Glass Blowing Workshops in Gniezno – How to Join and What to Expect?

Quick answer: Glass blowing workshops in Gniezno are run by Bolglass – a manufactory operating continuously since 1946. Booking is required in advance, and the price for a workshop with a factory tour starts from 60 PLN per person. During the session, participants shape their own glass ornament using the mouth-blowing technique and take the finished piece home.

Glass blowing is a technique for shaping glass objects by inflating molten glass through a blowpipe or glass tube, allowing the craftsman to form it into a desired shape.

What are glass blowing workshops in Gniezno?

Glass blowing workshops in Gniezno are hands-on sessions held at the historic Bolglass manufactory. Participants learn the basics of artistic glassmaking and, guided by a master craftsman, create their own Christmas ornament. Gniezno has been a centre of Polish glassmaking tradition for decades – a place where this craft is passed down from generation to generation.

The workshops combine education with an authentic artisan experience. No prior knowledge or skills are needed. Sessions are open to adults, teenagers, and organised school groups.

How can you join a glass blowing workshop?

The easiest way to book is through the Bolglass website. Check current availability and pricing on the tours and workshops pricing page. Group bookings should be made several weeks in advance, especially during the autumn and winter season.

Here are the steps to follow:

• Choose a date and session type (tour only, or tour with workshop).
• Specify the number of participants – the workshop room holds up to 92 people at once.
• Confirm your booking and pay the deposit.
• Arrive a few minutes early – sessions start on time.

Corporate groups can combine their visit with an order of branded ornaments with a company logo – a popular choice for corporate Christmas gifts.

What exactly happens during the workshop?

The workshop programme consists of several stages. Each stage is led by an experienced glassblower with years of expertise working with soda glass.

Introduction and theory

Participants begin by learning about the history of the manufactory and the fundamentals of the craft. The master craftsman explains the entire production process – from heating the glass tube to approximately 1,200°C through to the final hand decoration of each piece. This introduction makes it clear just how much precision artistic glassmaking demands.

Mouth blowing – hands-on practice

Each participant steps up to a workstation with a glass tube and attempts to shape a glass bubble on their own. Mouth blowing requires a steady, even breath – the master corrects technique throughout the process. This is the most exciting part of the session.

Decorating and silvering

Once the glass sphere is formed, the inside is silvered with genuine silver nitrate, giving the ornament its characteristic shine. Participants then choose a lacquer from a palette of over 200 shades. Hand decoration with fine details is the final – and very satisfying – step.

A finished ornament to take home

Every participant leaves with the ornament they made themselves. It is a unique keepsake that combines a personal memory with authentic artistic craftsmanship.

In numbers

• Bolglass has been operating continuously since 1946 – over 78 years of glassmaking tradition.
• Glass is shaped from a tube heated to approximately 1,200°C.
• The inside of every ornament is silvered with genuine silver nitrate.
• The lacquer palette includes over 200 shades.
• The workshop room accommodates up to 92 people – the equivalent of two school classes at once.
• Factory tour from 35 PLN per person; tour with workshop from 60 PLN per person.

Who are these workshops for?

Glass blowing workshops in Gniezno are an excellent choice for many different groups:

• Families with children – an unforgettable experience for all ages.
• Schools and organised groups – a meaningful and educational outing.
• Companies – team building in the unique setting of Polish craftsmanship.
• Tourists – an authentic regional attraction in the heart of Greater Poland.
• Craft enthusiasts – a rare chance to experience artistic glassmaking from the inside.

Bolglass welcomes both small family groups and large delegations. It is always worth checking availability for your preferred date in advance.

What should you bring to the workshop?

No special equipment is needed. A few practical tips:

• Wear comfortable clothing – the workshop hall is warm due to the active furnaces.
• Avoid loose sleeves and synthetic fabrics near heat sources.
• A camera or smartphone is handy for capturing the process.
• Children under 6 years old may participate as observers.

What else can you discover at Bolglass?

A visit to Gniezno is a great opportunity to explore the wider glassmaking tradition of the region. During the factory tour, guests can watch the entire production process for luxury Christmas decorations – from shaping the glass to the final packaging of finished ornaments.

If you would like to design your own decorations, try the 3D configurator available on the website. Finished products are also available in the Bolglass shop.

Polish artisan glassmaking has a rich history, and Bolglass is one of the very few places in the country where you can experience it from the ground up – touch it, watch it, and try it yourself. It is an experience that stays with you long after you leave.