A Danish postage stamp franked in Germany? That’s a surprise even for an experienced collector.

This “rarity” really is unique, and is only available on the new “SyltExpress” ferry. This modern, double-ended ferry connecting Sylt’s List harbour with the Danish island of Romo has its own post office – of course with its own ship’s stamp. As “post officer” the ship’s bursar is responsible for seeing that all post is processed in accordance with Deutsche Post rules.

MF “SyltExpress” with German-Danish post office

Only very few German ships are allowed to handle letters and postcards posted on board. The Sylt Ferry is one of them. The post officer franks all passenger post with a ship’s stamp, validating the post just as it is in a normal post office on land. The stamp is inscribed “German Ship’s Post” in both German and Danish – and that is unique in Germany. Depending on whether the letters and postcards are posted on the way from List to Havneby or on the return journey, they are franked accordingly. And it doesn’t matter if the postcard has a German or a Danish stamp on it. Both are accepted on the new ferry. This unusual solution is only possible because of a very old agreement between the post administrations of both countries which only applies to ferries on the high seas.

Your holiday greetings could turn out better – and what you write on the card is then of minor importance! And the special franking is absolutely free.