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    Kosta

    Sweden

    Kosta

    CityCultureNatureFor FamiliesCulinary

    Kosta is a small village in the forests of Småland and the historical heart of the Kingdom of Crystal. The glassworks has been active since 1742 and is Sweden's oldest continuously operating glassworks.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Sweden
    7. Småland
    9. Kosta
    Kosta is a small village in the forests of Småland and the historical heart of the Kingdom of Crystal. The glassworks has been active since 1742 and is Sweden's oldest continuously operating glassworks. You can watch the glassblowers at work, shop at the outlet, and observe elk and red deer in nearby wildlife parks.

    Sights in Kosta

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Kosta Boda Glasbruk & Outlet

    The Glassworks is the heart of the place. You can watch the glassblowers at work at the furnaces and learn more about the history of Swedish glass. Directly connected is the Kosta Outlet with glassware, Scandinavian design, and fashion.
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    2Destination Kosta

    Destination Kosta combines a glassworks, outlet, hotel, and restaurants in the town center. Kosta Glasbruk was founded in 1742 and is considered Sweden's oldest still active glassworks. You can watch the glassblowers at the furnaces and buy glass and design objects in the outlet. The offering also includes the Kosta Boda Art Hotel with a spa, and nearby, the Kosta Safari Park with Nordic wildlife. It's best to inquire about the times for glassblowing demonstrations in advance.
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    Park

    3Grönåsen's Elk Park

    The Grönåsen Älg- och Lantdjurspark just outside Kosta is an animal park opened in 1994, specializing in moose. In addition to moose, including a rare white moose, farm animals also live here.
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    City walks in Kosta

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Kosta: Glassworks, Outlet and Ekeberga Church

    The walk begins at Kosta Glasbruk glassworks, founded in 1742, which gave the place its name. After the Kosta Art Gallery, walk past Kosta Outlet south on Stora Vägen to Ekeberga kyrka.

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    Stops (4)

    Restaurants & Cafes

    Kosta Wild House Kitchen

    This restaurant offers a rustic and cozy atmosphere, perfectly suited to Småland's wild nature. Here you can enjoy hearty dishes, often with local ingredients and a focus on game specialties. It's the ideal spot to refuel after a visit to the Safari Park.
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    Kosta Brukscafé

    You're in the right place at Kosta Brukscafé for a relaxed break or a traditional Swedish 'Fika'. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee, homemade pastries, and light snacks in a casual setting. It's the perfect spot to process the impressions from the glassworks and unwind.
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    1

    Kosta Delikatess

    Kosta Delikatess in Kosta offers you a culinary experience that combines Swedish tradition with a modern deli concept. Here you'll find a carefully curated selection of regional specialties and international gourmet products, which can be enjoyed on-site or purchased to take home. The cuisine is characterized by the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, often with a focus on seasonal and local produce. Particularly recommended are the artfully prepared Smörgås, the daily changing lunch specials with fish or meat, and a selection of Swedish cheeses and cured meats. The ambiance is bright and inviting, styled in a typical Scandinavian manner, offering a relaxed atmosphere for lunch or coffee. For dinner, a reservation is advisable, while at lunchtime you can often spontaneously find a seat and benefit from the affordable offers.
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    2

    Don Camillo

    In Kosta, Sweden, you'll find Don Camillo, an established restaurant dedicated to authentic Italian cuisine. Here you'll discover a thoughtful selection of classic dishes, from freshly prepared pasta to crispy oven-baked pizzas, often refined with regionally inspired ingredients. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, often with a lively bustle reminiscent of a traditional Italian trattoria experience. Highlights include the seasonal specialties and handmade desserts, which perfectly round off your visit. For dinner, reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid waiting times. Don Camillo is mid-priced, offering solid value for money for high-quality Italian dishes in this region.
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    Kosta: Glass, Art and Tradition

    Founded in 1742The town came into being with the founding of **Kosta Glasbruk** in 1742. The founders were the provincial governors Anders Koskull and Georg Bogislaus Staël von Holstein, both former officers in Karl XII's army. The name combines the initial syllables of their surnames: Ko(skull) and Sta(ël). The forests supplied the wood for the furnaces, and the glass was sent to places like Stockholm and Karlskrona. The furnaces have been burning since July 26, 1742, making Kosta Sweden's oldest active glassworks.Heart of the Glass KingdomThrough the merger with the Boda glassworks, the brand name Kosta Boda emerged. Kosta belongs to Glasriket, the Glass Kingdom in the municipalities of Lessebo, Uppvidinge, Nybro, and Emmaboda. The craft of glassblowing is demonstrated at the glassworks to this day.

    Exploring Locally

    On FootKosta is small. The glassworks, outlet, hotel, and restaurants are all close together and within easy walking distance.BusKosta is part of the municipality of Lessebo in Kronoberg County. Bus line 220 from Länstrafiken Kronoberg connects Lessebo train station with Kosta, with a stop at the glassworks. Timetables and tickets can be found in the transport authority's app.Car and TaxiFor excursions to other glassworks or into the surrounding forests, a car is the most practical solution. It's best to order taxis in advance, especially outside of peak season.

    Accommodations in Kosta

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    Campgrounds in Kosta

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      • 1Kosta Boda Glasbruk & Outlet3 days
      • 2Destination Kosta4 days
      • 3Grönåsen's Elk Park5 days
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    Nearby

    Glasriket (Glass Kingdom)

    Glasriket (Glass Kingdom)

    Glasriket, the Kingdom of Crystal, spans the municipalities of Lessebo, Uppvidinge, Nybro, and Emmaboda between Växjö and Kalmar. Today, around 14 glassworks still operate here, including Kosta Boda and Orrefors. In many, you can watch the glassblowers and shop directly from the factory.
    Växjö

    Växjö

    Växjö is the main town of the Kronoberg district and a university city in the heart of Småland, surrounded by lakes. In its compact center are the Cathedral, the Småland Museum with the Swedish Glass Museum, and the House of Emigrants. The city is considered a pioneer in municipal climate protection, and in 2018, it was the first Swedish city to receive the European Green Leaf Award. It's not far to the Kingdom of Crystal.
    Småland

    Småland

    Småland is southern Sweden's forested, lake-dotted landscape, between Lake Vättern (north) and the Baltic Sea (east). Red wooden houses, stone walls, and moors define the scene. Highlights include the Kingdom of Crystal (between Växjö and Kalmar) and Vimmerby, Astrid Lindgren's hometown.
    Kalmar

    Kalmar

    Kalmar is located on the Baltic Sea coast of Småland, opposite the island of Öland. The Renaissance castle on the water, the baroque cathedral, and the Old Town on the island of Kvarnholmen make the city one of Southern Sweden's most important historical destinations. Via the Öland Bridge, you're on Öland in just a few minutes.
    Blekinge

    Blekinge

    Blekinge is Sweden's second-smallest province, on the Baltic Sea between Skåne and Småland. Deciduous forests extend to an archipelago coast with around 800 islands and skerries, protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Its main town is the naval city of Karlskrona, whose port facilities are UNESCO World Heritage.

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