SWITZERLAND ~Abbey Library of St. Gall - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful library view known as one of the oldest and most important in the world... founded in the 8th century with roots in the Middle Ages... the current building, with its famous Baroque hall, was built in 1767 and replaced an earlier structure... the interior is known for its ornate decorations, including carved cherubs, angels, and frescoes... it is part of the Abbey of St. Gallen... the collection comprises approximately 160,000 books and 2,000 manuscripts, many of them are from the medieval period... including numerous treasures... the most spectacular of these is a giant globe... this library was the inspiration for the library in Umberto Eco's novel The Name of the Rose... Thanks Stefan!【ツ】

Photo: Urs Anderegg
The Abbey of Saint Gall is located in St. Gallen in the northeastern part of Switzerland.  The Abbey was founded in 719 AD by Abbot Otmar. The foundation occurred on the site where the Irish monk Saint Gall had built a hermitage around 612 AD. Initially a monastic community, it later became a Benedictine abbey. 

The entire Abbey complex, including the library, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

 

Stamps:

Coins - Supplementary Stamps

(01-01-2022)

Definitives - Natural Patterns

(Issued 07-03-2024)

SWITZERLAND ~ Travel Poster - Geneva ~

... Beautiful turn of the century vintage train travel postcard original from a lithographic poster showing Geneva and its lake with the Mont-Blanc in the back... at the bottom of the poster are details about train tickets, which indicate offers for various travel options... one of the finest and rarest Geneva travel posters... Thanks a lot Madeleine!ヽ(•‿•)ノ

 

Designed by H.G. Tanconville, (1845-1936) it was printed in stone-lithography for the P.L.M, the French Paris - Lyon - Mediterrannée Railway Company focussed on traveling to Genève.

Geneva is situated in the southwest of the country, where the Rhône exits Lake Geneva, it is the capital of the Republic and Canton of Geneva. 

It is a global city, an international financial centre, and a worldwide centre for diplomacy, which has led to it being called the "Peace Capital"

Stamps:

Animal friends - Rabbit 

(Issued 2019)

Confetti 

(9-11-2023)

SWITZERLAND ~ Leysin - Vaud ~

... Lovely views of a sunny alpine town set high above Lake Geneva... a plateau located some 1400 meters above sea level, facing south and sheltered from the north wind... offering wide views of the Alps... the town has a lively mix of activities through the seasons... in winter, its slopes are perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and fun in the snow... when the snow melts, Leysin turns green and becomes a favorite spot for hiking, biking, and paragliding... a place where nature and adventure come together... the Berneuse is the "house mountain" of Leysin and it rises to an altitude of 2,045 meters... the summit of the Berneuse can be reached by a cable car, and it features a revolving restaurant called the "Kuklos" that offers a panoramic view in slow motion... the solar-powered glass building rotates once every 90 minutes... Heel Erg Bedankt Dorien, Roel en Lia! \_(♥‿♥)_/

Leysin is located in the southwest of Switzerland in the canton of Vaud. This was first settled around 400 A.D. when inhabitants of the Rhône valley fled waves of germanic tribes who were overrunning the Roman towns of Vevey and Lausanne as Rome's grip on the western part of its empire failed and faded. It was first mentioned around 1231–32 as Leissins, in 1352 as Leisins.

 

Stamp: 

Flowers | Plants 

(Issued 08-03-2012)

SWITZERLAND ~ Castel Grande - Bellinzona - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful Swiss postcard nr 4 from dear postcard friend Andrene... the impressive Castelgrande is the largest and oldest of the three castles that make up the Fortress of Bellinzona... their connecting are the only examples of of defensive military architecture dating back to to the Middle Ages that still exist in the Alpine region... the castle with impressive ramparts, and large grassy areas within the castle grounds stands on a rocky hill... from its summit, visitors can enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains... at each castle, you can walk around the ramparts, climb the towers and learn about its history in the museums... Big Thanks Andrene!(✿◠‿◠) It was a such great pleasure to travel with you through the Swiss!😉☺️

The first human settlement on San Michele hill dates back to 5500/5000 B.C., in the Neolithic period. The first archaeologically confirmed fortification was constructed in the fourth century A.D. The presence of a fort is also recalled in a number of documents dating back to the sixth century. It was in the fourteenth century that the castle was first called Castrum Magnum, or “Castel Grande”. This is its name today as well. However, during the Swiss occupation it was called Uri (1630) or Altdorf Castle, and in 1818 the Castle of San Michele.

