Mid 18th century, German
immigrants recognized the province of Småland,
north of Skåne, as the home of the Swedish glass making industry.
The ‘kingdom of crystal’ forms only a small part of
Småland, but is a very large province that
is also a good holiday destination with pleasant lakes, vast forests
and winding lanes along which red cottages are dotted.
The province of Blekinge contains large oak forests
and softer landscapes, and has many coastal towns that stretch along
the Baltic. The Mörrumsån River is famous
for salmon and sea trout, and Lake Vättern
is noted for char fishing. Boat trips are present to the island
of Visingsö on Lake Vättern. High
Chaparral is a reconstructed wild west town.
3 quarters of the Swedish glassworks are found in the counties of
Kalmar and Kronoberg. They are situated
off the beaten track surrounded by vast tracts of forest and attract
many visitors each year. Each of the 16 glassworks are open to visitors
Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 3.00 pm, where the craftspeople
can be observed and top quality products can be purchased.
Visitors may also be invited to a hyttssill, which
is a traditional evening of entertainment including food of fried
herrings, sausages and potatoes baked around the glass furnace,
served with beer and schnapps. |
