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Switzerland’s postal system has a long history dating back to the medieval period when mail was carried by couriers on horseback. In the 19th century, Switzerland introduced one of the world’s first national postal services, uniting the country’s diverse cantonal mail systems. The Swiss Post Office became renowned for its efficiency and innovation, issuing the country’s first stamps, the “Cantonal” stamps, in the 1840s. Switzerland also played a key role in international postal cooperation, hosting the founding congress of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874. Today, Swiss stamps are known for their high quality, artistic designs, and technological advancements.

What does "Cantonal" mean?

Before Switzerland had a national postal system, each region (called a canton) ran its own mail service. The first Swiss stamps, like the Zürich 4, the Double Geneva, and the Basel Dove, were called Cantonal stamps because they were only used in their own cantons. Switzerland created a single national postal system in 1850, and cantonal stamps were replaced with federal stamps used across the whole country.

Stamps Through the Years

• 1843 – Switzerland issues its first stamps: the Zürich 4 and Zürich 6, used only in the canton of Zürich.
• 1845 – The Canton of Geneva issues the famous "Double Geneva" stamp.
• 1849–1850 – The Canton of Basel issues the "Basel Dove," the first stamp in the world with three colours; Swiss federal stamps are introduced in 1850, replacing cantonal issues.
• 1862 – Switzerland becomes one of the first countries to introduce perforated stamps.
• 1874 – Switzerland hosts the founding congress of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in Bern.
• 1907 – Switzerland issues its first official postage due stamps.
• 1934 – The first Swiss airmail stamps are issued.
• 1957 – Switzerland introduces its first multicoloured definitive stamp series.
• 2000 – The world's first embroidered stamp is issued in Switzerland.

Did You Know?

• Switzerland was the first country to issue a stamp with three colours, the “Basel Dove,” in 1845.
• The Swiss cross, a national symbol, has appeared on many Swiss stamps, reinforcing national identity.
• Swiss stamps have been innovative, including a chocolate-scented stamp and one made of wood.
• The world’s first prepaid postcard was introduced in Switzerland in 1869.
• Switzerland is home to the Universal Postal Union, which standardised global mail services.

Issued in 1960 - A selection of some of the stamps from the Postal History and Architechural Monuments issue.

The Grossmünster is a beautiful church in Zurich, built in the Romanesque style, and is famous for its history and impressive design.

St. Pierre Cathedral in Geneva, converted to a Protestant church in 1535, is known for its Gothic architecture, and its association with John Calvin.

The Spalentor gate in Basel is a well-preserved medieval city gate, known for its impressive tower and historic significance.

The Zytglogge is a medieval clock tower in Bern, built around 1218, known for its 15th-century astronomical clock and the figure of Chronos striking the hour.

The Collegiate Church of St. Peter and St. Stephen, known for its Renaissance façade, Baroque interior, and 1588 organ, features musician angels in the 5th chapel.

The Kapellbrücke bridge in Lucerne, built in the 14th century, is a wooden bridge with medieval paintings, alongside the historic Wasserturm water tower.

St. Gallen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built between 1755-1766 in Baroque style by architect Peter Thumb.

The Munot is a 16th-century circular fortress in Schaffhausen, built as part of the city's fortifications.

Fribourg's Town Hall, located in the heart of the Old Town, is a striking example of Gothic architecture, known for its elegant façade and rich historical significance.

The Basel Gate, added in the 16th century, is part of Solothurn's medieval fortifications and is one of the city's prominent historical structures.

Guild hall Biel/Bienne

The Ital Reding Hofstatt in Schwyz, a 17th-century manor with baroque gardens, ornate rooms, and a vaulted cellar, reflects the power and prestige of a mercenary family