Scan Magazine | Special Theme | 100% Norway
250 years of Christmas tradition Hadeland Glassverk has been crafting glass and celebrating Christmas for 250 years. It has become an important part of the Christmas spirit for thousands of Norwegians. By Magnus Nygren Syversen | Photos: Hadeland Glassverk
With Christmas approaching, the grounds at Hadeland Glassverk in Jevnaker have been transformed into a snowy Christmas Village, featuring a Christmas cottage, lots of activities for children and over 50,000 Christmas lights. “People come to the countryside to find some peace and quiet, and to enjoy our old, venerable Christmas traditions. In addition, they get to visit Norway’s largest factory outlet, where they will always get value for money,” says Kari S. Roll-Mathiessen, operations and marketing director at Hadeland Glassverk’s visitor centre. Established as far back as in 1762, Hadeland Glassverk (Hadeland Glassworks) is Norway’s oldest industrial company, operating continuously for 250 years. “The glassblowers working at our factory today are using the same equipment as those who worked here in 1762,” says RollMathiessen.
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The glassworks feature a living glass hut, where some 600,000 yearly visitors are invited to witness glass products come to life. “Even when it is freezing cold outside, the glass hut is always nice and warm,” says Roll-Mathiessen. To celebrate their 250th anniversary this year, visitors are also invited to enjoy a large anniversary exhibit in the glassworks’ art gallery.
tory has around 140 employees, of which close to 40 are glassblowers. Some of their classic lines of products, such as the wine glass series “Marie”, have been bestsellers for 100 years and are still being produced today. These products are being sold at retailers across all of Norway.
Norway’s largest factory outlet for glass and porcelain products also includes nine separate shops, ranging from a candle foundry and a general store to a waffle house and bakery. The bakery has been a part of Hadeland Glassverk since Ludvig Andreassen was appointed the first baker supreme in 1881. “We offer a variety of tempting food, desserts and snacks,” says the manager. Hadeland Glassverk produces more glass products today than ever before. The fac-
For more information, please visit: www.hadeland-glassverk.no