Built to control and defend strategic routes through the alps, they played a crucial role in the defense of northern Italy and Switzerland during the Middle Ages.

The Castles of Bellinzona with their defensive walls have been an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.

Stamp: 

Flowers | Plants 

(Issued 08-03-2012)

SWITZERLAND ~ Matterhorn - Zermatt - Valais ~

... Spectacular mountain view... Switzerland’s most famous landmark... and one of the world’s most iconic mountains... located above the gorgeous village Zermatt... 4478 meters high and with its characteristic pyramid-shaped silhouette, this is probably the most photographed mountain... a top travel destination because of its beauty and natural surroundings... some come to admire its beauty and some intend to climb to the top... the Matterhorn is also considered to be one of the world’s most dangerous mountains... since the first ascent, it’s estimated that over 500 people have died while climbing or descending the mountain... these days, the danger especially comes from its popularity as overeager tourists without experience often try to climb it without a local guide... Thanks a lot Andrene!(✿ ♥‿♥) Must have been a truly amazing sight!!!🏔️🐐

The Matterhorn is believed to be 50-60 million years old and is one of the 48 Swiss peaks above 4000m.

The Matterhorn isn’t the highest mountain in Switzerland, it’s only the 10th highest within the Swiss Alps and the 12th highest peak in Western Europe. 

The first ascent of the Matterhorn took place in July 1865. A group of seven people, led by Brit Edward Whymper, started the tour in Zermatt and successfully climbed to the top. Very unfortunately, four of them tragically died on the descent. It remains a mystery what exactly happened.

Zermatt is a beautiful village and sits high up in the mountains, at the end of the Matter Valley. It is surrounded by some of Switzerland's tallest peaks. It is located in the Valais region, where people speak German.

© Photo Photo Klopfenstein - Adelboden

 

Stamp: 

Flowers | Plants 

(Issued 08-03-2012)

SWITZERLAND ~ Zurich ~

... Wonderful glowing sunrise view over a small part of the old town known as "Schipfe"... one of the oldest quarters of the city of Zurich... located on the left bank of the Limmat river and includes a number of interesting laneways and historical buildings... it was here that the boats used to dock as a transfer point for trade with Zurich... a fascinating little area home to a number of tiny galleries and workshops where artisans produce and sell their works of art and sculptures... Heel Erg Bedankt Loes en Ben!ヽ(•‿•)ノ

Zurich the largest city in the entire country of Switzerland and can be found located in North-Central Switzerland, at the northwestern tip of Lake Zürich and is the capital of the canton of Zürich. The city was founded by the Romans around 2,000 years ago although evidence of earlier settlements has been found. 

The most widespread dialect in the city is Swiss German, although most of the locals are also fluent in Italian, French and English.

Stamp:

Swiss Attractions

(Issued 05-09-2024)

SWITZERLAND ~ Chillon Castle - Montreux ~

... Lovely postcard from a new "Vintage" Travel Poster by Christophe Bertschy, a Swiss graphic designer... this well-preserved medieval fortress is located on a rock on the banks of Lake Geneva with a stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps... for nearly four centuries, Chillon was the residence and profitable toll station of the counts of Savoy... more than 400,000 visitors a year come to see the castle with its 14th-century murals, underground vaults, state rooms and bedroom from the Bernese period, which has been preserved in its original state... this moated castle is Switzerland's most visited historical building... Thanks a lot dear Andrene!¯\_(ツ)_/¯

The rocky island on which the castle sits was both a form of natural protection and a strategic position to control passage from the north to the south of Europe. The castle took on the oval shape of the genuine island upon which it was built. It is approximately 100m long and 50m wide. It also took its name from the rock; the word "Chillon" meant "rocky platform" in an ancient language.

