First day of the commemorative stamp "100-year anniversary of the Austrian Federal Forests"

100-year anniversary of the Austrian Federal Forests 

Austria’s natural heritage

In 2025, the Austrian Federal Forests (Österreichische Bundesforste, ÖBf) will celebrate their 100th anniversary. The commemorative stamp marking this occasion features a special scented coating designed to evoke the fragrance of the forest.

The Austrian Federal Forests were established as an independent economic entity by federal law on 28 July 1925. They are responsible for managing around 850,000 hectares of natural land – including the 15 percent of Austria’s forests that are owned by the Republic, as well as moors, wetlands, meadows and 74 of the country’s larger lakes – amounting to roughly 10 percent of Austria’s total territory. Since 1975, all forests in Austria, regardless of ownership, have been open to the public for recreational use. In 1997, the Austrian Federal Forests were restructured as a joint-stock company fully owned by the Republic of Austria. While forestry remains their core business, recreational offerings such as hiking, riding and mountain biking trails, natural bathing areas and winter sports facilities also play a major role. Around half of the areas managed by the ÖBf are subject to nature conservation laws.

Sustainability and close-to-nature management are at the heart of the ÖBf’s mission. The protective function of forests is also of vital importance: they improve air quality, prevent soil erosion, avalanches and landslides, and safeguard the quality of drinking water. Forests also serve as habitats for countless species of plants and animals. To mark the anniversary, the ÖBf will launch a biodiversity initiative in 2025 entitled “100 Years – 100 Hectares”, aimed at promoting species diversity and protecting nature.

Group photos:
Photo of presentation: ©oebf Frank Helmrich
Photo 1 (from left): Georg Schöppl (board spokesperson of Austrian Federal Forests)
Walter Oblin (CEO, Austrian Post)

Special post office: 25 September 2025, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Forest Campus Austria/Waldcampus Österreich, Forestry Training Centre/Forstliche Ausbildungsstätte,4801 Traunkirchen
Photo of presentation: © Forstliche Ausbildungsstätte
Group photo (left to right): Florian Hader (Director of the Forestry Training Centre), Gottfried Blank (President, BMSV Gmunden), Laurenz Aschauer (Head of ÖBf forestry activities Traun-Innviertel), Renate Rebhandl (Philately POS, Austrian Post), Wolfgang Jirikowski (BMSV Gmunden)

At the Forest Campus Austria in Traunkirchen, a special commemorative stamp was presented to celebrate the centenary of the Austrian Federal Forests. The presentation was accompanied by a special post office, a stamp exhibition by the Gmunden Stamp and Coin Collectors’ Association, and the exhibition “100-year anniversary of the Austrian Federal Forests”. The Forestry Training Centre in Traunkirchen congratulates the Austrian Federal Forests on their anniversary and expresses its gratitude for the excellent collaboration in forestry education and training.