The Kingdom of Crystal in Sweden offers us a fascinating journey into the world of glass art. The Smaland Tourist Board invited us as travel bloggers on a research trip to the glassblowers. Here we experience first hand how artistic glass objects are created in traditional glassworks. We can watch the glassmakers at work and even try our hand at it ourselves. The Kingdom of Glass shows us not only the artistry of the glassblowers, but also the importance of this tradition for the region.
The Kingdom of Crystal in Sweden is located in Smaland
We were traveling on a car tour through southern Sweden on a route through the Kingdom of Crystal in Smaland Sweden. The fact that we like glass, the visitors of our blog know at the latest since we about our visit to the Glass factory of Simon Pearce in Vermont have reported. This time we were in Smaland and visited handicraft businesses. After we learn more about Rag rugs from Sweden our journey continued. We were invited to visit the Kingdom of Crystal in Smaland . At first we couldn't really imagine anything. But we quickly understood what was meant by that. Part of our round trip South Sweden route by car leads us through the Kingdom of Crystal.
Accommodation Smaland Sweden
- There are not many lodging options in these dense forests. Most focus in and around Kosta *.
- Just outside the Kingdom of Crystal, but close enough for day trips, lies the new Trakt Forest Hotel in Holsbybrunn*.
- Accommodation in Smaland * for your car tour South Sweden route through the Kingdom of Crystal you can find here.
- A Holiday house in Sweden at the lake * you can discover here.
If you book through one of these offers, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
In the southeast of Smaland Sweden There is a region whose soil consists mainly of hard rock, grow on the dense forests. The attempt to farm here is doomed to failure from the outset. Nothing grows on this soil except forest and mosses. There is a lot of it in Glasriket in Smaland. Larger villages are looking for but in vain on this car round trip southern Sweden route. We travel long distances through these dense forests, without encountering a place. Until suddenly a factory or village appears in the middle of the forest, the only purpose of which is to house the people who work in one of the twelve glass factories that exist in the Kingdom of Glass in Smaland Sweden.
Glassblowing in Smaland
Glassblowing in Smaland is one of the crafts that we encounter in the Kingdom of Glass in Sweden. In the glassworks, for example, we experience first-hand how artistic glass objects are created from raw material. The glassmakers use centuries-old techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. We are fascinated by how precisely and patiently they work to create beautiful shapes from liquid glass. The combination of tradition and innovation makes glassblowing in Smaland a unique experience.
Kosta Boda Outlet, Bergdala and Orrefors are located in Smaland Sweden
This region seems very familiar to me. I grew up in an area where glass has been made for centuries. In the Bohemian borderland. There, too, there are deep forests and places where glassworks still produce their fragile works of art as well as everyday glass. It's no surprise to me when I hear that the first glassblowers in the Kingdom of Crystal came from Bohemia in Smaland, Sweden. The region's forests provide sufficient fuel to heat the kilns necessary for glass production.
The Swedish king came early in the 18. At the beginning of the 20th century, the idea was to use this inaccessible region for glassmaking. Only: there were no Swedish glassblowers who could have done this job! So he invited experts from the Bohemian glass villages to Sweden, who soon felt at home there. They were to teach Swedish workers the art of glass blowing.
Swedish glass craft and glass art
And they did it brilliantly! Soon, Swedish glass crafts and glass art from Sweden were being shown at international exhibitions. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, more and more glass artists were drawn to the Swedish Kingdom of Glass, creating true works of art from glass and making Swedish design known all over the world. A few decades ago, however, many of the glassworks in Smaland Sweden were facing economic ruin. It no longer seemed to be worth making glass. Many of them were on the verge of closing their doors. But for some of them, the turning point finally came. The glassworks that produced mass-produced goods disappeared. Those glassworks that dared to switch to producing glass art survived:
The Kosta Boda outlet in the Kingdom of Crystal in Smaland Sweden
The first glass factory we visit on our tour of the Crystal Kingdom in Smaland Sweden is the Kosta Boda Outlet in Kosta Glasbruk. The town of the same name is a small town that is grouped around the glass factory and a large outlet. Even today, people here make a living from glass production and everything that has to do with it.