The history of the castle is marked by three great periods: those of the Savoy family, the Bernese bailiffs and the Canton of Vaud.

Chillon Castle has around 300 items on display throughout. With the exception of the furniture, weapons and armour, all of the items exhibited here were found during the archaeological digs carried out at the castle from 1896 to 1903.

© BERTSCHY.CO

 

Stamp: 

Flowers | Plants

(Issued 08-03-2012)

SWITZERLAND ~ Lucerne ~

... First of various beautiful Swiss postcards... a very popular holiday destination for friends and family this year😉... view of the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower... the city's landmark and considered to be Europe's oldest covered bridge... built in the 14th century, originally  part of the city fortifications... the pictorial panels, which were incorporated in the 17th century, contain scenes of Swiss history as well as the Lucerne's history... it is a picturesque city nestled amidst stunning alpine scenery, with towering mountains and crystal-clear lakes... one of the major stops on any trip to Switzerland... Thanks a lot Andrene!(✿◠‿◠)

Photo: Roger Hügi
Lucerne  or Luzern is a city in central Switzerland, in the German-speaking part, located on the Reuss River where it issues from the northwestern branch of Lake Lucerne. 

The city’s name was derived from the Benedictine monastery of St. Leodegar (Luciaria), founded in the 8th century.

The Legend of the Chapel Bridge: It is said that the Chapel Bridge was once haunted by the ghost of a young woman who drowned in the river. People claimed to have seen her apparition wandering the bridge at night, searching for her lost love.

Stamp:

Flowers | Plants 

(Issued 08-03-2012)

SWITZERLAND ~ Pilatus ~

... Nice postcard from a vintage travel poster... since well over one hundred years, the fire engine red carriages of this mountain railway have climbed to the summit of the imposing Mount Pilatus on the most boldest cogwheel railway... at a maximum gradient of 48% it is also the steepest cogwheel railway in the world and the only one of its kind... this 30-minute journey scales meter by meter the way passing alpine meadows and striking rock formations and offers a unique and thrilling experience... it is  a very popular tourist attraction in Switzerland... the railway transported around half a million visitors a year... Thanks a lot Madeleine! \_(♥‿♥)_/

Pilatus, also often referred to as Mount Pilatus, is a mountain massif overlooking Lucerne in Central Switzerland. It is composed of several peaks, of which the highest (2,128.5 m is named Tomlishorn.

The Pilatus Railway runs from Alpnachstad on Lake Alpnach to the Esel station near the summit of the 2,073 m) high Mount Pilatus in the Swiss canton of Obwalden. 

The line was opened on 4 June 1889, and was electrified in 1937, the fleet and technical infrastructure have been upgraded constantly and adapted so as to ensure passenger safety and to provide an unforgettable mountain experience.  

Stamp:

Swiss Attractions 

(Issued 05-09-2024)

SWITSERLAND ~ Lac Léman - Geneva ~

... Great aerial view of Lake Geneva (official name Lac Léman) West Europe's largest Alpine lake... the lake is majestic in size and is a unique destination as the Sea in the Mountain... surrounded by the Swiss and French Alps and the Jura... the shores of the lake are home to many picturesque villages, towns and cities with both Switzerland and France owning shoreline... clean to swim in, good to sail on, and picturesque at all times of the year... a boat trip is probably the most beautiful way to experience the Lake... Geneva is the capital of the Republic and is a cosmopolitan city that combines a rich history with a vibrant culture... located at the southern end of the Lac Léman... Thanks Madeleine!【ツ】

Lake Geneva is located in the southwest of Switzerland in the cantons of Vaud, Geneva and Valais. 

The lake is crescent-shaped covering an area of approximately 580 km2 and has a maximum length of 73 kilometers and a maximum width of 14 kilometers. It is divided between France and Switzerland. 

The shores of the lake extend over 200.2 kilometres, of which 58 are in France, 102 in the canton of Vaud, 7.6 in Valais and 32.6 in the canton of Geneva.

