Sweden has a world-class reputation for fine crystal and decorative glass, and the place to go to explore this art is a region of Småland known as Glasriket, or the Kingdom of Crystal.
With its hypnotic glassblowing workshops hidden in among dense forests, Glasriket is the most visited area in SWEDEN outside Stockholm and Goteborg. There are at least 11 glass factories (look for glasbruk signs), most with long histories: Kosta, for example, was founded in 1742.
The immense popularity of this region is not only with northern Europeans – lots of Americans tour the country tracing their ancestors, many of whom emigrated from this area at the end of the 19th century. The glassworks have similar opening hours, usually 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm Saturday and noon to 4pm Sunday.
Expert glass designers produce some extraordinary avant-garde pieces, often with a good dollop of Swedish humour involved. Factory outlets have substantial discounts on seconds (around 30% to 40% off), and larger places can arrange shipping to your home country.
There’s a GLASRIKET Pass (Skr 95), which allows free admission into ‘hot shops’ and museums, and discounts on purchases and hyttsill parties. A privilege card should be fun to use, and that’s the case with Glasriket Pass. Glasriket Pass is your privilege card in the Kingdom of Crystal that makes your visit more affordable and a little more fun. The card is loaded with lots of offers, In practically every shop you will be greeted with offers, and you also receive discounts on activities, admissions, handicrafts, food and drink, experiences and events.
It is available at glassworks, tourist offices, lodging facilities and shops throughout Sweden’s Kingdom of Crystal. Glasriket Pass, which is non-transferable, costs SEK 95 and is valid for the whole calendar year. Most of GLASRIKET is in Kalmar lan, with some in KRONOBERGs lan.
Related articles:
Stockholm: Sweden’s Crystal City
The Cobalt Works and Mines in Norway
Royal Copenhagen
