Steklarna Rogaška, a symphony of fire, air and tradition

Welcome to Steklarna Rogaška, one of the world’s oldest and most respected handmade crystal factories.

With a 350-year tradition, Rogaška blends historic artistry with modern sophistication to create premium home and lifestyle icons.

While the modern world relies on assembly lines and identical copies, every creation at Rogaška tells a different story. From a delicate wine glass to a grand sculpture, each piece is individually shaped by a team of top artisans.

Nothing can replace the human touch required to shape crystal worthy of the world’s most luxurious residences, royal courts, Vatican chambers, and the hands of global champions.

The perfect balance of three elements, fire, air and priceless human passion, creates these unique masterpieces.
After all, who can resist the enchanting chime of a crystal glass, or the dance of light across a masterfully cut vase or festive holiday ornament?

 

 

History of Steklarna Rogaška

Founded in 1927, the glass factory is approaching its historic anniversary. The year 2027 will mark a full hundred years of passion, craftsmanship and tradition woven into every piece of crystal.

But the history of glassmaking in this area dates back to 1665, when the first wooden glass workshops were opened on the slopes of Pohorje. This is a reason why 1665 is part of the Steklarna Rogaška logotype.

In 1927, the modern Rogaška factory was established. At that time, it had 250 workers.
During the following decades, the company expanded into markets across Europe and the USA.

 

In 1980, the company employed over 2,000 workers. With the establishment of the Rogaška Crystal Brand, it became a global synonym for luxury and top quality.

In 2013, the company became part of the WWRD company (Waterford), a leading global provider of luxury home and lifestyle products. Then, in 2015, Steklarna Rogaška and WWRD joined the Finnish Fiskars Group.

Today, about 500 people work in the company. Almost all production is dedicated to export. Actually, the glass factory produces products for numerous global brands, including Villeroy & Boch, St. Louis, Bohemia, Swarovski, and other well-known manufacturers.

Confidentiality agreements protect some of the products and designs. They do not bear the Rogaška name, even though they were created at this factory. But under its own name, the factory still sells its own brand, Rogaška Crystal.

Considering that Steklarna Rogaška also produces for the Waterford company, the crystal elements of the famous New Year’s ball that descends every year on Times Square in New York are created in Rogaška! Amazing, isn’t it?

 

 

The production process

During my short vacation in Rogaška Slatina, I had an opportunity to visit the factory.

Valerija Kovač, an expert guide, led us through the production process in Steklarna Rogaška. We put on protective clothing and eyeglasses, but we had to put away our cell phones. Taking pictures and filming is not allowed in the factory.

 

How the magic of hand-blown crystal is created

Entering the production sector of the glass factory was an interesting experience, like a trip into science fiction or a movie.

As we stood a safe distance away, we were immediately enveloped by the incredible heat coming from the massive furnace, which works continuously, 24 hours a day. Inside it, a magical mixture of quartz sand, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate and other minerals melts, turning into liquid, glowing lava at a temperature of over 1,400 degrees Celsius. About 40% of the material may be recycled glass, and approximately 11 to 12 tons of glass are produced daily.

One moment you are looking at a glowing mass, and a few seconds later, a shape in front of you begins to resemble a glass. The production is done by hand. Each piece is unique, but the precision of each craftsman enables glasses to be completed into sets.

One design, one group

The production process is organised so that one group of workers are making one design.

With long metal tubes, one worker captures the exact amount of red-hot glass from the furnace. Another makes a preform. After that, the master glassblower enters the scene. He picks up the wooden or metal mould and starts blowing air into it. In front of you, a liquid sphere begins to expand and take its final shape.

This process requires incredible breath control, strength and precision. Everything is done by hand, in motion, while the glass is constantly rotated so that it does not lose its symmetry.

Then, the second worker adds liquid glass thread from which he will shape the handle, while the third uses scissors to cut off the excess glowing mass. The whole process happens quickly, and they must know when the moment is right for each movement. Just one wrong move or a second of inattention can ruin the whole process.

 

Cooling process and a final shape

When an object takes its shape, it must go through special ovens for controlled cooling, where the temperature gradually drops for hours, so that internal stresses and cracks do not occur inside the crystal. For example, crystal glasses are cooled for approximately five to six hours. For larger items, the process can take a whole day or even longer.

Only after the glass has completely cooled and become transparent do artisans perform decorative grinding, engraving, sandblasting, and polishing. Each cut must be identical so that when the light passes through the crystal, it refracts the rays, shining like a diamond. This is the reason why the Rogaška crystal is so recognisable.

Well, I have to say that we were fascinated by the whole process and the workers’ synchronisation… Time is not measured by hours, but by the movements of the master’s hands and the breath that transforms a liquid, glowing mass into eternal art in a second.

Although several automated processes in the factory perform certain tasks, the experience of the masters is still irreplaceable.

 

🥂Crystal glasses and crystal products 

In Steklarna Rogaška, crystal products include various types of glasses, candle holders, plates, vases, photo frames, fruit bowls, wine and bar programs, Christmas decorations, and various gift programs.

Some of these products you can buy at the Outlet shop, located at the entrance to the Steklarna Rogaška factory.

 

Within the factory, there is also a “Hall of Fame“, in which Steklarna Rogaška presents a special collection of top-quality crystal creations that demonstrate the strength of tradition, knowledge and handwork. It looks like an art gallery!

 

Interestingly, Rogaška Crystal products were also used as protocol gifts of the Slovenian institutions that were presented to the highest state officials, such as Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II, King Harald V of Norway, and Bill Clinton, as well as Michael Schumacher, Valentino Rossi, Luka Dončić, Goran Dragić, and Tina Maze. The crystal has also “conquered” Hollywood, with bowls in the movie “The Wolf of Wall Street”.

 

By the way, Rogaška has proudly sponsored sports competitions, diplomatic summits, and social and cultural events. 

 

 

In the showroom, you can enjoy the shining crystal products and buy some of them, beautiful souvenirs from Rogaška Slatina.

 

 

📌How to get to the Steklarna Rogaška shop and Tourist Trail

The factory complex and showroom are located in Talcev 1 Street, about 2 km from the centre of Rogaška Slatina. It takes a few minutes by car, or about 15 minutes of a pleasant walk (follow the main road toward the industrial/factory zone on Kidričeva Street).

For everyone who wants to see this “symphony” live, the Tourist Trail is organised. The tours take place every workday between 8 AM and 1 PM. And don’t forget to wear closed shoes (open sandals and flip-flops are not permitted in the factory).
Check all details about organised tours and registrations on the Staklarna Rogaška official website.

 

 

Made in Steklarna Rogaška, Slovenia

In the Steklarna Rogaška factory, you will find everything in one place: design, development, decoration and packaging. Many crystal products around the world bear the sign: “Made in Slovenia“. Crafted by history, perfected by hand, Steklarna Rogaška brings timeless brilliance to every moment.

So, the next time you raise a crystal glass to your lips, you’ll sense the incredible precision and mastery poured into every curve, and hear it in the perfect, resonant chime of your next toast. Cin Cin 🥂