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Admiring traditional artisanal skills from Lauscha to Lübeck

From glass-blowing in Thuringia to porcelain in Saxony: experience German craftsmanship and design your own artworks. 

Kim BergKim Berg , 12.06.2024
Meissen is the oldest centre of porcelain manufacturing in Europe.
Meissen is the oldest centre of porcelain manufacturing in Europe. Meissen is the oldest centre of porcelain manufacturing in Europe. © picture alliance/dpa

Porcelain production in Meissen, Saxony 

The porcelain museum in Meissen takes visitors on a tour through the history of the first porcelain to be produced in Europe. Founded in 1710, the factory attracts visitors from all over the world with its collection of historical objects and modern creations. A tour of the workshops reveals the painstaking work invested in every piece - from initial form to the final application of paint. One highlight is the open workshop where visitors can watch the porcelain painters and sculptors while they work. 

Glass art from Lauscha, Thuringia 

Lauscha, familiar to many as the cradle of glass Christmas tree decorations, is a village in Thuringia that is famous for its outstanding glass-blowing. Visitors here can watch over the artists’ shoulders as they create filigree artworks out of glowing hot glass.  

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The glass-blowing tradition began in Lauscha in the 16th century. Today, tourists are able not only to watch but also to try their hand at this skilled craft themselves in workshops run by experienced glass-blowers. 

Cuckoo clocks from the Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg  

The Black Forest is renowned not only for its picturesque scenery but also for the production of the iconic cuckoo clocks. In small businesses, many of them family-run, a tradition is upheld that dates back to 1737. Visitors can experience the skilful art of clock-making and discover how every clock is manufactured by hand. Many workshops also offer visitors the chance to design their own clock and take it home with them. 

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Another Black Forest highlight is the world’s largest cuckoo clock. It can be admired at the Ebel Uhrenpark near Triberg. 

Marzipan from Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein 

Lübeck, the city of marzipan, is another highlight for culture vultures - especially those with a sweet tooth. The famous Lübeck marzipan has been elevated to an art form here. The city’s historic centre is full of cafés and shops that offer this sweet delicacy in every conceivable shape and form. Visitors to the Marzipan Salon can not only learn about the history of marzipan but also watch a live demonstration of how this almond-based speciality is traditionally made. 

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