A guide to all the glassworks in Småland - discover the sparkling heart of the glass kingdom
When you open the door to a glassworks in Småland, a warm breath of air hits you. It's not just the heat from the furnace, but also the feeling of tradition, craftsmanship and a history that has been alive since the 18th century. This guide to all the glassworks in Småland is for those who want to experience the genuine and the unique - in the middle of the Småland forest, close to nature and culture, and perhaps only a day trip from Smålandstorpet.
Read more about Glasriket here.
Glasriket - where the glass heart beats
Glasriket, the area between Växjö and Kalmar, is not just a place - it's an experience. Since 1742, when Kosta Glasbruk was founded, generations of glassblowers have shaped the glass mass into art, utility objects and magic. Here you will find everything from small studio cabins to large glass industries, each with its own personality and specialty. In this guide, you will get an overview of the character of the mills, experiences and what makes each place worth a visit.
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Kosta Glassworks - where it all began
Kosta is the heart of Glasriket and Sweden's oldest active glassworks. Here the pulse of creativity beats around the clock. You can follow the skilled craftsmen in the glassworks, try blowing glass yourself or take a break in one of the area's cafés or restaurants. Don't miss the art gallery Kosta Art Gallery, world-class outlet shopping or the classic hyttsillen - an evening of Småland food, entertainment and glassblowing.
It's easy to see why so many people fall in love with the place. Big names like Ulrika Hydman-Vallien, Bertil Vallien and Kjell Engman have worked here and left their mark on glass art. Kosta is not just a glassworks, it is a cultural center where history meets the present.
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Bergdalahyttan - tradition in wood
In Bergdala, glass is still blown in one of the Glass Kingdom's few preserved wooden huts. The series "Blue Edge" series series is a classic, but exciting art glass is also made here. As a visitor, you are welcome to enter the cabin to see the craftsmanship up close. The nearby café and shop, open in summer, make the visit extra memorable - perfect for an excursion with both history and a sense of craftsmanship.
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Magma Art Glass - art by the river
In the idyllic Transjöhyttan, a new generation has taken over under the name Magma Art Glass. Run by glassblowers from Norway and Denmark, the art is scattered in the nature around the cabin. The small studio is beautifully situated by the Lyckebyån river, surrounded by meadows and red houses. There is a charming shop and gallery where you can experience both classic and innovative expressions. Please call ahead if you visit during the low season!
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Erikshyttan - modern variation
Erikshyttan in Eriksmåla is an example of how tradition can meet experimentation. Originally a glassworks, but now a place for varied art and techniques. Here, new shapes, colors and expressions are tried in an open and creative environment. The gallery offers both finished works and an insight into the constant development of glass. An exciting stop for those who appreciate the artistry of the craft.
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Skrufs Glassworks - minimalist design
Skrufs Glasbruk, a family-owned classic-style glassworks, is known for its elegant and stripped-down design. Here, all glass is produced by hand - carefully, beautifully and sustainably. Their glass is often featured in interior design magazines and homes with an eye for detail. You can see the process live in the glassworks, and in the small shop you can buy design favorites at factory prices. A place that breathes quality and Nordic simplicity.
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The Glass Factory - the epicenter of glass art
In Boda you will find Sweden's largest collection of art glass - the entire 50 000 objects. The Glass Factory is both a museum and a living art lab where national and international artists work with the possibilities of glass. Glass shows, workshops and exhibitions are held here all year round. It's a place for children and adults alike to explore, create and marvel.
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Mickejohan art glass - technical perfection
Micke Johansson is known for his technically advanced and colorful works. He became a master at the age of 24 and opened his own studio in Örsjö. Here he is free to create - with impressive results. In the newly built showroom, his art glass is displayed in full splendor, and you can sometimes see him work live. A gem for those who appreciate skill and color splendor.
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Pukeberg Glassworks - history and future
With roots dating back to 1871, Pukeberg is one of Sweden's oldest glassworks. Here you will find everything from classic glass production to the National Glass School, café, artist studios and recurring hyttsill. A living factory environment where you get a sense of how a glassworks area worked in the past - but also how it is developing today. Don't miss the shop and Café Hos Oss for a complete experience.
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Nybro Crystal - color and shape
Nybro Crystal is known for its stained glass - often colorful, playful and expressive. They use both airbrush and brush painting to create utility glass for everyday and festive use. Their series such as "Crystal Ink" and "Croco" are popular far beyond the borders of the Kingdom of Crystal. In the shop you will find gift items and ready-designed glass at affordable prices.
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Orranäs Glassworks - creative joy
Orranäs Glassworks is located in Orrefors, where color and form take place. Here you will also find The Glassblower Café & Creperieand you can both watch glassblowing and try it yourself. The historic mill environment, with museum and phytopark, offers a holistic experience of tradition, innovation and environmental thinking. Suitable for both adults and curious young people.
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Carlos R. Pebaqué Design - personalized joy in glass
Carlos R. Pebaqué is originally from Uruguay but has found his home in Gullaskruv. His glass art is characterized by playfulness, color and unique technique. With his proprietary CARA technique he can paint images inside the glass during the blowing process. The gallery is open daily during the summer - a colorful stop in the forest!
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Målerås Glassworks - power and emotion
Målerås Glasbruk combines glass and iron in a powerful, unswedish design. Animal motifs and reliefs dominate, and much is cut, painted and engraved with precision. Here you will also find Målerås Bistro, an iron foundry and the opportunity to try your hand at glassblowing. Hyttsill is recurring and popular - you eat traditional Småland food to the sound of the oven in the background.
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Persson & Persson - recycling with elegance
On a farm in Ösjöbol, Elin and Morgan Persson transform old bottles into modern, stylish glass objects. Their work with recycling is both environmentally friendly and beautiful. Here you can watch glass blowing, shop in the old country store, and sometimes have a coffee in the small café. Morgan's art glass is also internationally recognized.
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Hauges Hantverksglas - small-scale future
Hauges is a small glassworks with a focus on sustainability and small-scale production. Here you can get an up-close look at how the craft works, and you can meet artists and designers in the gallery. Open by appointment - a quiet and personal experience.
Tips for your trip to Glasriket
- Check opening hours! Many cabins have seasonal variations.
- Plan several stops. The mills are close together - perfect for a road trip.
- Try it out! Glassblowing is often possible for both adults and young people.
- Shop smart. Factory prices and the Glasriketpass can provide great bargains.
- Combine with coffee or dinner. Herring is a must!
Stay at Smålandstorpet - close to the entire Glasriket
After a day filled with glass art, the scent of smelting furnaces and inspiration, it's nice to come home to peace and quiet. At Smålandstorpet you'll stay comfortably, close to nature and in a great location for day trips to the entire Glasriket. Whether you want to explore historical glassworks or modern glass art, Smålandstorpet is a perfect base.
Welcome to read more or book your accommodation at Smålandstorpet - we look forward to welcoming you!
