The History of Glassmaking in Nový Bor

The First Glassworks

Glassmaking in Nový Bor dates back to the 14th century, when the first glassworks were founded here. The region offered exactly what a glassmaker needs: plenty of high-quality wood and sand for making glass. That made the area an ideal place for the craft to develop.

Famous Glassmaking Families

Over the centuries, several glassmaking families settled in Nový Bor and brought their art and craft to the region. They include the Kavalír, Rückl and Roubíček families. These families played a major role in developing glassmaking in the area and building its worldwide reputation.

Industrial Growth

Glassmaking in Nový Bor saw its biggest boom in the 18th and 19th centuries, driven mainly by the growing export market. The era brought more glassworks, better techniques and higher output. At the same time, the industry professionalized and diversified.

Art Glass

Nový Bor is known not only for everyday glassware but also for art glass. During the 20th century, a tradition of glass art developed here, built on original, fresh designs. Leading artists such as Stanislav Libenský and Jaroslava Brychtová helped develop art glass and win it international recognition.

Technical Progress

Glassmaking in Nový Bor kept evolving, with many innovations and technological changes along the way. The glassworks developed a range of techniques, such as blown, cut and cast glass. These methods made production more efficient and opened new possibilities for designers.

Export Success

Thanks to the high quality and variety of their products, Nový Bor’s glassworks became world-famous, exporting to many countries. This earned the town international prestige and made it an important glassmaking center.

Education

A number of schools and vocational schools focused on glassmaking were founded in Nový Bor. They allowed professional skills and knowledge of the craft to grow. These institutions helped preserve and strengthen the region’s glassmaking tradition.

International Influence

Glassmaking in Nový Bor was also shaped by international developments. Collaboration with foreign glassmakers, participation in world’s fairs and the exchange of experience enriched and broadened Nový Bor’s glassmaking tradition.

International Glass Symposium

Glass still brings people together here from all over the world. Nový Bor hosts an international glass symposium, held once every three years and prepared by 14 organizers.

The main organizer is the town and its Sklářské muzeum (Glass Museum). The four-day event has a history of more than four decades, and besides artists, curators and master glassmakers, it’s also a celebration for the general public.

The Communist Era

The communist era hit glassmaking in Nový Bor hard and for a long time. State intervention and restrictions led to lower quality and falling production. After 1989, though, glassmaking gradually recovered, and the industry reconnected with the traditions the town was built on.

Glassmaking Today

Today, Nový Bor continues its tradition of producing high-quality glass and art glass. Many glassworks focus on handmade production and original design. At the same time, they work on innovation and modern glassmaking technology.

Outlook and Challenges

The future of glassmaking in Nový Bor faces several challenges. These include foreign competition, preserving traditional skills and winning new markets. Even so, glassmaking in the region holds a strong position and is working to adapt to new conditions.

Tourism and Culture

Glassmaking also shapes the town’s tourism and cultural life. Visiting glassworks, museums and exhibitions has become a popular activity for tourists. The town also hosts various glass festivals and events that draw visitors from around the world. You can also play the competitive game Treasure Hunt Nový Bor in town.

The Captivating World of a Glassmaking Town

On a walk through town, make time for the Glass Museum in an Empire-style building from the early 19th century, the Václav Havel bench, Skleněný strom (Glass Tree) and a glass statue of a local hero.

If you want to see glass being made, head to the Novotný Glass glassmaking center. One site combines a glassworks, a museum and a demonstration furnace where you can try glassmaking for yourself.

At the end of the day, climb up to the Jelení skok (Deer’s Leap) stone lookout and see the glassmaking town from above.

Sustainability

In recent years, the glass industry in Nový Bor has also focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Efforts to cut emissions and recycle materials help protect the environment and support the industry’s sustainable development.

Treasure Hunt Nový Bor

How the Collaboration Started and the Game Was Built

We built the game right on location. We sent two of our experienced game designers to Nový Bor, where they met with the director of the local tourist information center.

With her help and a few sunny spring days, we photographed the town and created the treasures downtown and in the nearby area. Throughout May, we tested and fine-tuned the game thoroughly.

Pilot Launch and Public Release

In June, we presented the new game at a private pilot event for local residents. The event was a success, so together with the town leadership we launched Treasure Hunt Nový Bor publicly for anyone who wants to play.

How Many Treasures Does Treasure Hunt Nový Bor Have?

The game has 25 treasures (questions) downtown and in the nearby area. The questions were created together with the tourist information center and include historical sidebars with detailed information for history lovers.

How Do You Get Started?

You can play Treasure Hunt Nový Bor in two ways. With family or friends, just come to town, download our TerraHunt GPS app to your phone and set off for the first of the treasures.

For companies, we’ll set up a private event with a fixed start and end, lend you tablets with the game already running and send a team of instructors. We’ll confirm the price, number of participants and route length based on your group size. Winners get a sweet reward, and all participants receive detailed game results with photos and the distance they walked.

Pick a free day, bring your family or colleagues and explore the glassmaking town by following its treasures one by one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has glass been made in Nový Bor? Glassmaking in Nový Bor dates back to the 14th century, when the first glassworks were founded here. Art glass and today’s glassworks carry on that tradition.

How often is the glass symposium held in Nový Bor? The International Glass Symposium takes place in Nový Bor once every three years as a four-day event. The main organizer is the town and its Glass Museum.

How do you play Treasure Hunt Nový Bor? With family or friends, you download the TerraHunt app to your phone and play on your own. Companies can book a private event with tablets and a team of instructors, with a fixed start and end.

What will you see during the game in Nový Bor? The game takes you to the Glass Museum in an Empire-style building, the Václav Havel bench, the Glass Tree and the glass statue of a local hero. It also leads you to the Jelení skok stone lookout.

Who created Treasure Hunt Nový Bor, and when? TerraHunt’s game designers created it together with the director of the local tourist information center. They tested it in May, presented it to residents at a private pilot event in June and then launched it publicly.