Following the Trail of Glass through the Crystal Valley
Glass has been part of Northern Bohemia for centuries. Today, the Crystal Valley connects not only large glassworks and well-known brands, but also small family workshops, museums, galleries and places where traditional craftsmanship continues to be passed down. And there is no need to save a glassworks visit for a rainy day. You can easily combine it with a walk, a trip to the mountains or exploring other interesting places nearby. We have selected several tips where you can watch glassmakers at work and enjoy a full day out in Northern Bohemia at the same time.
The Oldest Glassworks in Harrachov and the Peace of Anenské Valley
When you think of Harrachov, the Mumlava Waterfall is probably one of the first places that comes to mind. This time, however, we will start at Novosad & syn, where glass has been produced since 1712 and guided tours take you directly into the working glassworks. The complex also includes a Glass Museum with more than five thousand exhibits, as well as a local microbrewery and restaurant.
After your visit, head to the nearby Anenské Valley and follow the Rybárna educational trail. The short route passes the Harrachov ponds, which Count Jan Harrach had created in the 19th century for trout farming. Today, it is a peaceful spot with interactive wooden features and a pleasant alternative to Harrachov’s busiest attractions. The trail itself is around one kilometre long and is suitable even for families with younger children.
Traditional Glass Cutting in Josefův Důl and Slovanka Lookout Tower
From the Krkonoše Mountains, we move on to the Jizera Mountains. In Josefův Důl, you will find the family-run Glass Pesničák, specialising mainly in traditional hand-cut glass. Among the products made here are replicas of historic perfume bottles, and the workshop offers the chance to see traditional glassmaking in a much more intimate setting than in larger factories. Before visiting, we recommend checking the current opening hours or arranging a tour in advance.
And since you are right in the Jizera Mountains, it would be a shame to stay indoors all day. From the railway stop in Josefův Důl, you can follow the Gustav Leutelt educational trail, which takes you past the Čertovy kameny rock viewpoint and on to Slovanka Lookout Tower. Along the way, the trail introduces the history and interesting stories of the village.
A Town of Jewellery and Beads
From the mountains, continue to Jablonec nad Nisou, a town whose glass and jewellery tradition is known around the world. Start at the Museum of Glass and Jewellery, home to the world’s largest public collection of costume jewellery as well as an extensive glass exhibition. From finished products, continue directly to the place where some of them are made.
Železný Brod Glass Figurines and a Hot Glass Studio near Sychrov
Bohemian Paradise has plenty to offer glass lovers too. Železný Brod is one of the towns whose history is closely linked with glassmaking. One place worth visiting is the DETESK Museum and Gallery, where you can explore an extensive collection of artistic glass from Železný Brod. A separate part of the exhibition is dedicated to the town’s famous glass figurines.
If these figurines catch your eye, continue to the Mini Museum of Glass Nativity Scenes, which presents a variety of production techniques – from lampworked figures and cut glass to nativity scenes made from glass tubes and beads. Outside the main season, visits must be arranged by phone at least one day in advance.
Another stop in Bohemian Paradise is the family-run Jaroš Glass glassworks near Sychrov, specialising in handmade hot glass. If you are lucky, you can look directly into the workshop and watch glassmakers working with glowing molten glass. The glassworks also has a café, perfect for enjoying a coffee in the pleasant surroundings. And while you are in the area, continue to nearby Sychrov Chateau. The Neo-Gothic residence of the French Rohan family is open all year round, and its extensive English-style park is also well worth a walk.
Kamenický Šenov, Panská skála and Glassmaking in Nový Bor
In the Lusatian Mountains, start at Jílek Glassworks in Kamenický Šenov. During a pre-booked guided tour, you can see the production process first-hand and watch new pieces taking shape under the hands of skilled glassmakers. For coffee, head to Café LUSK, whose interior is decorated with chandeliers and other glass pieces made by Jílek Glassworks. Some of them are also available to buy. If you are more interested in history, stop by the local Glass Museum. From there, it is only a short distance outside the town to Panská skála. Its basalt columns, reminiscent of organ pipes, are among the best-known natural formations in Northern Bohemia and are definitely worth seeing.
Nearby Nový Bor is home to another Glass Museum, this time with an exhibition tracing the development of local glassmaking from the 18th century to the present day. The displays are organised by technique, allowing you to take a closer look at painted, engraved, cut and hot-shaped glass. Then continue to Novotný Glass, where you can visit a museum of contemporary glass featuring works by Petr Novotný, his students and other leading Czech and international artists. You will also find a shop and the Huť restaurant here, making it an ideal place for lunch. And if you would like to end the day with a little exercise, head up Klíč, one of the most distinctive landmarks of the Lusatian Mountains. Be aware, however, that this is a more demanding hike with a steep climb.
Crystal Valley Weekend in October
And if you would like to experience the Crystal Valley even more intensively, mark 17–18 October 2026 in your calendar. During Crystal Valley Weekend, more than 50 glassworks, workshops, studios, museums and other venues across the Liberec Region will open their doors. Expect guided tours, demonstrations, opportunities to meet glassmakers, creative workshops and exhibitions. It is also a great chance to look behind the scenes and discover places that are not normally accessible during an ordinary visit.
