One of the Czech Republic’s most sought-after products is crystal. Given the long history of crystal production in the area, it’s hardly surprising that Bohemia crystal now ranks among the world’s best. While touring the Bohemia crystal factory, you can learn about all the stages of creating crystal in Bohemia. You will also have the opportunity to purchase original Bohemian crystal at the factory shop.
45 minutes Prague to Bohemia Crystal Factory transfer
1 hour Bohemia Crystal Factory excursion
30-1 hour minutes Shopping in the crystal factory shop
45 minutes Bohemia Crystal Factory to Prague transfer
In pre-Christian times, the area was settled by Celts who were fond of glass and enamel beads. Blown glass has been produced since the 3rd century B.C. Glassmakers worked in the Lusatian Mountains of North Bohemia as far back as the 13th century. During this time Bohemia glass was used in monastery windows. In the following century, the industry began to thrive, and in 1414, the first true glass factory in the world was founded in Chřibská. Potash and chalk, the glassmakers discovered, made their products more stable than the Italian imports. Various factories sprang up around the area, including those in Skalice, Nový Bor, and Kamenický Šenov. During the Baroque period, covering the end of the 17th century and extending into the middle of the 18th century, manufacture reached a peak of excellence. It was in the 17th century that Emperor Rudolph II’s gem cutter, Caspar Lehmann, invented the process of engraving on glass. The dawn of the 18th century saw Bohemia as the world’s leading producer of glass. Bohemian houses, as they were called, were located worldwide, from New York to Cairo to Mexico to Beirut, as well as throughout Europe.
The Bohemia crystal factory we will visit near Prague manufactures an extensive range of cut 24 percent leaded crystal in a wide variety of decorations from the simple to the extremely complex with laborious decorations, gilt, hand painting and sandblasting. The company was chosen for the production and supply of official state gifts due to the very high quality of its products and services. It is possible to see all the stages of creating the glass in the glassworks factory.
The above mentioned Crystal Factory excursion combined with a visit to the nearby Karlstejn Castle (7-hour tour):
Bohemia Crystal Factory & Gothic Karlstejn Castle – Private Day Trips from Prague
Bohemia Crystal Experience – blow out a vase and wind beads yourself! (8-hour tour):
Bohemia Crystal Experience – blow out a vase and wind beads yourself
Moser Crystal Factory in Karlovy Vary (10-hour tour):
Moser Crystal Factory in Karlovy Vary – Private Day Trips from Prague
How do you recognize authentic Bohemia crystal? Read more in our article about Bohemia crystal. If you want to buy Bohemia crystal in Prague book one of our Prague walking tours.
Location | 40 km / 60 minute drive west of Prague (direction Germany - Nuremberg) |
Sights to See | |
Interiors | Bohemian Crystal Factory - excursion |
Availability From-To | from April, to October, closed on weekends |
Departure Time and Location | We will pick you up at the agreed place and time, most likely at the reception of your hotel in Prague. (To be specified in the request form below) |
Duration | 3,5 hours |
Return Location | We will finish the tour anywhere you wish in Prague. |
Means of Transportation | Walking and/or Driving - Car, Van, Minibus, Bus and/or Driving - Horse Carriage and/or Railing |
Required Walking Ability | Medium |
Language | All tours are in English, but exceptions can be made in advance. |
Additional Info | After the excursion of the Crystal glassworks you can buy Bohemian Crystal at the factory shop for very reasonable prices. |