Urnäsch

Urnäsch is a municipality in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden in Switzerland. It has a population of 2,300 (2002). The area of Urnäsch is 48 km².

Geography

• Elevation of village: 838 m
• Lowest elevation: Murbach 722 m
• Highest elevation: Petersalp 1590 m

History

In 831 a part of Urnäsch known as Flächen 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 gains independence as part of Appenzell.

In 1417 a church was built. This is considered as 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.

External link

• Official Page (German)