First day and stamp presentation of the "Edelweiss reloaded" commemorative stamp, a technical innovation

The first stamp from a 3D printer

The legendary edelweiss is considered Austria’s national flower – and this innovative technological milestone is now dedicated to the small white alpine bloom.

With its white, felt-like bracts and tiny yellow flower heads, the edelweiss is a botanical masterpiece. Once seen as a symbol of love – since picking it required courage and daring in the highest mountains – it is now a protected species. As an emblem of alpine clubs, mountain rescue services and more, the edelweiss is deeply rooted in Austrian culture.

Back in 2005, Austrian Post issued a remarkable edelweiss stamp – the first embroidered stamp ever produced in Austria. It was created by the traditional Vorarlberg-based company Hämmerle & Vogel, which has now taken the idea a step further, creating a world first. The three-dimensional effect of embroidery is no longer achieved with threads and stitches, but with a special 3D printer. In this process, liquid photopolymer is applied in tiny droplets through fine nozzles onto sheets of gummed stamps and cured with UV light before the next layer is added. This gradually builds up fine, flexible filaments that feel as soft and velvety as a real edelweiss.

Each part of the blossom varies in colour, shape and height, giving the motif the lifelike appearance of a genuine flower. Even the lettering is embossed. Printing a single sheet of stamps, including setup time, takes about 90 minutes – and every stamp, while sharing the same motif, is a unique piece in its own right.

Where? 
Post am Rochus, Rochusplatz 1, 1030 Vienna

Group photos:
Photo of presentation: ©Ö. Post AG
Photo 1 (left to right): Wolfgang Schnabl (President, Austrian Alpine Association), Walter Oblin, CEO, Austrian Post, Markus Hämmerle (owner of "Hämmerle & Vogel")

Special post office: 18 October 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Helmut List Halle, Waagner-Biro-Straße 98a, 8020 Graz