It is fed by the Rhone River, which flows down from the Rhone Glacier at an altitude of 2,209 metres.
 

Stamp:

Swiss Attractions

(Issued 05-09-2024)

SWITZERLAND ~ Bern - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful winter view of the snow-covered roofs of Bern's Old Town with clock tower... it stands out for its beautifully preserved medieval cityscape, a living testament to its rich history and cultural heritage... most of the earthy-green buildings lining the narrow streets and laneways are over 800 years old neatly nestled in the loop of the crystal-clear turquoise Aare River... the old section of Bern has many buildings that date from the 1100s to the 1700s... an important site is the remains of the old city gate... on the top of the gate’s tower is a clock that was installed there in 1530... moving figures come out of the clock as it chimes each hour... Bern is one of Switzerland's most beautiful cities...Thanks a lot Madeleine!(✿◠‿◠)

Photo: Marie-Therese Lauper
Bern began in 1191 as a military post. It grew into a city and then into an independent state. It became part of Switzerland in 1353 and was chosen as the capital city in 1848. During the 20th century, Bern developed into a modern service centre, accommodating the headquarters of international organisations and companies.

Bern’s name comes from the German word for “bear.” Bears are a symbol of the city. They have been kept on display in Bern for hundreds of years.

In 1983 UNESCO named Bern a World Heritage site.

 

Stamps:

Coins - Supplementary Stamps 

(01-01-2022)

Christmas 

(Issued 09-11-2023)

SWITZERLAND ~ Sainte-Croix - Vaud ~

...Wonderful winter scene🌨️ of small village that lies on a protected sunny terrace (1100m) amidst the width of the Jura landscape in the Lake Geneva region... also known as the "Balcony of the Vaudois Jura"...  it is so nice to read that the sender lives in one of these lovely houses that is101 years old and the place now looks exactly like this picture☺️... world-renowned for its music boxes and nickelodeons... it has a long history of mechanical art and is a treasure trove of age-old craftsmanship, preserving the secrets of its mechanical wonders... the village offers numerous opportunities for summer and winter sports in the surrounding mountains and forests... Thanks a lot Madeleine! (✿◠‿◠) Im so looking forward to get more postcards from your this year travels!👍

In the south-west of Switzerland, the canton of Vaud stretches between the Lake Geneva and Lake Neuchâtel, the Alps and the Jura. Being in the Lake Geneva Region, it has borders with France and five other Swiss cantons. The canton of Vaud - Lake Geneva Region is part of French-speaking Switzerland, usually called “Romandie”. 

Stamp:

Swiss Attractions

(Issued 05-09-2024)

SWITSERLAND ~ Lavaux Vineyard Terraces - UNESCO ~

.... Wonderful sunset view of Lake Geneva and the steeply terraced vineyards of Lavaux... these vineyards not only provide some of the best wine in Switzerland but also offer panoramic views like no other.... the combination of small historic villages, century-old vineyards, sloping hillsides, gorgeous views of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) and of course incredible views of the Swiss and French Alps makes this area to one of the most beautiful scenery in Switzerland... there are roughly 200 different wineries, many of which have been owned by the same family for generations, some with a history that dates back to 1300's... due to the steep gradient of the vineyards grapes need to be harvested by hand rather than a machine... wines that are produced here are not well-known around the world... they include The Villette, Saint-Saphorin/Lavaux, Epesses, Dézaley and Chardonne... Thanks a lot Annina! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯  

Lavaux consists of 830 hectares of terraced vineyards that stretch for about 30 km along the south-facing northern shores of Lake Geneva in the Vaud region, cover the lower slopes of the mountainside between the villages and the lake. 

The vineyards of Lavaux are protected from development under strict cantonal laws, they can not be treated with synthetic pesticides anymore.

