject_name = Urnäsch
municipality_name = Urnäsch
municipality_type = municipality
imagepath_coa = |pixel_coa=


languages = German
canton = Appenzell Ausserrhoden
iso-code-region = CH-AR
district = n.a.
lat_d=47|lat_m=19|lat_NS=N|long_d=9|long_m=17|long_EW=E
postal_code = 9107
municipality_code = 3006
area = 48.23
elevation = 826|elevation_description=
population = 2316|populationof = January 2004 | popofyear = 2004
website = www.urnaesch.ch
mayor = |mayor_asof=|mayor_party=
mayor_title = |list_of_mayors =
places =
demonym =
neighboring_municipalities= Hemberg (SG), Hundwil, Nesslau-Krummenau (SG), Schönengrund, Schwellbrunn, Waldstatt
twintowns = |

Urnäsch is a municipality in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden in Switzerland. The Protestant church together with the houses on the village square and the "Museum für Appenzeller Brauchtum" are listed as heritage sites of national significance. [Swiss inventory of cultural property of national and regional significance (1995), p. 59.]

Geography

* Elevation of the village: 838 m (2,749 ft)
* Lowest elevation: "Murbach" 722 m (2,369 ft)
* Highest elevation: "Petersalp" 1590 m (5,217 ft)

History

In 831 a part of Urnäsch known as "Färchen" was first mentioned. In 1344 the village is sold to the German Earl "Werdenberg", but later the monastery of St. Gallen acquires the land.

After the battles in "Vögelinsegg" (1403) and "Stoss" (1405) the land gained independence as part of Appenzell. In 1417 a church was built. This is considered the formal establishment of Urnäsch. There was a devastating fire in 1641.

Economy

Some 950 people work in Urnäsch: 10 per cent in agriculture, 41 per cent in trade and industry, 49 per cent in the service sector. There are just under 100 farms and 18 hotels and restaurants in the village.

References

External links

* [http://www.urnaesch.ch Official Page] (German)