The Kingdom of Crystal
Copyright: Glasriket AB
DESTINATIONS
sweden
glasriket
The Kingdom of Crystal
Over a million visitors flock to the Kingdom of Crystal each year, an area spanning Kronoberg and Kalmar counties in Småland, within the municipalities of Emmaboda, Lessebo, Nybro, and Uppvidinge. Many return time and again, and it's easy to see why. Watching the glowing hot glass mass transform into delicate crystal or robust bowls is a spectacle that never grows old. Here, you can discover renowned glassworks and brands such as Orrefors, Kosta Boda, Skruf, Mats Jonasson Målerås, among others. Additionally, you can enjoy the best of Småland's nature, with its forests, lakes, stone walls, and a wealth of cultural experiences like Vilhelm Moberg's emigrant route.The Region
Mouth-blown glass has been produced in the Kingdom of Crystal since 1742, and it's the birthplace of renowned brands like Orrefors, Kosta Boda, Mats Jonasson Målerås, and Skruf. Here, designers and glassblowers continuously push the boundaries of glass, pioneering new techniques in the Småland furnaces. As a visitor today, you can encounter both functional and world-class art glass, and you're welcome to come right up to the glass furnaces to see these creations being made. In summer, there's a chance to engage directly with this art form by trying your hand at glass blowing, painting and engraving. The adjacent shops offer a wide selection of glass products at factory prices, while the exhibition halls display the latest trends in Swedish art glass. The annual Glaskonst exhibitions, showcasing the glassworks' summer collections, begin with a collective vernissage in the last weekend of April and continue until the end of August. Beyond the glass furnaces, Glasriket's quintessentially Småland landscape, which once played a crucial role in the founding of these glassworks, is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, horseback riding, canoeing and fishing in the scenic lakes and rivers. The area is also rich in cultural history and emigrant heritage, famously depicted by author Vilhelm Moberg in his series of novels "The Emigrants", which chronicles the journey and life of a group of people from Småland who emigrate to Minnesota in the United States. You'll also find plenty of shopping opportunities and activities. Explore the region's past by cycling on historic railway lines, enjoying a traditional glassworks evening, visiting charming local museums, or even learning the basics of glassblowing. The Kingdom of Crystal offers a diverse array of experiences to suit all tastes and interests.Glassworks
Visitors come to the Kingdom of Crystal to experience true craftsmanship, discover innovative design, and find great deals in outlets and glass shops. Step into the glassworks. It's here, amid the rumbling furnaces, that molten glass is shaped by skilled glassworkers into beautiful art — a mesmerizing spectacle! Additionally, many glass factories offer the chance to try glassblowing, painting and engraving yourself. Seize the opportunity to hire your own glassblower and bring your deepest design dreams to life. In the Kingdom of Crystal, anything is possible, and there's always a lot happening in the furnaces. Here, you can attend concerts, circuses, courses, or even enjoy a traditional glassworks dinner.Accommodations
The Kingdom of Crystal offers accommodations for all tastes and wallets. There is everything here from hotels and bed & breakfasts to youth hostels, flats and campgrounds. The lodging you want is always close at hand, since distances are not very great in The Kingdom of Crystal. Whatever lodging you choose, you can count on a warm welcome and genuine Småland atmosphere.Do & See
In addition to the glassworks there are many other activities in The Kingdom of Crystal. Most are related to the fantastic landscape or the deep rooted cultural heritage of the area.
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Svartbäcksmåla/Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: James Bond Museum/Glasriket AB
Copyright: Bernt Fransson, Lindås/cc by-sa 4.0/wikimedia
Copyright: Pieter Kuiper/public domain/wikimedia
Dining
In the Kingdom of Crystal, there are many opportunities for various culinary experiences, both in restaurants, cafes and bakeries, as well as in the many village cafes. Additionally, the specialty dish of the Kingdom of Crystal, hyttsill ('hot shop herring'), is served in the glassworks.
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Oscar Nord/unsplash
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Shopping
The Kingdom of Crystal is bustling with excellent shopping options, ranging from glass in all its forms to outlet shopping and flea markets. The area offers branded goods in outlet stores, seconds glass at factory sales, and locally produced items in the more traditional marketplaces.
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
Copyright: Glasriket AB
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Copyright: Glasriket AB
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Copyright: Glasriket AB
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