Glasshouses and glassworks in Glasriket - guide with map

To FREEDOMtravel

Advertisement

Did you know that there are more than a dozen glassworks and glassworks in Glasriket? This area of Småland has changed, but the fact is that it is still bubbling with artistry! We have visited almost all the foundries and glassworks in the area, and here you can find our guide.

Tweet

Share

Share

Pin

Share

Share

Glassworks and glass factories in Glasriket

The Glasriket region in Småland is much more than glass. In fact, today there is a strong focus on many kinds of tourist activities, and people come to Glasriket to hike in nature, see moose, experience herring, eat good food and see other forms of arts and crafts. But, of course, what is at the heart of Glasriket is glass.

Many may remember the period in history when people travelled to Glasriket to find glass products. When the production of utility glass moved to low-wage countries, conditions changed. But you have to adapt, and that's exactly what Glasriket has done. Today, a lot of art glass is made here, and it is combined with different types of experiences for tourists.

Glassworks and glass factories in Glasriket - on a map

Here you can see all the glassworks in Glasriket, as well as all the studio huts, on a map. We have visited almost All of them. Some of them we visited now, during our trip in May this year. Several others we visited when we were in Glasriket a few years ago.

1. Bergdalahyttan

Bergdalahyttan has been blowing glass since 1889. It is sometimes referred to as the "blue-edged glassworks" because it produces the famous Blue Edge series. It also produces creative art glass. You can take a peek inside the glassworks, visit the shop and take a look at the fine exhibition.

2. Kosta Glassworks

Kosta Glassworks is the largest glassworks in the Kingdom of Crystal. Here, in Destination Kosta, you can see glass blowing, but also visit the art gallery, try to blow glass yourself, shop at the outlet, eat in restaurants, try herring and go on safari. In Kosta you will never be bored!

3. magma art glass

Transjöhyttan has been taken over by a new generation and is now operated under the name Magma Art Glass. Lars Skulberg from Norway and Dan Clausen from Denmark have taken over, and when we were here there was also an Austrian glassblower on site. This is one of the glassworks in Glasriket that you not don't want to miss! The art is incredibly deliciously placed around nature.

It's also fascinating to see the guys at work. They like to do large work here, and it requires strength, co-operation, precision and skill.

At the glassworks there is a small shop where you can shop for art glass. You'll find everything from very popular (and affordable) small glass sponges to much more exclusive works of art.

4. Erikshyttan

Erikshyttan is a rather small cottage, founded in 1991 by Lars Sø, Maja Cunningham and Simon Holm in Eriksmåla. When we were here, the oven was not running, but we had a very nice conversation with the owner.

We were fascinated by the tall illuminated sculptures, and the fine iron stoves that were also for sale here. We also managed to get a great photo of our motorhome through one of the lanterns in the windows.

5. Skrufs Glassworks

Skrufs Glasbruk is open all year round and offers a stylish design that has become a favourite of many. At the glassworks there is a small shop where you can buy glass and other gifts.

6. The Glass Factory

The Glass Factory in Boda is not just a glass factory, but primarily an interactive glass museum. Here you can learn about the development of the craft and see various exhibitions, but also watch glassblowers at work. The factory also organises various glass shows and other events.

7. Mickejohan's art glass

If we were to recommend another glassworks in Glasriket that you don't want to miss, it would be Mickejohans konstglas. Micke Johansson became a master at the age of 24 and today has developed advanced techniques that no one else in the world has mastered. Everywhere in Glasriket you hear people talking about this artist with respect and fascination. As a tourist, you are welcome to take a look inside the glassworks and the shop, and sometimes well-attended shows are organised.

8. Pukeberg Glassworks

Pukeberg is one of Sweden's oldest glassworks, with production since 1871. Today you'll find both a small glassworks here and the National Glass School, which teaches glass crafts and design. Many people also come to Pukeberg for the cosy Café Hos Oss and the recurring hyttsillen.

9. Nybro Crystal

Nybro Crystal offers utility glass for everyday and festive use. Above all, you will find stained glass here, made with airbrush or brush painting.

10. Orranäs Glassworks

Orranäs Glassworks is located right next to the old Orrefors. When we were here in 2021, we visited the glassworks, the fantastic shop and the museum, which tells about Orrefors glass production from different eras. Last summer, the entire glassworks tragically burned down and was completely destroyed. Now, despite the setbacks, a new one is being built. Shame on those who give up!

Orranäs is an artistic glassworks where artists are given the opportunity to go the extra mile, and the products in the shop are really leak. What about glass fish bags, for example?

During this year's visit, we were lucky enough to meet the artist Emilia Linderholm, who has a background in opera and is the artist behind the lovely and colourful glass dresses in the Orranäs shop.

An exciting idea in Orranäs is that they actually invite you to realise your own idea in glass.

Maybe you've been thinking about a customised candlestick or a glass series for a restaurant? A sculpture? A customised gift for your customers or your employees?

So, how is the new smelter coming along? So far, the shop and museum are open, but the builders are hard at work. It's hoped that the smelter will be ready sometime in summer 2024.

11 Carlos R. Pebeque Design

In a gallery in Gullaskruv, Carlos R. Pebaqué, originally from Uruguay, exhibits his glass art. In summer, the gallery is open daily.

12. Målerås Glassworks

Målerås Glasbruk offers glass and glass art with really cool design, with Mats Jonasson as the main designer. Among other things, animal motifs dominate here, and the glassworks is also known for combining glass and iron.

Målerås is an exciting place to visit in general. In addition to browsing in the shop, you can take part in a hut show, try your hand at blowing glass or perhaps experience an evening with hut herring. Right next door is the restaurant Målerås Bistro as well as Hantverksbutiken and Målerås Läder.

13. Persson and Persson

Morgan and Elin Persson run the "Persson & Persson" glassworks together at their farm in Ösjöbol. Their main focus, which distinguishes them from other glassworks in Gasriket, is that they work with recycling, which means that they transform old used glass bottles into new products. In addition, Morgan blows art glass, which is displayed in its own exhibition hall.

Morgan showed us how he heats and moulds an old bottle. The one you see in the picture below became a decanter...

Reusing glass is fascinating and delicious, and it really feels like it's right on time. The price tag is often manageable and you get something unique and produced in the spirit of sustainability. There are beautiful glasses and cool decanters, sometimes with text or shapes left over from the original product.

During the high season, the couple also runs a small café in the cosy premises, and we got to taste their super good buns.

In the next room, Morgan's blown art glass is on display. Although we were here early in the morning (we had spent the night in the small car park next door), several customers soon arrived ... and it was time for us to move on!

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

Although many people come to Glasriket in Småland to visit glassworks and glassworks, there are also many other things to see and do. Other cultural experiences include, for example Lessebo hand paper mill, Granhult church and Emigrant settlements.

There are also plenty of art galleries and retro shops, as well as cafés and restaurants. Find out more about what you can see and do in Glasriket here, or click on the image below for tips on all of Småland.

Have you visited glassworks in Glasriket?

Have you visited one or more glassworks in Glasriket? How was your experience? Please tell us!

You might also like:

Things to do in Glasriket - 25 tips for sights and experiences Kosta Art Gallery - exciting art in the Glass Kingdom Visiting Kosta in Glasriket - a gem in Småland Visiting a moose park - moose safari in Glasriket moose park Fika and restaurants in Glasriket - 7 places you don't want to miss Motorhome pitches in Glasriket in Småland - we tested these 9