Set directly on the scenic banks of the Vierwaldstätter See (Lake Lucerne), Glasi Hergiswil—Switzerland’s oldest active glassworks—effortlessly balances centuries of artisan history with hands-on, family-friendly fun.

Founded in 1817 by the Siegwart brothers, the factory was saved from modern automation in the 1970s through a passionate community effort. Today, it stands as a celebrated cultural landmark where traditional craft and interactive play thrive side-by-side. Inside, visitors walk through the immersive “Formed by Fire” exhibit to discover how molten sand becomes art, before stepping onto the open gallery above the furnace floor. Here, master glassblowers gather, shape, and blow glowing liquid glass at temperatures over 1,000°C. Anyone feeling inspired can even step up to the furnace floor themselves, guided by a professional glassblower to blow a personalized glass souvenir sphere to take home. The indoor experience continues with a baffling glass labyrinth—complete with atmospheric lighting and sound effects—that challenges the senses and your sense of direction alike.

Outside, the excitement shifts to the lakeside Glasi Park, home to one of the region’s most beloved attractions: a towering, seven-meter-tall glass marble run (Kugelbahn). Guests can grab a bag of colorful glass marbles and send them racing down intricate winding tracks, chimes, and obstacles. Next to the run, children can climb a giant 12-meter-long glass-scaled dragon slide, splash around interactive water features, or play in quartz sand.

Before leaving, be sure to visit the main Glasi Shop to pick up a beautiful, handcrafted piece of Swiss art glass as a unique souvenir. If you are on a budget, simply head across the street to the Glasi Outlet Shop, where you can score “second-choice” items—glassware with tiny, charming imperfections—at a fraction of the original price.

Because Hergiswil sits in the heart of Central Switzerland, a trip to the factory pairs perfectly with some of the region’s top sights:

• Mount Pilatus: Resting right at the base of Pilatus, Hergiswil makes a natural stop before or after riding the world’s steepest cogwheel railway or taking the panorama gondolas up to the summit.
• Lake Lucerne Steamer Cruise: Instead of taking the S-Bahn train, board a historic paddle steamer or motor vessel from Luzern Pier; the boat drops passengers off right at the Hergiswil dock, steps from the factory gates.
• Luzern Old Town: Located just a 10-minute train ride away, a visit to the glassworks can easily be combined with an afternoon exploring Luzern’s iconic Kapellenbrücke (Chapel Bridge), riverside cafés, and historic cobblestone streets.

https://www.glasi.ch

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