Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic or Czechia, is a hugely popular stop on the tourist trail of Europe. And rightly so, with its fascinating history, fairy-tale architecture, rich culture and famed nightlife. But when you’re looking for something a little different, catch a train out of Prague to unlock the unexpected upgrade of exploring a region that is literally a hidden gem – Czechia’s Crystal Valley!
“I love the name of it,” smiles Momtaz, a color and crafts expert. “Crystal Valley sounds so cool and just sums up this really special place.” Because this area of northern Bohemia is the heart of Czechia’s world-famous glassmaking industry – where artisanal workshops and factories craft some of the most exquisite glass from costume jewelry to crystalware to spectacular chandeliers. “There are loads of glassmakers here,” says Momtaz. “And they invite you in to get an understanding of the process, which really helps you appreciate something we often take for granted.” And while watching the expert glassblowers at work is fascinating, there’s more to the Crystal Valley than factory visits – glass is embedded into the very fabric of the region, which makes exploring it even more interesting for everyone.
“Liberec is really picturesque,” enthuses Momtaz of the region’s capital that makes a great base for day trips into the Crystal Valley. “It’s a typical Czechian city with colorful buildings and a lovely market square.” The slender towers of its city hall give it the feel of a Gothic cathedral, while its half-timber Wallenstein houses transport you back in time. But to really get a feel for the timelessness of the region, you need to head into the mountains. “Some of this area was once volcanic,” explains Momtaz. “And the volcanic activity left its legacy in many places.” It’s a wonderfully dramatic landscape of hills, valleys and mountains that is perfect for eco-friendly hiking, biking and enjoying breathtaking panoramic views across the Jizera, Lusatian and Krkonoše Mountains.
It also has some wonderfully eccentric geological features. The labyrinthine rock formations of the UNESCO-designated Bohemian Paradise have inspired painters, poets and writers for centuries; you can even hunt for gemstones on Kozakov Hill. And at Panská Skála, “volcanic lava cooled into strips, giving the rock formation an iconic aesthetic,” explains Momtaz. Climbing to the top of its striking hexagonal pillars brings spectacular views. “It gets rainy, so take a mac and be patient,” she smiles. “Because you might see a rainbow in this magical place!”
It’s this volcanic geology that makes Crystal Valley so good for glass. “Glass is about 80% sand,” explains Momtaz. And the region’s sand has a high silica content, giving its glass a distinctive strength and sparkle. The locals have been tapping into this natural resource for 500 years. “You’re going to see glass wherever you go,” laughs Momtaz. “Glass is so ingrained in the Crystal Valley that I even went to a pub and saw glassblowing on stage.” It’s a beer-and-glass combination that feels suitably Czechia.
It’s certainly worth embracing the glass culture. Many of the workshops have amazing glass gardens that exhibit their skills. “They’re filled with the most incredible colorful sculptures,” describes Momtaz. “Handcrafted ornaments that show you what’s possible – like a glass tree or tiny details like glass fungi.” And seeing glass outdoors is a fabulous way to appreciate it. “When the light hits, you really get to see the magic of it in action.”
Indeed, the versatility of glass is clear to see in the Museum of Glass and Jewelry. “It’s very modern, very visual, very colorful,” agrees Momtaz. With around 12 million pieces on display, you don’t have to love glass or jewelry to enjoy the museum. “Downstairs just blew everybody’s minds,” she reveals. “An entire gallery of 15,000 glass Christmas decorations – possibly the biggest Christmas decoration exhibition in the world!”
And the Crystal Valley is full of such hidden wonders – like the Crystal Temple. “It looks like a typical church,” says Momtaz. “But when you go inside, the whole place is filled with glassware made by local designers. A whole rainbow display!” And there’s more. In 2021, the removal of a wall revealed a long-lost glass altar. “Colorful crystals are embedded throughout and it’s huge,” she marvels. “It’s such a historic discovery, and by visiting you’ll be one of the few people in the world to see it.”
One wonder that’s hidden in plain sight is the Jested Tower. Visible for miles, this iconic television transmitter perched atop the Jested Mountain dominates the skyline with the appearance of a UFO hovering above the land. It has a hotel and restaurant, naturally with panoramic glass windows. “It offers 360-degree views of the valley,” says Momtaz. “An incredible place to watch the sunset.”
Because the Crystal Valley is all about the glass, but it’s about much more than glassmaking. Stunning scenery, historic castles and chateaus, charming towns and villages make it a wonderful area to explore – with a wonderfully glassy twist.
Find out more about Momtaz’s adventures at https://craftandtravel.com/
