6 Things to do in the Czech Republic’s Crystal Valley

6 Things to do in the Czech Republic’s Crystal Valley

I’m going to make a guess that the Czech Republic’s Crystal Valley is not on your bucket list. In this post, I’m going to tell you why it’s worth visiting and what kind of travelers should consider a trip there.

This summer I had the amazing opportunity to visit the countries of Central Europe (Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary) as a guest of the tourism departments of these countries. They wanted to show a select group of travel advisors the tourism potential of these countries.

The first stop on the trip was the Czech capital of Prague. Unfortunately, due to airline issues this summer, my trip was delayed by 2.5 days and I arrived in Prague around 11 pm on the last night. 🙁  (I guess I’ll just have to go back.) But, I was very fortunate that I didn’t miss the Czech Republic entirely. We still had a stop in the Czech Republic’s Crystal Valley planned on our way to Poland.

The Czech Republic’s Crystal Valley, in the region of Bohemia, is known for its glass and jewelry production. It’s been produced there for hundreds of years. You may have heard of Bohemian Glass or Bohemia Crystal. This is where it comes from. The Crystal Valley is also a beautiful, mountainous region. So, let’s get on with the good stuff–what you can do there.

6 Things to do the Czech Republic's Crystal Valley

 

1. View the world’s largest collection of jewelry

What?! The world’s largest collection of jewelry is in some city in the Czech Republic that you’ve never heard of?! Yes, that’s correct! It’s in the city of Jablonec nad Nisou.

Why there? Many of the glass artisans in Jablonec nad Nisou specialize in the production of glass jewelry. The artisans there started by copying some of the techniques of jewelry makers in Venice, Italy, but then improved them and developed their own style. They invented cut glass beads which look like gemstones but are a much more affordable option than the real thing.

A museum in Jablonec nad Nisou displays the best of its collection of jewelry, which is the world’s largest.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - World's largest jewelry collection

Many different styles and types of jewelry have been produced in the region. I absolutely love these flower brooches and earrings that were made between 1855 and 1860.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - World's largest jewelry collection

I also love this jewelry that looks like opals.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - World's largest jewelry collection

I should have warned you that I took a LOT of photos in this museum. Everything was so beautiful!! Here are some beads.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - World's largest jewelry collection

I found out that buttons are considered jewelry. They also have the world’s largest collection of buttons.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - World's largest jewelry collection

And here’s an artistic display of bangle bracelets.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - World's largest jewelry collection

There were also displays that show the tools used to craft beads and jewelry.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - Jewelry museum

 

2. View the world’s largest collection of glass Christmas ornaments.

 

The same museum also has the largest public collection of glass Christmas ornaments-more than 15,000 pieces. This exhibition is named the World of Wonders (WOW), and yes, you will be wowed!

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - World's largest collection of Christmas ornaments

You might know that I collect Christmas ornaments on my travels, so I was very excited to see this exhibit.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - World's largest Christmas ornament collection

They had so many different kinds of glass ornaments. I have seen pickle ornaments before, but I don’t remember ever seeing a broccoli ornament before, and this museum had three different broccoli ornaments!

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - World's largest collection of glass Christmas ornaments

In addition to jewelry and Christmas ornaments, there were also displays of other glass pieces. The technique used on this crystal vase reminded me of some vases and wine glasses I purchased the first time I visited the Czech Republic, back in 1995.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - Bohemia Crystal

And the detail on this antique is just incredible.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - Bohemian Glass

No matter which way I turned, there were pretty things to see all over the museum. And pretty things make me happy. 🙂

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - Bohemian Glass

I love this figurine of Winston Churchill.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - Bohemian Glass

While there were lots of antiques, there were also some very modern designs.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - Bohemia Crystal

 

3. Get creative in a glass or jewelry workshop

 

All of that creative inspiration from the museum fueled us at our next stop, where we participated in a couple of workshops.

We were able to watch an artist produce bird ornaments from glass tubes. It was fascinating to watch.

After she shaped the ornaments, each of us got to paint one.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - Bohemia Crystal

Then we got to make a bracelet from their selection of beautiful glass beads.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - Bohemian Glass

 

4. Shop for beautiful (and affordable!) jewelry made in the Crystal Valley

 

After satisfying my creative urge, I looked forward to shopping for some souvenirs. For crafters who like to make their own jewelry, they had lots of beads to choose from.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - Bohemian Glass

I preferred to buy jewelry that was already made for me. I fell in love with this collection of glass ball jewelry. They almost look like bubbles.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - Bohemian Glass

And, of course, they had Christmas ornaments for sale too, but I forgot to take a picture of those. Here are the items that I brought home with me.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - Bohemian Glass

 

5. Tour a Crystal Valley glass-making factory

Perhaps because I used to be an engineer in a manufacturing plant, I love factory tours. So, I was thrilled when I found out we were going to visit a Bohemian Glass factory.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - Bohemian Glass

They had several glass ovens fired up and in use.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - Bohemian Glass

It was fascinating to watch the artists at work. We watched from a catwalk above the factory floor.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - Bohemian Glass

In a different building, we watched another worker grind designs into the glass. All of their grinding wheels were water-powered, which was really interesting.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - Bohemian Glass

They showed us a selection of the gorgeous products they make in this factory.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - Bohemian Glass

 

6. Go hiking in this beautiful region

 

Our final stop in the Czech Republic’s Crystal Valley was at a charming restaurant in the mountains.

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - hiking

We enjoyed some incredible views while we ate. We didn’t have enough time to go hiking, but the next time I am back in this region, I am definitely going hiking. So pretty!

Czech Republic's Crystal Valley - hikin

I thoroughly enjoyed my brief visit to the Czech Republic’s Crystal Valley. The people and businesses there are very welcoming to travelers. I think it would be an excellent destination for couples and families. I also think it would make an excellent girlfriends’ getaway trip. I think many of my friends would have an outstanding time here.

Are you interested in visiting the Czech Republic’s Crystal Valley?

I can help make it happen. Read about how my services work here. If you think we might be a good fit for each other, send me an email and we’ll schedule a Zoom call to get started.

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