Rautis
The Rautis glassworks in Poniklá in the Podkrkonoší region is unique in the world as the only place that preserves the tradition of handcrafting Christmas decorations from blown glass beads. This exceptional craft, which is closely linked to the region, achieved the highest recognition in 2020 when it was added to UNESCO's prestigious Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The history of bead making in Poniklá dates back to the end of the 19th century, when generations of local families made their living from this precise work. Today, Rautis proudly continues their legacy, using original molds and traditional techniques that have remained virtually unchanged for more than a century. The journey of each bead is a process requiring extraordinary patience – from hand-blowing from glass tubes to silvering and coloring to final cutting. The company's philosophy is to protect this fragile heritage, which reflects the rich imagination of the Krkonoše glassmakers in the form of stars, angels, and period means of transport.
A visit to the Poniklá workshops offers a fascinating excursion to places where history is literally born under the hands of craftsmen. During the tour, guests can observe the entire technological cycle and see with their own eyes the mastery of the craftsmen, whose hands touch each bead at least six times. For those who want to awaken their own creativity, there is a workshop where you can assemble an original decoration under expert guidance. The whole experience in the picturesque surroundings of the Krkonoše Mountains is complemented by the opportunity to visit the company store, which carries the charm of old times and the unmistakable sparkle of Czech glass.
