Greenland: Qaqortoq - Cruise w/ MS Hamburg from Hamburg via Iceland to Greenland (**1000th Cover**)

Worldwide Covers Blog

1000

Covers

This post marks a historic milestone. It's the 1000th Cover I posted here since I started this Blog in May 2015. Thank you for being part of it.

1000 covers documented  ·  100+ countries  ·  10+ years of collecting

This cover arrived as part of the cruise "Von Hamburg über Island nach Grönland" (From Hamburg via Iceland to Greenland), a voyage running from 16 July to 2 August 2025 aboard the MS Hamburg. The cover was posted in Qaqortoq (pop. ~3,000). It is the largest town in South Greenland and the administrative centre of the Kujalleq municipality. Its name means "the white place" in Greenlandic. The town's natural harbour makes it a regular call for expedition cruise ships traversing the West Greenland coast. Besides the regular postmark, the cover shows four cachets applied on board the MS Hamburg, all in blue ink.

 

Stamps:

Kofoed´s School Nuuk (+Additional Value) - Issued: 18-10-2017

SEPAC 2023 - "Traditional markets" - Issued: 30-05-2023

 

 

Many thanks to Volker! 

 

 

 

Picture of the Ship:

 

(c) https://www.plantours-kreuzfahrten.de

 

 

Pakistan: Skardu G.P.O

This cover I received from Skardu, Pakistan back in 2025. Skardu is a regional town in northern Pakistan and the administrative center of the Skardu District in Gilgit-Baltistan. It lies at an altitude of roughly 2,200 meters and is situated along the Indus River, surrounded by the mountains of the Karakoram range. The cover was cancelled in the Skardu General Post Office, the back side of the cover shows two transit postmarks from Islamabad, indicating that the cover was routed through the country’s main postal hub before onward transmission. 

Backside:

Stamps: 

4x Definitive - Muhammad Ali Jinnah (1876-1948) - Issued: 14-09-2024

Many thanks to Alex!

Germany: "Stolpersteine" and Margot Friedländer (1921–2025)

Two stamps frank this cover, both from the 2025 German commemorative stamp programme and each valued at 0.95 €. The upper stamp is the "Stolpersteine" issue, the design reproduces one of Gunter Demnig's brass cobblestones. His "Stolpersteine"-project, now comprising well over 100.000 individual memorial stones embedded in pavements across Europe, commemorates Holocaust victims at the very places they last lived or worked. The lower stamp honours Margot Friedländer (1921–2025). Friedländer was a well-known Holocaust survivors and a tireless advocate for remembrance until her death at the age of 103 in May 2025. 

Stamps:

"Stolpersteine" - Issued: 04-12-2025

Margot Friedländer (1921–2025) - Issued: 04-12-2025

USA: Ship Mail from the RV Thomas G. Thompson – University of Washington

This cover was mailed aboard the RV Thomas G. Thompson, the oceanographic research vessel operated by the University of Washington School of Oceanography in Seattle. The circular ship cachet shows a scenic landscape illustration and prominently features both the vessel's name and the School of Oceanography.

Adding a further official touch, the cover also bears the embossed seal of the University of Washington (founded 1861) in the lower left — a blind emboss used on formal university correspondence, and a nice philatelic bonus for this piece.

Stamps:

Trident Maple Bonsai (Forever, 45¢) - Issued: 23-01-2012

"Freedom Forever" Flag - Issued: 22-02-2012

School Bus (Additional Ounce) - 05-01-2023

Many thanks to John!

 

 

 

Picture of the Ship:

 

By University of Washington - https://www.dvidshub.net/image/4352847/r-v-thomas-g-thompson, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=93242359

 

Bulgaria: Bulgaria in the Eurozone

On 1st January 2026, Bulgaria officially adopted the euro, becoming the latest member of the eurozone. To mark this historic moment, Bulgarian Post issued its first stamp of 2026, titled "Bulgaria in the Eurozone" – carrying a face value of 1 euro and designed by Nenko Atanasov. The stamp was officially issued on January 14th 2026.

Stamp:

Bulgaria: Bulgaria in the Eurozone - Issued: 14-01-2026

Many thanks to Emil!

