In the Liberec region, a special open-studio weekend called Křišťálové údolí (Crystal valley) will take place on 18–19 October 2025, opening dozens of small glassworks, ateliers and museums to visitors — a wonderful chance to step inside the world of Czech glassmaking.
There are places in the Czech Republic that stay with you long after you leave them, and the northern glass region is one of those places. I still remember the first time I wandered into a small glass studio there: the sudden heat from the furnace, the quiet concentration of the makers, and the moment when a lump of glowing glass began to change into something delicate and alive. It felt almost like a small kind of magic.
This weekend is a perfect moment to discover that world for yourself. Křišťálové údolí brings together small producers, schools and museums; many of them are opening their doors on a scale they haven’t before, and the atmosphere is fresh and friendly. If you’re curious about Czech craft and design, or simply want a weekend trip away from the usual Prague route, now is the time to go.
One delightful thing about visiting small glassworks is the personal contact: you can often ask the maker about a technique, see tools up close, and sometimes try a simple, supervised activity yourself. For learners of Czech, these moments are also great practice. Staff at smaller studios often speak less English than staff at large tourist sites, so you’ll have more opportunities to use the language in real situations. A friendly phrase to try is: “Dobrý den, máte otevřeno?” — “Hello, are you open?” It’s a simple, polite way to start a conversation when you pop into a studio or museum.
If you can, make time for the Museum of Glass and Jewellery in Jablonec nad Nisou — it’s a quiet treasure trove with a vast collection that traces the region’s history of glass and costume jewellery and shows how craft and industry have shaped local life. Even a short visit gives a good sense of the region’s traditions and contemporary creativity.
It’s also worth remembering why this moment matters: 17 October is the International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, and traditional hand-made glass production was recently added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. This week of events (13–19 October) is a way of celebrating and sharing that living tradition — and perhaps also a lovely reminder that learning about Czech culture can go hand in hand with learning the language. Whether you’re planning to learn Czech for everyday life, study Czech more seriously, or join one of our Online jazykové kurzy, exploring events like this helps you experience Czech culture behind the words.