Since July 2007, Lavaux is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Stamps: 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

(Issued 09-09-2003)

Lego Day

(Issued 112022)

SWITZERLAND ~ La Chaux-de-Fonds - UNESCO ~

... Nice views of the watchmaking capital in the Swiss Jura... the world’s most expensive watches are made here.. its location 1,000m up in the Jura mountains makes it one of Switzerland’s most scenic regions... La Chaux-de-Fonds and its neighbour Le Locle are symbols of a strategic alliance between urban development and the watchmaking industry... during the early part of the 20thC, as much as half the world's watches were produced here... there is also one of the major watchmaking schools in Switzerland... Thanks a lot Grace!ヽ(ヅ)ノ

For more than four centuries, tradition, expertise, advanced technology and innovation have allowed the Swiss watch and clock industry to maintain its leadership on the world market. Swiss watch making is legendary and the towns of Le Locle and La Chaux-de-Fonds are the centers of it. It all started at the beginning of the 18thC in Le Locle. When the industry expanded shops were also set up in La Chaux-de-Fonds as more space was available and the road connections were better.

Switzerland produces around 30 million watches a year, or 2.5% of the world’s timepieces. But it accounts for over half of the high-end watch sector. Over 95% of watches that cost over  $1,000 are manufactured in Switzerland.

La Chaux-de-Fonds has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009.

 

Stamp:

The 100th Anniversary of the Cinema

(Issued 05-09-1995)

SWITZERLAND ~ Martinsloch - Tschingelhorn - UNESCO ~

... Great mountain view with the famous landmark "Martinsloch"... one of the largest and most well-known geological treasures in the Elm holiday region... it is a rock window that is 17m tall and 19m wide, located at some 2600m above sea level in the large Tschingelhorn mountain... (can you find it on the postcard??😉)... twice every year in Spring and Autumn just before sunrise, the sun bursts through the triangular-shaped opening and lands directly on the church in the village of Elm located just behind the mountain... a rare and impressive event... this natural spectacle attracts countless hobby photographers to the town in the canton of Glarus... the spectacle lasts around ten minutes, after which the sun disappears before it finally rises... the Tectonic Arena Sardona offers unique insights into the history of origin of alpine mountains and valleys...Thanks Annina!【ツ】

The area of this "tectonic arena" encompasses 32.850 hectare of mainly mountainous landscape in 19 communities between the Surselva, Linthtal and Walensee. In the arena are a number of peaks higher than 3000 meters, such as Surenstock (its Romansh name is Piz Sardona, from which the name comes), Ringelspitz and Pizol. It’s located to the south-eastern side of Switzerland.

The Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona  area was added to this list of UNESCO world heritage sites in 2008.

Stamps:

Definitives - Swiss Railway Stations
(Issued 06-09-2018)

The 100th Anniversary of Postbus Routes  (Issued 07-03-2019)

SWITZERLAND ~ Zurich ~

... More lovely sights of the international metropolis of Switzerland... a vibrant and culturally rich city... with the most important highlights ranging from historical spots and natural escapes to food and shopping havens... surrounded by spectacular nature and the nearby Alps... Zurich is recognised as the city with the highest living standard in the world...  more than once, its inhabitants were also titled the happiest people on the planet... it is Europe’s richest city and with a low tax rate, the perfect place for businesses to base themselves... Thanks a lot Ben and Loes!ヽ(•‿•)ノ

Almost 2 million people call Zurich home. The Swiss city was founded by the Romans around 2,000 years ago although evidence of earlier settlements has been found.

During the Middle Ages, Zürich gained the independent and privileged status of imperial immediacy and, in 1519, became a primary centre of the Protestant Reformation in Europe under the leadership of Huldrych Zwingli.

Stamp:

Definitives - Swiss Railway Stations
(Issued 08-09-2016)

SWITZERLAND ~ Fraumünster and St. Peter Church - Zurich ~

...First of two nice cards sent by my nephew and his girlfriend from their trip to Zurich... beautiful night view showing two of the three old town churches that characterize the silhouette of the city of Zurich... Fraumünster and the St. Peter Church... located on the riverside of the Limmat River in the old town center... the 9thC Fraumünster Church and St. Peter's Church built during the 11thC are two landmark buildings in this historic area... Fraumünster is a "must-see" church because of the famous Marc Chagall stained glass windows... St. Peter’s Church  has also a special feature... it is well-known for being the largest tower clock face in Europe ( 8.7m in diameter)😲... Heel Erg Bedankt Loes en Ben!(✿ ♥‿♥)

Zurich the largest city in the entire country of Switzerland and can be found located in North-Central Switzerland, at the northwestern tip of Lake Zürich. It is the capital of the canton of Zürich.