Liechtenstein: SEPAC 2025 - "Architecture"

As reminder, every year, the members of SEPAC – the Small European Postal Administrations' Cooperation – join forces to release a stamp on a shared theme. For 2025, the chosen theme is "Architecture". Liechtenstein's contribution is a single stamp with a face value of CHF 1.90, issued on 2 June 2025. The motif is the Hagenhaus – a 19th-century farmstead located in the small hamlet of Nendeln. The building complex has been a listed monument since 1988 and is considered the best-preserved early 19th-century farm complex in the entire Principality.

Stamp:

SEPAC 2025 - "Architecture" - Issued: 02-06-2025

Luxembourg: The Accession of Grand Duke Guillaume

On 3 October 2025, Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg abdicated after nearly twenty-five years on the throne, passing the crown to his eldest son, Guillaume V, Grand Duke of Luxembourg. The change of throne was formalised at the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg City and followed by Guillaume’s oath before the Chamber of Deputies, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the world’s only remaining grand duchy. 

Stamp:

The Accession of Grand Duke Guillaume - Issued: 03-10-2025

South Africa: German frigate "Baden-Württemberg" (F 222) - Mission: "Indo-Pacific Deployment 2024" (May - December 2024)

This is another cover of german frigate "Baden-Württemberg" on its 2024 "Indo-Pacific Deployment"-Mission. After I got a cover from its port call to Tokyo in August 2024, this comes from the port call to Cape Town, South Africa in late November 2024. As a reminder, the Indo-Pacific Deployment marked a strategic effort by European and allied navies to reinforce maritime security, uphold freedom of navigation, and strengthen partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region. 

The cover was posted in Cape Town but was actually postmarked about 1,500 kilometers to the north, near the capital, Pretoria in Tshwane.

 

Stamp:

Birds - Woodpeckers (from a set of 10) - Issued: 12-03-2020

Picture of the Ship during the port call to Cape Town:

(c) Bundeswehr/ Julia Kelm

 

France: 50 years of Radio France

In 2025, Radio France celebrates its 50th anniversary. The public broadcaster was founded in 1975 after the breakup of ORTF and has since become a central part of France’s media landscape. Radio France runs several well-known stations, including France Inter, France Info, and France Culture. Together, they offer news, music, culture, and entertainment to millions of listeners every day.

Stamps:

50 years of Radio France (Bloc stamp & stamp) - Issued: 29-08-2025

Many thanks to Eric!

Malaysia: 160th Anniversary of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU)

In 2025, the world marks 160 years since the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), established in 1865 to advance global connectivity and international cooperation in telecommunications. For this occasion Pos Malaysia issued 2 stamps as se-tenant pair and 1 miniature sheet containing 2 different circular stamps.

 

 

 

Stamps:

160th Anniversary of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) - Issued: 17-05-2025

Stamp:

160th Anniversary of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) (mini sheet) - Issued: 17-05-2025

 

Many thanks to Henry!

Germany: Lufthansa Nonstop Flight LH640 Munich, Germany -> Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Starting October 26, 2025, Lufthansa resumed nonstop flights between Munich and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The route had previously been suspended as part of the airline’s network consolidation and capacity adjustments during and after the global pandemic period. As the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is home to nearly eight million people and is known for its sustained growth, dynamic economy, and rich cultural heritage—making it an increasingly important hub for international business and investment. The purple postmark indicates that the flight was operated by D-AIXF, an Airbus A350-900 (A350-941) in the fleet of Lufthansa, bearing the name “Bochum.”

 

 

Backside:

 

Stamp:

World of Letters Definitive (1,25 €) - Issued: 01-03-2025

Poland: EUROPA 2025 - "National Archaeological Discoveries"

 

Stamps:

EUROPA 2025 - "National Archaeological Discoveries" - Issued: 29-04-2025

Many thanks to Jeremy!

Philippines: Personalities - "Carlos Yulo" (First filipino gymnast to win Olympic gold medals)

Carlos Yulo (*16th February 2000) is the first filipino gymnast to win Olympic gold medals. He earned two titles at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning gold in the men’s floor exercise and men’s vault.

 Stamp:

Personalities - "Carlos Yulo" (s/s) - Issued: 24-04-2025 

Many thanks to Danny!

