Kosta Boda
Kosta Boda
4.5
Factory Tours
Read more
This location was reported permanently closed
Full view
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
30 reviews
Excellent
13
Very good
16
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
bjoann
Lund, Sweden268 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
There is a big difference between Kosta and Boda -- nearly 50 km and a completely different style. After the economic turmoils of recent years, Kosta became a shopping centre with a hotel and restaurants. There are still glass boutiques, but the emphasis is on outlet shops with clothes, shoes, sport equipment. In Boda, a group of artists bought the closed Boda works and is trying to preserve the culture though a glass museum. The museum has inherited a collection of historical Swedish glass, and a lot of it is on display. There is also a glass blowing studio with seats so one can watch. There is a studio for a glass cutter/etcher who also accepts private polishing and repair work. There are several activity rooms for children. There are visiting artists and special glass exhibitions. With the "Kingdom of Glass" dying out, and famous Swedish brands moving abroad, The Glass Factory is one hope for conserving a small part of the Swedish glass traditions.
Written September 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jameskul
Toronto, Canada1,959 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
Kosta Boda was our first stop on a long day of touring in the Kingdom of Glass. It's a big place, with both Kosta Boda and Orrefors retail outlets, a cafe, a gallery, the glass blowing hot room and a somewhat out-of-place factory outlet mall for non-glass items. We were disappointed immediately upon arrival at 10am when told there were no tours that day due to a staff shortage. But we made the best of it and went directly to the hot room where the glass artists make their magic. There were lots of raised benches surrounding the artists and they brought their molten glass over to us a few times to explain what they were doing. After just 15 minutes of watching this, I decided I had to try glass blowing!
For 400 SEK (CAD $63) they offer the opportunity to make a glass bowl (other options available). Guided by some apprentice glass blowers, we were guided through the whole process. The apprentice did the most dangerous task of inserting the glass into the furnace but after that we got very up close and personal with the molten glass! It occurred to me several times that such an experience would likely never happen in North America without lengthy waivers and burdensome safety gear, if at all. In the end, just being attentive and careful was enough to avoid disaster. You might not want to wear sandals though (as we did). The bowls we made are nothing like the refined objects d'art in the shops but hey, we made them and we have a great story to tell. Lots of fun. The hands-on activity only takes about 15 minutes but you have to allow 3-4 hours for the glass to cool sufficiently for you to take them away, so this really only works if you are able to come back later to collect your masterpiece. There are a couple of eateries on site.
For 400 SEK (CAD $63) they offer the opportunity to make a glass bowl (other options available). Guided by some apprentice glass blowers, we were guided through the whole process. The apprentice did the most dangerous task of inserting the glass into the furnace but after that we got very up close and personal with the molten glass! It occurred to me several times that such an experience would likely never happen in North America without lengthy waivers and burdensome safety gear, if at all. In the end, just being attentive and careful was enough to avoid disaster. You might not want to wear sandals though (as we did). The bowls we made are nothing like the refined objects d'art in the shops but hey, we made them and we have a great story to tell. Lots of fun. The hands-on activity only takes about 15 minutes but you have to allow 3-4 hours for the glass to cool sufficiently for you to take them away, so this really only works if you are able to come back later to collect your masterpiece. There are a couple of eateries on site.
Written July 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
washington2
Kenmore, WA8 contributions
I'm so glad we took the time to drive to the Kosta Boda glass factory. It was an incredible treat to be able to walk around and watch the glass artists up close. Make sure you walk over to their school...they sell student creations for cheaper than the established artists. And...who knows...you may score a piece from a student who becomes famous someday!
Written October 13, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ahmed Alnagaar
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates44 contributions
Oct 2019 • Business
I spent with my team 2 days in this lovely area, where its like small village, you can enjoy walking or visiting Kosta Outlet shopping center.
If you have time you can visit also Safari Park its not so far .
If you have time you can visit also Safari Park its not so far .
Written October 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emanpee
Sydney, Australia2,804 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
When we first pulled up here and walked from the road side carpark in the front door it was disappointment. Rather ordinary shopping mall. However we thought there must be more to this and walked around the back of the complex to come across the Kosta factory. Directional signage is lacking and after touring the workers locker and shower area we eventually entered the correct door to factory floor. There was no organised tour but we, and others, were free to roam among the workers and watch them making a range of glasses, light fittings and bowls in an assortment of colours. Not sure this is allowed all the time but there was certainly no one calling time on our experience on the workshop floor. Fascinating watching the teamwork, skill of the artisans plus the heat from many ovens throughout. A great experience. Just across from the factory is a terrific gallery of artistic pieces, free to wander through and some stunning crystal work. Several Kosta and other crystal ware outlets but not at bargain prices. If nearby, worth a slight detour.
Written August 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andben366
Sydney, Australia51 contributions
Sep 2012 • Family
An excellent visit for our family. Watched the glass being blown and then you can buy some glass. The set up is alot bigger now with restaurant and bar. I believe there is also a hotel you can stay at.
I was even given the opportunity to try blowing the glass....not successful
I was even given the opportunity to try blowing the glass....not successful
Written October 26, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
delmin
Nosara, Costa Rica39 contributions
Jun 2011 • Friends
A place to shop for unique and quality items for affordable prices. Excellent place to find bargains on Orrefors and Kosta Boda glassware and art.
Written July 9, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AAVAAV
Farmington Hills, MI51 contributions
Jul 2019
We started with a trip to the Kosta store but later that night attended the dinner show. An example of dinners that the glass blowers would share as well as music and a glass blowing demonstration. Definitely worth the time.
Written August 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vince K
Lothian, MD10 contributions
Feb 2018 • Family
We visited Kosta Boda in January and went on the "tour" of the glass blowing facility. Since they don't really have tours in the winter they told us to just walk into the glass blowing factory. We walked across the factory floor and found several craftsmen making some glass pieces. There were four of us and four glass blowers so it was really a super nice visit.
Written January 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bigplatypus
Canberra18 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
My husband and I visited both Kosta and Bosda recently. The kostaboda shop is located in Kosta and offers dramatic discounts. There are also displays of glassblowing and the opportunity to make your own. A fun day out!
Written May 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayne S
Antioch, CA36 contributions
Just read your review of the Kosta Boda glass factory tour. I had read elsewhere that the factory in Orrefores was closed. Where is the factory you toured?
flyme1111
Wilmington, DE5 contributions
What are the options for getting there from Copenhagen? Must we rent a car or is there a bus or train tour?