We stay in the Kosta Boda Art Hotel *, which was built by a Swedish millionaire. A few years ago, he had ordered glassware from the Kosta glassworks for his company, but there were delivery problems. As a dynamic entrepreneur, he did not want to accept this and traveled to Kosta personally to solve the problems. However, he did not expect that he would fall in love with the glassworks. He bought it on the spur of the moment and built the outlet center, which today sells Kosta Boda glassware from the Kingdom of Crystal at reasonable prices. He opened the Kosta Boda Art Hotel, which celebrates the theme of glass and glass art. If you want to visit the Kingdom of Crystal in Smaland, Sweden, you cannot miss Kosta Boda.
If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
Glass art in "The Glass Factory" - Smaland Sweden Excursion destinations
How different and artistic glass can be, we see in "The Glass Factory" in Boda Glasbruk. Here we were lucky enough to meet the founder and director Maja Heuer. We were surprised to find that Maja speaks perfect German: “No wonder,” she laughs. “I was born in Germany and only came to Sweden during my studies.” The friendly young museum director then leads us through the former glassworks and explains what is happening there today. “Every year we invite glass artists from all over the world to work with us for a few months. You live here in an artistically very stimulating environment and can then create your works of art out of glass in the glassworks.”
During our visit we also meet a group of young Swedish art students who are preparing their final works for an exhibition in a room at the Glass Factory. One of them enthusiastically explains to us what his work represents. “Inspired by the video games of my childhood, I tried to show how they influenced my life.” In the permanent exhibition of the Glass Factory we see the development of glass work in the Glass Kingdom of Smaland Sweden and admire some works by glass artists who worked here .
Glass works in the Glass Factory
And then Maja leads us into the basement of the glassworks: "Now I'm going to show you the holy of holies of the Glass Factory", she laughs and searches for the key that opens the metal door to the basement. When she turns on the light in this room, glasswork glistens and shines on dozens of shelves in front of us. “These are works that we found in the Glass Factory when we took them over as a museum. We still have to catalog these works before presenting them to the public. It is a work of years. "
We walk carefully between the shelves and admire the vases, bowls, cups, plates and cups that come from the glass factories in the Kingdom of Crystal in Smaland Sweden. I can well imagine how they will once delight visitors to the Glass Factory. But they are still waiting in the basement of the Glass Factory to be captured. What a legacy!
Every child in Smaland grows up with the Bergdala glass
"Be sure to check that out Exhibition in Bergdala Glasbruk on, ”advises Kerstin Hallberg from Destination Smaland. “Every child in Smaland grows up with the glass from this glassworks.” That makes me curious. So I want to see what these glass works look like. Simple glass shapes await us, all with a blue edge. In the sales room there is also a table set with Bergdala glassware, which really whets your appetite for what is served there.
I can well imagine how good the morning cereal tastes or the freshly squeezed orange juice that is served. This is used glass exactly to my taste.
Glassworks:
The Kingdom of Crystal in Sweden offers us a deep insight into the traditional glass art of Smaland. In glassworks such as Kosta, Orrefors and Boda we see how hand-made glass objects are created. These works are not only culturally significant, but also an economic pillar of the region. Glass art has made Smaland internationally known and contributes to the regional economy through tourism and exports. The combination of art and business makes the Kingdom of Crystal a unique destination that combines craftsmanship and economic importance.
We only have one day for our tour of the Crystal Empire in Smaland. However, other glassworks in this region also invite you to visit, so you can easily spend several days here.