 

In addition to Yulo’s victories, the Philippines also earned other medals in Paris, including a bronze medal by Aira Villegas in women’s boxing (flyweight division) and another bronze by Nesthy Petecio in women’s boxing (featherweight division).

 

Stamps:

Personalities - "Paris 2024 Medalists" - Issued: 24-014-2025

Many thanks to Ani!

Canada: Places of Pride

Released on May 30, 2025, Canada Post's "Places of Pride" stamp series commemorates four historic 2SLGBTQIA+ sites across Canada. The four Permanent™ domestic rate stamps, designed by Kelly Small and illustrated by Tim Singleton, honor landmarks of activism and community, including Club Carousel (Calgary), Hanlan’s Point Beach (Toronto), Truxx Bar (Montreal), and the 3rd North American Native Gay & Lesbian Gathering. 

Many thanks to Linda, for sending me this cover with her own designed offical postmark!

Stamps:

Places of Pride (from a set of 4) - Issued: 30-05-2025

Switzerland: Solidarity for Blatten

Blatten, a small village in the Swiss canton of Valais, was struck by a devastating landslide on 28 May 2025, when a collapse of the Birch Glacier buried most of the community under rock, ice, and debris, destroying homes and infrastructure. The disaster forced the evacuation of residents and shocked the nation as Switzerland rallied to support the affected families. As part of the relief effort, Swiss Post issued a special “Solidarity for Blatten” postage stamp in cooperation with the Swiss Red Cross. Every stamp sold contributes (CHF 5.00) directly to aid for those who lost their homes and possessions, turning the stamp into both a symbol of sympathy and a practical way to help.

 

Stamps:

Solidarity for Blatten - Issued: 01-08-2025

The 50th Anniversary of Swiss Radio International - Issued: 10-09-1985

Many thanks to Hansjürg!

Austria: "Christmas 2025" - 64th "Weihnachtsballonpost" ("Christmas Balloon Post")

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Like last year, I'm happy to show this year's Weihnachtsballonpost ("Christmas Balloon Post"), too. As a reminder, this is an annual tradition and philatelic charity champaigne of sending specially designed Christmas covers and postcards via hot air balloon from Sonthofen, Germany to the town of Christkindl in Austria. The envelope bears a pictorial cancellation from the Christkindl post office on the right and on the left the black Cachet of the Ballon including a customized stamp celebrating the 64rthWeihnachts-ballonpost. The green-framed flight label provides detailed information about the balloon transport. 

Stamp:

Christmas – The Birth of Christ, St Leonhard parish church - Issued: 14-11-2025

Latvia: EUROPA 2025 - "National Archaeological Discoveries"

Stamp:

EUROPA 2025 - "National Archaeological Discoveries" - Issued: 09-05-2025

Andorra: EUROPA 2025 - "National Archaeological Discoveries" (Spanish Post)

Stamp:

EUROPA 2025 - "National Archaeological Discoveries" - Issued: 09-05-2025

I mailed this cover to myself during my visit at the 2025 Ulm International stamp fair.

South Korea: President Lee Jae Myung's first 100 Days in Office

Lee Jae-myung was elected President of South Korea on 3 June 2025 and officially took office on 4 June 2025.  To commemorate his first 100 days in office, Korea Post issued a special inauguration stamp — issued on 11 September 2025.

Stamp:

President Lee Jae Myung's first 100 Days in Office - Issued: 11-09-2025

Many thanks to Park Pyo Jun!

Philippines: Philippines 80-year UN membership

Stamps:

Philippines 80-year UN membership - Issued: 26-06-2025

Spain: Cycling - "La Vuelta a España 2025"

Along with the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia, "La Vuelta a España" is one of the three Grand Tours of professional road cycling. Held every year in late summer, the 2025 "Vuelta" took place in Italy, France, Andorra and Spain. It started on 23 August in Turin, Italy and finished on 14 September in Madrid, Spain. The race was won by danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard, taking his first Vuelta in his career.

Stamp:

Cycling - "La Vuelta a España" - Issued: 31-07-2025

I mailed this cover to myself during my visit at the 2025 Ulm International stamp fair.

