For thirteen unforgettable days, Glass Art Society travelers explored the rich glass traditions of Finland, Sweden, and Denmark, experiencing an extraordinary blend of contemporary glass, historic collections, artist studios, cultural landmarks, and regional cuisine. Designed exclusively for the global glass community, the tour offered behind-the-scenes access and memorable experiences unavailable to the general public.
Finland
Our journey began in Helsinki, where travelers enjoyed guided visits to the acclaimed Amos Rex Museum, the architectural marvel of Oodi Library, and the historic island fortress of Suomenlinna. A highlight was an evening dinner on picturesque Lonna Island overlooking the Baltic Sea.
Venturing into Finland’s renowned glass region, the group explored the Finnish Glass Museum before visiting the historic Nuutajärvi Glass Village, where we met resident artists, toured working studios, viewed important collections, and enjoyed the warm hospitality of the village community.
Sweden
After an overnight ferry across the Baltic, the tour continued in Stockholm, where participants experienced the city’s remarkable blend of design, architecture, and contemporary glass. Highlights included private visits to the studios of Martin Ehrensvärd and Fredrik Nielsen, a guided tour of the Nationalmuseum, Stockholm’s famous public art-filled Metro system, and time to explore one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful capitals.
From Stockholm, the journey continued into Småland—the Kingdom of Crystal. Guests enjoyed demonstrations at Orranäs Glasbruk, toured the Kosta Boda Factory and Kosta Boda Art Gallery, visited The Glass Factory, and explored the Swedish Glass Museum. Evenings featured uniquely Swedish experiences, including a traditional Hyttsill celebration with local artists, music, and regional cuisine.
Denmark
The final leg of the journey brought the group to Copenhagen, beginning with a visit to the internationally renowned Louisiana Museum of Modern Art before continuing to Holmegaard Værk, where travelers explored Denmark’s glassmaking heritage, met contemporary artists, and enjoyed a private glassmaking demonstration.
More Than a Tour
Throughout the journey, guests enjoyed exclusive artist demonstrations, private studio visits, museum tours, outstanding local cuisine, scenic ferry crossings, luxury accommodations, and meaningful conversations with artists, historians, curators, and fellow travelers. There was also ample free time to explore each destination independently.
Like every GAS Travels experience, the Nordic Countries Tour offered far more than sightseeing. It created lasting friendships, unforgettable access to the world of glass, and a deeper appreciation for the people, places, and traditions that continue to shape contemporary glass today.
We returned home inspired, with countless photographs, a few extra pounds of glass safely packed into our suitcases, and plenty of stories to tell—from dodging determined seagulls in Helsinki and watching food cooked with molten glass in Stockholm, to discovering new favorite artists, sharing laughter over long dinners, and making memories that will last long after the journey ended. That’s the magic of GAS Travels: you arrive as fellow travelers and leave as friends.
Thank You to the Following:
Our tour would not have been possible without the artists, studios, and institutions who gave us an unforgettable itinerary of visits, guided tours, and up-close cultural encounters. Heartfelt thanks to our friends in Finland, Sweden, and Denmark who made it a success:
And an extra special Thank You to our GAS Members for traveling with GAS!
Alisa, Hillary, Robby, Dennis, Nancy, Jonathan, Marcy, Keith, Leslie, Edie, Beth, Paul, Luetta, Cliff and Vicki.