The most widespread dialect in the city is Swiss German, although most of the locals are also fluent in Italian, French and English.

Stamp:

Definitives - Swiss Railway Stations
 (Issued 08-09-2016)

SWITZERLAND ~ Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair - UNESCO ~

.... Beautiful scenic view of a convent tucked away in an amazing mountain landscape in the Swiss Alps just next to the Italian border... the major symbol of this rather remote valley... not only a historic site... but a living convent for the nuns, which means Benedictine nuns are actually still living here... its uniqueness lies in the fascinating combination of cloister life, cultural heritage, museum, research and restoration... this 8th century convent houses the world's largest and best preserved early medieval fresco's... Thanks a lot Rosmarie!! (✿ ♥‿♥)

The convent was probably constructed around the year 780, and the church tower was added in the 10th century. The Bishop of Chur, acting for Charlemagne, founded the building for the Benedictines. The tower home, cloister, and chapels of St. Ulrich and St. Nicholas were added in the 11th century. The establishment became a convent in 1163.

St. John Convent is located in Müstair the easternmost village in Switzerland in the canton of Graubünden.

It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 largely due to its magnificent frescoes and Carolingian architecture.

Stamp:

Pope Francis
(Issued 21-06-2018)

SWITZERLAND ~ Montebello curve - Morteratsch - UNESCO ~

... Great view of one of the most beautiful railways in Europe... a train ride through the Swiss and Italian Alps with breathtaking and spectacular scenery along the way...  the only rail link that leads across the Alps, open without a crest tunnel....  probably no railway line has such an excellently located photo point as the Montebello curve... the track describes a 180-degree curve, crosses the street - and all this in front of the Morteratsch glacier with its wreath of mountains...Thanks a lot Oscar!! ❀◕ ‿ ◕❀

Photo: Max Weiss
The Bernina Express slices southerly through the Graubunden Canton, reaching the lofty altitude of 2,253 metres at its highest point – and all without the gravity boost of a cogwheel track. The train passes through an ingenious system of spiral loops, 55 tunnels and 196 bridges.

Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes was listed as a UNESCO WHS site in 2008 which also includes the surrounding cultural landscape with its pristine villages, ruggedly-romantic landscapes and primordial Alps.

Stamp:

Animals of the Forest
(01-03-2018)

SWITZERLAND ~ United Nations - Geneve ~

... Beautiful night view of the office of the United Nations in Geneva... the European headquarters of the UN... 115.000 visitors take the tour of the Palais des Nations each year... this office specifically deals with humanitarian efforts and human rights issues... with all what's happening in the world lately, not an easy task ☹... Thanks a lot Rosmarie!! ✿◕ ‿ ◕✿

Only the United Nations is permitted to issue postage stamps, even though it is an organization and not a country or a territory. The United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) is the only postal authority that issues stamps in three different currencies: U.S. dollars, Swiss francs and euros. The stamps may be used for postage when used on mail sent from the United Nations offices in New York, Geneva or Vienna. Stamps in Swiss franc denominations are valid for postage only if mailed at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.

Photo: World of Stock
The UN headquarter United Nations Office in Geneva,  also known as the Palais des Nations and is located at the Ariana Park.

The United Nations Office at Geneva is the second largest United Nations centre after the Headquarters in New York. It is located in the Palais des Nations building constructed for the League of Nations between 1929 and 1938 at Geneva in Switzerland, and expanded in the early 1950s and late 1960s.

Officially, the Palace of Nations has been the UN’s headquarters since 1946, shortly after WWII.  But Switzerland only joined the UN in 2002.

Stamps:

World Heritage - Czech Republic
(Issued 08-09-2016)