Luxembourg: EUROPA 2025 - "National Archaeological Discoveries"

Stamps:

EUROPA 2025 - "National Archaeological Discoveries" - Issued: 06-05-2025 (to note a new additional word "Philately" in the postmark)

Malaysia: Flowers of Malaysia

Stamps:

Flowers of Malaysia (full set) - Issued: 30-07-2025

Flowers of Malaysia (mini sheet) - Issued: 30-07-2025

Many thanks to Henry!

Austria: EUROPA 2025 - "National Archaeological Discoveries"

Stamp:

EUROPA 2025 - "National Archaeological Discoveries" - Issued: 01-05-2025

Switzerland: EUROPA 2025 - "National Archaeological Discoveries"

Stamps:

EUROPA 2025 - "National Archaeological Discoveries" (full set) - Issued: 08-05-2025

Germany: Lufthansa Special Flight LH 2572 Munich, Germany -> Mount Pleasant (Port Stanley) (Falkland Islands)

This cover traveled aboard a Lufthansa special charter flight from Munich, Germany to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, 'arriving' on March 12, 2025 (Port Stanley Philatelic Service Postmark). Originally scheduled for March 10, the flight was delayed by one day due to a strike at Munich Airport (lower black cachet). The aircraft carried scientific personnel on behalf of the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI). This personnel was en route to board the German research vessel Polarstern, which would bring them to Neumayer Station III in Antarctica for the institute’s 2025 expedition season.

 

Stamps:

World of Letters Definitive (1,10 €) - Issued: 01-03-2022

World of Letters Definitive (0,15 €) - Issued: 01-08-2024

Bermuda: Fruits of Bermuda

Stamps:

Fruits of Bermuda  (from a set of 6) - Issued: 15-04-2024

Many thanks to John!

Thailand: THAILAND 2025 - Asian International Stamp Exhibition, Bangkok, 8-12 August 2025

The Asian International Stamp Exhibition – Thailand 2025 took place in Bangkok from August 8 to 12, 2025, at the historic Grand Postal Building on Charoen Krung Road in the Bangrak district. The event was organized by the Philatelic Association of Thailand under the patronage of H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The stamps on the front were issued for this occasion. They are a showing a newly discovered plant species with the botanical name 'Impatiens sirindhorniae', named after the Princess of Thailand Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. 

Stamps:

Chinese New Year - Year of the Pig - Issued: 01-01-2019

Coronation of King Vajiralongkorn to Rama X - Issued: 04-05-2019

Thanks a lot to Xu Wei!

France: Les timbres Coeur 2025 - "Pierre Hermé"

Pierre Hermé, often called the "Picasso of Pastry," is a world-renowned French pastry chef celebrated for revolutionizing the art of desserts. Born in 1961 into a family of bakers, Hermé trained under Gaston Lenôtre before developing his own innovative style. He is best known for reinventing the French macaron, introducing bold and unexpected flavor combinations such as rose, lychee, and raspberry. Today, Hermé owns boutiques across the globe and has authored numerous books. 

Stamps:

Les timbres Coeur 2025 - "Pierre Hermé" (Mini-Sheet) - Issued: 27-01-2025

Many thanks to Eric!

Japan: Nagasaki (August 9, 2025 - The 80th Anniversary of the Atomic Bombing of Nagasaki)

Nagasaki is the capital and the largest city of Nagasaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu in Japan. On August 9, 1945, it became the target of the second (after Hiroshima) atomic bombing in history. The bomb, dropped by the United States during World War II, killed tens of thousands instantly and left lasting effects from radiation exposure.

Today, Nagasaki is home to several important sites of remembrance. The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum documents the events and consequences of the attack, while the Peace Park serves as a memorial and a symbol of the city’s commitment to nuclear disarmament. One famous item in this Park of peace is the 13-meter-tall Peace Statue made by Seibo Kitamura (北村 西望, Kitamura Seibō) which can be seen on the postmark.

Stamps:

Definitives - Greetings and Occasion - Issued: 02-09-2024

Basic Greetings Stamps - Issued: 01-05-2024

Definitives - Issued: 02-02-2015

 

 

Many thanks to Linda!