Located on the shores of Lake Lucerne, Glasi Hergiswil is one of Central Switzerland’s top family-friendly destinations—and an excellent option for rainy or overcast days. Operating continuously for over 200 years, this historic glass factory sits less than 20 minutes from Lucerne by car or public transit, making it an easy day trip. A typical visit lasts around two to three hours, offering a well-rounded mix of interactive museum exhibits, live artisan demonstrations, creative play areas, and scenic lakeside dining. Here is our complete guide to visiting Glasi Hergiswil with kids.
“Formed by Fire” Museum Tour
The “Formed by Fire” tour introduces visitors to the history of glassmaking and the heritage of Glasi Hergiswil. The self-guided walkthrough leads through atmospheric, darkened rooms featuring multimedia presentations and interactive displays.
- Family Tip: You can request an English audio guide or brochure at the entrance. Because portions of the exhibit are dark and sound-heavy, it tends to engage school-age children better than toddlers.
- Factory Floor: The tour concludes on a raised gallery directly above the main production floor. If you prefer to skip the historical exhibition, you can head straight to this spectator deck for free to watch master glassmakers shape molten glass over roaring furnaces.
Hands-On Glassblowing: Blow Your Own Glass Ball
One of our family’s favorite activity was the hands-on glassblowing station, situated right on the viewing platform above the factory floor.
- Choose Your Style: Before stepping up, choose between a smooth finish or a textured, grooved pattern.
- Preparation: A resident glassmaker gathers molten glass from the furnace and attaches a fresh, single-use mouthpiece to the blowpipe.
- The Glassblowing: The artisan carefully coaches the children through the process. Both of our kids were able to take turns blowing into the pipe, watching the glowing orb expand in real time.
- Cooling & Pickup: The hands-on portion takes roughly five minutes, followed by a mandatory 20-to-30-minute cooling period before the glass is safe to handle and take home.
- Cost: The experience costs 20 CHF per ball and includes a metal hanging loop. It was fun to make a handcrafted Swiss souvenir that will hang on our Christmas tree.
Family-Friendly Exhibits & The Glass Labyrinth
Directly adjacent to the production hall is a building dedicated to interactive exhibits that are perfect when visiting Glasi Hergiswil with kids. While entry to the main discovery rooms is free, the Glass Labyrinth requires an admission ticket.
- The Glass Labyrinth: This indoor mirrored maze uses synchronized LED lighting and soundscapes. Visitors wear protective slippers and white cotton gloves to navigate the illusions without smudging the glass.
- Interactive Discovery Zone: Inside the exhibition hall, kids can experiment with glass musical instruments, sound sculptures, and optical illusions that engage both children and adults.
Outdoor Playground & The Giant Glass Marble Run
If the weather cooperates, the lakeside Glasi Park playground is a major highlight.
- The Marble Run: At the center of the playground stands a tall climbing tower outfitted with four distinct glass marble tracks. Solid glass marbles can be purchased from the gift shop or an on-site vending machine. Kids send their marbles down the chutes, take the slide down to retrieve them, and head back up to race again.
- Playground & Sand Pit: The park also features a large sand pit, climbing structures, and plenty of benches where parents can sit back and supervise.
The Glasi Shops
Glasi Hergiswil operates two retail spaces:
- Primary Gift Shop: Located opposite the labyrinth, carrying premium tableware, seasonal collections, and bespoke glass engraving services.
- Factory Outlet: Located across the street, offering discounted factory seconds, everyday glassware, and decorative accents (we picked up a few seasonal glass ornaments, including a tree and a bunny).
Lakeside Dining Options
When it is time for a meal or snack, several convenient options are available on-site:
- Glasi Bar am See: Open during fair weather, this casual lakeside terrace features outdoor seating right on the edge of Lake Lucerne. Guests order at the counter and food is brought directly to the table. The menu offers a crowd-pleasing mix—we enjoyed Asian dumplings and spring rolls, while the kids opted for chicken nuggets and fries. Right next to the patio, children can push interactive control buttons to activate water spouts that from the lake.
- Sit-Down Swiss Dining: For rainy days or traditional Swiss cuisine, both the adjacent Glasi-Restaurant Adler and nearby village spots like Restaurant Felsenblick offer full table service featuring classic alpine dishes, schnitzel, and seasonal menus.
Getting There & Parking
- By Train: From Lucerne Station (Luzern Bahnhof), take the Zentralbahn regional train (S4 or S5) directly to Hergiswil. The factory is an easy, flat five-minute walk from the station platform.
- By Car: Hergiswil is approximately 15 minutes south of Lucerne via the A2 motorway. Designated visitor parking is available directly past the factory in front of Glasi-Restaurant Adler.
- By Boat: For a more scenic journey, scheduled passenger boats depart from Luzern Bahnhofquai to Hergiswil (See), arriving in about 40 minutes.
Final Thoughts on visiting Glasi Hergiswil with kids
Glasi Hergiswil strikes a balance between hands-on education, artisan craftsmanship, and open-ended play. Whether you need a dependable rainy-day plan or an easy alternative to mountain excursions, it offers a memorable outing for families of all ages. Explore our blog for additional family-friendly activities throughout Canton Nidwalden.
