Photo by Szeder László via Wikimedia Commons

Glass factory

Q: What are the operating hours for the guided factory tour?

The guided tour is available on weekdays between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM. It is important to note that advance reservations are required to participate in the tour.

Q: How much does it cost to visit the factory?

The admission fee is €10 for adults and €5 for children. Additionally, family tickets are available for purchase, and visitors receive a credit toward purchases in the showroom on the day of their visit.

Q: What can I expect to see during the guided tour?

The tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the production process, including glass blowing, shaping, and engraving. A key highlight is the 'Hall of Fame,' where you can view ceremonial gifts that have been presented to world leaders and celebrities.

Q: Is there a specific store or showroom included in the experience?

Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Pegasus store, which is the largest showroom of Rogaška products. This is where you can view the extensive range of crystal items available for purchase.

Q: What is special about the crystal produced at this factory?

The factory is renowned for its high-quality, hand-made crystal that blends traditional techniques with modern innovation. Each year, they produce millions of pieces, ranging from elegant tableware to intricate engraved gifts, many of which have been gifted to international dignitaries.

350 years of handcrafted crystal excellence

#4 of 7 in Rogaška Slatina

Where: Rogaška Slatina, Štajerska
Directions: Directions

Rogaška Slatina is known for two things: the mineral water of its spa and the crystal made in its glassworks. Glassmaking in this part of eastern Slovenia has a long history, helped by the forests that supplied fuel and the sands and minerals needed for the melt, and over the centuries the craft grew from simple furnaces into a modern industry. The factory in the town produces hand-made crystal, from tableware and vases to engraved gifts and decorative pieces, and its products are sold in many countries. For visitors, the factory offers a chance to see a craft that is rarely visible, with skilled workers shaping molten glass by hand.

Crystal making is a demanding process. The raw materials are melted in a furnace at very high temperature, and the glowing mass is gathered on the end of a blowpipe by the glassmaker, who shapes it by blowing, turning and swinging, often with a partner who works with a mould or tools. After cooling in a controlled oven, the piece is cut, ground and polished, and decoration is engraved or cut by hand with rotating wheels in patterns that catch the light. The final products must be inspected for flaws, and those that fall short are remelted. A tour follows the stages from furnace to showroom, and watching the speed and coordination of the glassblowers is the highlight for most visitors.

The factory has also made pieces for official use, such as gifts for visiting dignitaries and trophies, and a display of these shows the range of the work. The showroom sells everything from simple glasses to elaborate decanters, and many visitors buy a piece as a souvenir. Guided tours usually have to be booked in advance, and groups are small, because the working area is hot and busy. Tour times and prices change, so check them with the factory or the tourist office before planning a visit. Children are normally welcome but need to stay close, and a few areas may have age limits for safety reasons.

The town offers more to see in the same trip. The spa park and promenades, the museum with its glass collections, the Cacti Pavilion and the mineral water pavilion are close by, and the hill of Boč is a short drive away.

A visit suits families, design lovers, craft enthusiasts and spa guests looking for an outing. Wear comfortable shoes and keep in mind that the working hall is warm. Booking ahead is recommended, especially in high season.