Planning Your Moser Glassworks Factory Tour

Booking your visit is the first step to an amazing experience. The factory is very popular, especially in the summer months. You should always check the schedule before you arrive. Most tours run in the morning when the furnaces are at their hottest. This is when the glassblowers are most active. You can choose between a museum-only ticket or a combined factory and museum pass.

The combined pass offers the best value for travelers. It allows you to see the history and the live production. Tours are available in several languages, including English and German. If you want a specific language, book at least one week in advance. Group sizes are often limited to ensure everyone can see the master blowers. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking on the factory floor.

Prices are reasonable for such a high-end experience. Expect to pay more for private tours or specialized engraving workshops. The facility is accessible, but the foundry floor can be warm. Drink plenty of water before you enter the heat of the workshop. Photography is usually allowed, but always ask your guide first. This ensures you do not disrupt the delicate work of the artisans.

10 Must-See Highlights for Your Moser Visit

This list covers the best parts of the Moser experience. We also include nearby gems to round out your day trip. Karlovy Vary offers many unique sights within a short distance. Follow these recommendations for a perfect itinerary.

• Best overall: The Moser Glass Foundry
• Best for families: Diana Observation Tower
• Best rainy-day: Jan Becher Museum
• Best free: The Colonnades

1. Name: The Moser Glass Foundry Type: Experience Why go: This is the heart of the Moser Glassworks factory tour guide. You stand just meters away from master glassblowers. You can feel the heat of the 1,200-degree furnaces. It is incredible to see molten glass turn into art. Best for: Art lovers and photographers. Where: Kpt. Jaroše 46/19, Karlovy Vary. Time: 45-60 minutes. Cost: Approx. 180-300 CZK. Getting there: Bus 1, 2, or 22 from the center. Tip: Visit before 10:00 AM to see the most intense production activity.
2. Name: Moser Glass Museum Type: Museum Why go: It showcases over 160 years of crystal history. You will see pieces made for kings, queens, and popes. The displays explain the unique lead-free formula of Moser glass. It provides context for the skill you see in the foundry. Best for: History buffs. Where: Moser Visitor Center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Included in combined tickets. Getting there: Same as the foundry. Tip: Look for the "Giant Snifters" display for a great photo.
3. Name: The Moser Sales Gallery Type: Sight Why go: This is one of the most beautiful showrooms in Europe. Even if you don't buy, the displays are like an art gallery. You can see the latest collections and classic designs. It is the perfect place to find a high-end souvenir. Best for: Shoppers and design enthusiasts. Where: Moser Visitor Center. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to enter. Getting there: Same as the foundry. Tip: Check the "Seconds" section for slightly discounted items.
4. Name: Jan Becher Museum Type: Museum Why go: Learn about Becherovka, the famous Czech herbal liqueur. It is located in the original factory building. The tour includes a tasting of different varieties. It is a great way to experience another local craft. Best for: Adults and foodies. Where: T. G. Masaryka 57. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: See the Jan Becher Museum tasting and tickets guide. Getting there: 15-minute walk from the main bus station. Tip: Buy the "KV12" version only available at the museum.
5. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of Karlovy Vary. You can take a funicular to the top of the hill. There is also a butterfly house and a mini-zoo for kids. It provides a peaceful break from the city streets. Best for: Families and nature lovers. Where: Friendship Heights. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Tower is free; funicular has a small fee. Getting there: See our guide for visiting Diana Observation Tower. Tip: Walk back down through the forest paths for a scenic hike.
6. Name: Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídlo) Type: Sight Why go: This is the most famous spring in the city. The geyser shoots water up to 12 meters high. You can also take an underground tour of the thermal springs. It is the literal heart of the spa culture. Best for: First-time visitors. Where: Divadelní náměstí. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Free to see the geyser. Getting there: Follow the Hot Spring Colonnade excursion. Tip: Bring a porcelain spa cup to taste the water.
7. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Experience Why go: This hotel is a masterpiece of Neo-Baroque architecture. It has hosted movie stars and royalty for centuries. You can enjoy a luxury tea service in the cafe. It feels like stepping into a Bond movie. Best for: Luxury seekers. Where: Mírové náměstí 2. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate for tea/coffee. Getting there: See visiting Grandhotel Pupp for afternoon tea. Tip: Visit the Malá Dvorana for the most impressive ceiling views.
8. Name: Loket Castle Type: Day trip Why go: A stunning 12th-century Gothic castle on a granite rock. It is surrounded by the Ohře River on three sides. The town of Loket is incredibly charming and medieval. It is only a short trip from Karlovy Vary. Best for: History lovers. Where: Loket town. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Approx. 150-200 CZK for entry. Getting there: 20-minute bus or train ride. Tip: Don't miss the torture chamber exhibit if you like spooky history.
9. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: The largest colonnade in Karlovy Vary with 124 columns. It houses five different mineral springs. The architecture is perfect for a slow afternoon stroll. It is the iconic image of the city. Best for: Photography. Where: Mlýnské nábřeží. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walkable from any central point. Tip: Look for the statues on the roof representing the months.
10. Name: Moser Crystal Engraving Workshop Type: Activity Why go: Moser is famous for its intricate engravings. In this workshop, you can watch artists carve designs into crystal. It requires incredible patience and a steady hand. It is a quieter but equally impressive part of the craft. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Moser Visitor Center. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Included in the factory tour. Getting there: Check the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism site for updates. Tip: You can often commission a custom engraving on-site.

Logistics for Your Moser Glassworks Factory Tour Guide

Getting to the Moser Glassworks is simple and efficient. The factory is located in the Dvory district. This is about 3 kilometers from the main spa zone. You can easily take a local bus from the city center. Buses 1, 2, and 22 stop right near the visitor center. Check the Dopravní podnik Karlovy Vary site for live times.

If you prefer to drive, there is a free parking lot. The lot is located directly in front of the Moser building. Taxis are also readily available throughout the city. A taxi ride from the Colonnades should take about 10 minutes. Walking is possible but takes about 40 minutes along the river. This route is flat and offers a look at local life.

The visitor center is open daily, but the foundry has limits. Most glassblowers finish their shift by early afternoon. Try to arrive by 9:00 AM for the best experience. The museum and shop stay open later than the factory floor. Always check for holiday closures before you set out. This ensures your Moser Glassworks factory tour guide remains accurate for your trip.