Basel treasure hunt
Fun and games for the whole family
Do you think there’s no way Swiss Post can be exciting? Get ready for some surprises! We’ve prepared a treasure hunt full of puzzles and challenges for you. Your mission? Find the precious postmark! But be aware that you’ll need sharp eyes, clever minds and real team spirit to uncover the secrets.
Rich Content Section
The key points at a glance
When: 2 April to 29 September 2024
Start: Basel branch, Elisabethenanlage 11, 4051 Basel
Safe: Steps balustrade opposite the My Post 24 terminal
Duration: Around 1 hour
Registration: No registration necessary
Cost: Free of charge
How does the treasure hunt work?
You can get the instructions for the treasure hunt at the Swiss Post branch. If the branch is closed, you will find a yellow Swiss Post safe with a combination lock near the My Post 24 terminal (see picture).
The code for the combination lock is Swiss Post’s birth year. The safe contains an envelope with the treasure hunt instructions.
The instructions are available on-site in German. All languages are also available for download below. To take part in the competition, don’t forget to bring your documents (including downloads) with you on the treasure hunt.
More information
For the treasure hunt, you need a smartphone with Internet access and a pen. Everything else is included in the instructions.
The treasure hunt is pushchair accessible.
How to take part in the competition
Complete one or more treasure hunts. At the last stop, you must stamp the symbol for the relevant treasure hunt. Every correct stamp on the card is a chance to win the competition.
Post the completed entry card with one or more stamps into your nearest letter box by 15 October 2024 at the latest. Winners will be notified in writing. The full conditions of participation are available on this page. (By entering the competition, participants accept these conditions of participation.)
The Railway Mail Service and machine sorting
The Railway Mail Service was the backbone of postal transport from 1857. Mail was sorted en route in specially designated carriages. Previously, consignments often had to be transferred multiple times from one stagecoach route to another. In 1874, the Universal Postal Union was founded in Bern, and a Universal Postal Convention was subsequently negotiated to regulate international postal traffic. International mail was transported by rail and ship, and later by air.
1964 saw the introduction of postal codes. These enabled a certain level of machine sorting, simplifying the processing of letters and parcels. From the end of the 20th century, large parcel and letter centers equipped with the latest technology were built. The expandable infrastructure also allows Swiss Post to react to fluctuations in consignment volumes.