Glasriket is the Swedish name of The Kingdom of Crystal. The region handblown glass has been made since 1742. Many well-known brands originate from here, including Orrefors, Kosta Boda, Mats Jonasson Målerås and Skruf. Together with the glassblowers, designers continuously stretch the possibilities of glass, and many glassblowing techniques have been developed through experimentation in the Småland blowing rooms. As a visitor you will encounter today both everyday glass and art glass of world-class quality, and you are welcome to step up to the glass furnaces to see it being created.
In the summer, you also have the opportunity to try your hand at blowing, painting and engraving glass. Adjacent to the blowing rooms are well-stocked glass shops where you can bargain hunt and exhibition halls where you can view the latest in Swedish art glass. Glass Art – is the glassworks’ summer exhibition. A joint opening at all glassworks during the last weekend in April inaugurates the exhibition which will continue through August 31.
But beyond the heat of the blowing rooms, there is also much to experience in The Kingdom of Crystal. Here the nature of Småland, which once supported the works, offers opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing and fishing in lakes and streams.
Here you will also find cultural history, the immigrant district as well as a large range of shopping and other activities. Why not ride a bicycle trolley on one of the old railway tracks, experience a genuine hot shop herring (“hyttsill”) evening, visit one of the many charming museums or take a course to teach yourself the basics of glassblowing? The Kingdom of Crystal has something for all tastes and interests.