The RegionGuide was updated: September 17, 2024
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.