- Orrefors Park, Bruksområdet 1, 38040 Orrefors
- Maleras, Industrigatan 20, 38042 Målerås
- Micke Johans konstglas, Örsjö 134, 382 90 Örsjö
- Nybro, Herkulesgatan 2, 382 21 Nybro
- Carlos R. Pebaqué Design, Glasblåsarvägen 6, 380 41 Gullaskruv
- Skruf, Kajvägen 4, 360 53 Skruv
- Transjö Hytta, Transjö, 36052 Kosta
- Erikshyttan, Marknadsvägen 3, 361 94 Eriksmåla
- Hauges Hantverksglas, Kulltorp Haga, 364 33 Åseda
- Pukebergs Glasbruk, Pukebergarnas väg, 38228 Nybro
- Magma Art Glass, Transjö 147, 365 44 Kosta. This is one of the smaller but unique glassworks in the Kingdom of Crystal, where you can see artistic glass in an idyllic setting.
You can find the glassworks in Sweden on this map
Event in the Kingdom of Crystal Sweden
Glasriket Glöder – This is a three-day autumn event in October where glassworks and workshops open their doors and offer visitors a luminous glass show and numerous activities for the whole family
More information about the Kingdom of Crystal Sweden
- Get more inspiration for the Kingdom of Glass here.
- You can also find interesting information in the Glasriket Magazine.
- Wikipedia gives a brief insight into the history of glassblowing in Sweden.
Conclusion of our trip through the Kingdom of Glass in Sweden:
Our visit to the Kingdom of Glass in Sweden not only impressed us, but also gave us deeper insights into the region's traditional glass art. We saw how glassblowers skillfully and patiently create delicate works of art from glowing mass. This trip shows us how closely the history and culture of Småland are linked to the glass tradition. It is not only an experience for the senses, but also an encounter with an important part of Swedish identity.
Questions and answers about the Kingdom of Crystal in Sweden:
Which glassworks are particularly worth seeing in the Kingdom of Glass?
There are many glassworks in the Kingdom of Glass, but some are particularly famous for their tradition and craftsmanship. Find out about the oldest and most renowned to experience the diversity of glass art.
Are there special events in the Kingdom of Glass?
Yes, the Kingdom of Crystal offers various events throughout the year, such as glassblowing days or special exhibitions. So make sure you find out about current events before your visit.
Can I blow glass myself in the Kingdom of Glass?
In some glassworks, for example, you can create your own glass objects under supervision. This experience allows you to experience the art of glass blowing first hand.
Are there guided tours of the glassworks?
Many glassworks offer tours where you can learn more about the history as well as the manufacturing process. These tours provide deep insights into the craft.
What role does the Kingdom of Crystal play in Swedish culture?
The Kingdom of Crystal is an important part of Swedish cultural history. The tradition of glassblowing goes back centuries and is closely linked to Småland's identity.
More tips for southern Sweden
- A Route suggestion for a road trip through southern Sweden can be found for example at gooutbecrazy.
Travel Arrangements:
Parking at the airport
Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.
How to reach us
Compare and book flights here*. Lufthansa and SAS will follow StockholmThere you can then rent a car for your onward journey.
Car Rentals:
Cheap car hire - book quickly and easily!
Hotel in Kosta:
For example, we stayed at the Kosta Boda Art Hotel in Kosta *, Further Smaland hotels * You can also find this link.
Map for a day tour of the Kingdom of Crystal in Smaland:
If you book via a link marked with *, we receive a commission with which we operate this blog.
Do you know this?
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Source for Glasriket in Smaland – Kosta Boda Outlet, Bergdala and Orrefors round trip southern Sweden route: research on site. We would definitely like to thank you Visit Smaland for inviting me to this trip. However, our opinions remain our own. The article also contains Affiliate Links. These are marked with * so that you can recognize these links.
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Updated on 28.08.2024
Very nice report. We were at the Sonnwend 2014 Glasriket and have some recognized. You have to keep your wallet pretty good.
That's right, Kurt. There are really nice glass works :)