Lauscha, Germany is a small town nestled in the Thuringian forest that has been a hub of glassblowing for over four centuries. Founded in 1597 by glassblowers Christoph Müller and Hans Greiner, the town has a rich history of creating exquisite glassware and ornaments.
What makes Lauscha the perfect location for glassblowing is the presence of a small river, an abundance of wood, and access to the materials needed in the glassmaking process. The town has been a center of innovation in glassblowing, with local artisans developing unique techniques and styles that have been passed down through generations.
Today, Lauscha is part of the unofficial "Glass Road" that winds through Germany, the Czech Republic, and Austria. This road celebrates the long tradition of glassblowing in the region and offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of handmade glassware firsthand.
We visited Lauscha in the spring when the town was quieter. Usually the busy season is during the autumn and winter months due to the production of glass Christmas ornaments. Additionally, the town's location in the Thuringian forest makes it a popular destination for those looking to experience the stunning fall foliage and winter landscapes. The town also hosts several annual events during this time, such as a skiing season, the Lauscha Christmas Market and the Glassblower Festival.
The next stops on our journey along the Glass Road are Liberec and Jablonec nad Nisou, both located in the Czech Republic. These towns have their own rich histories of glassblowing and are home to talented artisans who continue to create stunning glass pieces using traditional techniques. We will make a small detour however to the town of Eisenach (the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach) to see the Wartburg Castle.
As we continue our journey, we look forward to exploring the beauty and craftsmanship of the region's glassblowers, enjoy some natural landscapes and learn more about the rich history of this fascinating craft and these captivating towns and cities along the way.