Krefeld is located in Germany on the west bank of the Lower Rhine River, not far from the Netherlands, and is a beautiful mix of the old and new, with a spacious plaza and pedestrian area at the centre of the city.

In a bid to increase the profile of the area and bring a sense of pride to its residents, the people of Krefeld, led by the Mayor's Office, embarked on the monumental task of breaking a Guinness World Records™ achievement that has not been challenged since 1994 – the record for the world’s largest postcard (previously held by the Canadian National Defence Headquarters for a postcard measuring 28.8 m², or 310 ft²).

An advertising campaign was launched whereby the locals were asked to send in photographs for use on a postcard illustrating the beauty of Krefeld. Project Managers Sven Vaders, Joachin Kammer and Nadine Tillmanns were overwhelmed by the response, receiving 7,813 photos. In the end, 6,367 photos were selected for the final postcard, which measured a whopping 42.69 m² (459.511 ft²).

Achieving the size was the first challenge; the more difficult task, however, was sending it. Working with TNT, the global express-mail service, the postcard was stamped and franked at Stadthaus, 15 minutes from Krefeld’s city centre, and was addressed to the mayor from the people of Krefeld. The postcard itself weighed over 300 kg (661.386 lb) and was transported on a lorry specially designed for this purpose. Guinness World Records Adjudicator Kelly Garrett, along with local police and members of TNT, escorted the postcard to the city centre, where it was signed for and received by the Mayor of Krefeld, Gregor Kathstede (Germany).

Against a backdrop of beautiful sunny skies and in honour of this fantastic achievement, a Guinness World Records certificate was presented to the people of Krefeld.

12 May 2009