Glasi Hergiswil

Deborah Kade
1 day ago
4 min read

Today I discovered Glasi's versatile range of glass! Displayed were elegant plates, unique carafes, stylish vases, shapely bowls, high-quality drinking glasses, gift sets, Christmas decorations, and much more. The products were of high-quality design. All products are made entirely by hand.

The Glasi Hergiswil offered a unique experience. I discovered the fascinating world of glass, experienced exciting attractions and exhibitions.

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The Glasi Museum is a walk-through film, theater, and time machine all in one. You will learn the history of sand as a material, its uses, and its transformation into glass.

In 1992, Robert Niederer fulfilled a dream by building the "Shaped by Fire" museum and opening the glass works to all visitors. The museum is a walk-through film, a theater, and a time machine all in one. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of sand – from its natural form to its transformation into sparkling glass. Discovered the history of the Siegwart family and Roberto Niederer's acquisition of the glass works. Tour begins in ancient Egypt, where glass originated, and takes you through the centuries to the production hall. There, you will experience firsthand how glass makers still create artistic glass objects using traditional methods and hands.

Here is an opportunity to experience the art of glass making up close! Watched as the glass makers conjure vases, glasses, carafes and much more from the molten glass.

Every day, small and large works of art are created at the glass works – glasses, vases, carafes, plates, and much more, crafted by the talented hands of the glass makers. Here, each piece is still made by hand with great care and dedication, often using the centuries-old techniques of mouth-blowing and casting. The molten mass of sand, soda, and lime is transformed through skillful movements into clear, shimmering forms that unfold a magical aura in the interplay of light. Experience firsthand how fascinating masterpieces are created from liquid glass – with an excellent view of the work area.

"The Glasi, as it is affectionately known, looks back on over two centuries of fascinating craftsmanship. A defining turning point came in 1975 when Roberto Niederer took over the glass works. As a designer and artistic director, he left a distinctive mark that continues to shape the Glasi's style today. Roberto created iconic designs that have remained timeless and are still an integral part of the collection. His passion for glass and design laid the foundation for a new era, but his work came to an abrupt end with his death in 1988. His son, Robert Niederer, carried on the vision and led the Glasi with great dedication from 1988 onward. After his death in 2022 at the age of 68, Leandro Niederer followed in his father's footsteps. He had already joined the Glasi in 2015, initially as an administrative assistant and later in the marketing team. In 2020, at just 29 years old, he took over the management of the family business – amidst a difficult period marked by the sudden loss of his father and entrepreneurial challenges. Leandro brings not only the same passion for glassmaking as his predecessors, but also a clear vision: to lead the traditional glassworks into the future without losing sight of its roots."

"His son, Robert Niederer, continued the vision and led the Glasi with great dedication from 1988 onwards. After his death in 2022 at the age of 68, Leandro Niederer followed in his father's footsteps. He had already joined the Glasi in 2015, initially as an administrative assistant in the office and later in the marketing team. In 2020, at just 29 years old, he took over the management of the family business – amidst a difficult time marked by the sudden loss of his father and entrepreneurial challenges."

"The glass works is considered the last of its kind in Switzerland. The glass furnace operates continuously, heating the molten glass to approximately 1500 degrees Celsius. The furnace has a lifespan of 4 to 7 years, after which it must be completely replaced. The glass makers work in two shifts from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and extract 4 tons of glass from the furnace daily. The waste heat from the furnace is used to heat all the outbuildings."

"Since 1992, the glass works has included a museum, which the Council of Europe recognized in 1996 as "one of the most beautiful museums in Europe". At the end of the museum tour, visitors can watch the approximately 100 employees casting, shaping, or blowing the glass from a platform .

Subsequently, the first glass labyrinth in Switzerland, a water park, and a park with a marble run were created on the factory grounds."

A visit to the Hergiswil Glass works typically lasts between 1.5 and 3 hours. The actual tour of the museum, production facilities, and exhibitions takes approximately 90 minutes.

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