Stamps
The popular sport of hiking
A hiking boot that looks like a mountain with a cable car running along it – so, literally a mountaineering boot: “The popular sport of hiking” special stamp has a special design. This proposal won the day against around 600 entries in a public vote held as part of a design competition open to the general public.
Rich Content Section
The high level of interest is no coincidence – among the Swiss public, hiking is the most popular sporting activity:
- 57 percent of the resident population aged over 15 hike regularly. That equates to around 4 million Swiss people.
- The average age of hikers is 50, making hiking a lifetime sport across the generations.
- More than 65,000 kilometres of well-maintained hiking trails provide access to Switzerland’s most magnificent landscapes – from local recreational areas to Alpine mountains.
- The routes are signposted at around 50,000 signpost locations. The look of the yellow signposts is recognized by 96 percent of the Swiss population.
This globally unique network is one of the Swiss Hiking Trail Federation’s major achievements. With its 26 cantonal organizations, the federation has been working since 1934 to ensure that signposting on hiking trails is attractive, reliable and uniform. This is only possible thanks to the commitment of 1,500 volunteers, a favourable regulatory framework and the financial support of patrons, members and companies.
Swiss hiking trails and Swiss Post have much more in common than just the colour yellow
Just like our hiking trails, Swiss Post is also a hallmark of Swiss identity. As the main partner of the Swiss Hiking Trail Federation, Swiss Post is now recommending hiking routes with many valuable tips for families for the sixth season in a row. You can now easily order the hiking map for delivery to your home at swisspost.ch/hiking (in German).
Technical information
Sales
Philately: from 1.9.2022 to 30.9.2023 or while stocks last
Branches: from 8.9.2022 to 30.9.2023 or while stocks last
Validity
Unlimited from 8.9.2022
Printing
Offset, 4-colour; Joh. Enschedé, Haarlem, Netherlands
Sizes
Stamps: 33 × 28 mm
Sheet: 82 × 198 mm (open), 82 × 99 mm (folded)
5 rows of 2 stamps
Paper
White stamp paper on backing paper, with optical brightener, self-adhesive, 196 gm²
Perforation
Serpentine cut (4 sides)
Design
Nicole Vögeli, Zofingen