Postage Stamp Gallery
Countries around the world have recognized the positive impact of hostelling on intercultural exchange and youth development and issued postage stamps in commemoration. Here are some highlights:
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Australia (1989) To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Australian Youth Hostel Association. The stamp shows hostellers congregating around a bulletin board outside a hostel. |
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Germany (1952) To raise funds for post World War II hostel reconstruction. The stamp pictures hostellers walking towards a hostel building in the distance. |
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Germany (1956) To raise funds for hostel construction and youth charities. The stamp represents the dove of peace and international understanding. A second stamp in the set (not pictured) represents youth development. |
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India (1998) To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the India Youth Hostel Association. The stamp pictures a hostel building on a hill. |
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Ireland (1981) To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Irish Youth Hostel Association. The stamp shows hostellers standing in front of a sunrise on the horizon. |
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Japan (1967) To commemorate a global meeting on hostelling in Japan. The stamp features the insignia of the International Youth Hostel Association, the Japanese Youth Hostel Association and stylized trees signifying the outdoors. |
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Saar (1949) To raise funds for post World War II hostel reconstruction. The stamp pictures young hostellers walking to a hostel in the distance. The set includes a second stamp with a similar design (not pictured). |
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Sweden (1985) To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Swedish Touring Club, which operates hostels in Sweden. The stamps picture the Af Chapman, a historic ship that has been converted to host a floating hostel. |
