Discovering Zürich And Switzerland

The train trip to Luzern and the boat journey on the Vierwaldstättersee were blest with sunny weather when a large group of ladies, 26 in all, made the pleasant journey to Hergiswil the other week. As the boat zigzagged its way across the beautiful lake, we had wonderful views of the Rigi, Pilatus and Burgenstock. However, the wind started to get a bit brisk as we neared our destination, the small town south of Luzern where the famous glass factory and museum are located. Anne-Marie had arranged seat reservations on the train and boat and booked a guided tour to add to our enjoyment.

Our guide, Marie-Thérèse Egli, greeted us in the reception to the museum and led us through the audio-visual tour. We were soon plunged into darkness. An English commentary and dramatic music and lighting accompanied the moving exhibits documenting the history of glass-making. Glass was discovered by chance in ancient Egypt 10,000 years ago, and the Roman Empire prized its richly made glass objects, we learnt. But it was the Italian island of Murano near Venice which pioneered the modern glass industry 700 years ago and still leads the field today. The glass making process was further developed in the Black Forest area of Germany with its abundance of trees to fuel the furnaces. The Siegwart brothers brought the industry to Switzerland, first to Entliberg and when the wood there ran out, they bought land beside the lake at Hergiswil and founded the factory there in 1817.

The Siegwart family was instrumental in setting up a thriving industry in Hergiswil, bringing in glass masters, and the local glass blowers also played in a brass band in the town. Our guide mentioned that the workers were treated well but there was a class distinction between the village workers and the bosses who handed out the low weekly pay. During the war, the factory made preserving jars, and afterwards went in for more decorative glass, but they were late to utilise modern techniques such as conveyor belts and automated production, and in 1968 the business was sold. In 1975, it was feared that the Hergiswil glass factory would have to close altogether, until a customer, Roberto Niederer, who was also an Italian glass designer, took over the business.

Roberto Niederer was responsible for rebuilding the factory and making new designs, and imported sand from Belgium and Germany. The furnace runs day and night at temperatures up to 1500 degrees, and handmade glass is the speciality. After the 7 to 8 hour cooling process, the glass is checked for perfection: imperfect glassware is sold 30% cheaper than the perfect examples. When Roberto retired in 1987, his son Robert took over the modern establishment with its 100 employees.


After the fascinating tour, we visited the glass blowing arena where the workers create beautiful artefacts in hot and difficult conditions. Some group members were able to have a go themselves at making their own glass sphere to buy and take home. Others in the group visited the glass phenomena museum with its hall of mirrors, glass instruments and optical illusions to try out. We also peeped into the archives and saw some of the very old glass products from the past century and older. Everyone was keen to visit the premier glass shop selling perfect specimens and the 'seconds' shop where bargains can be found.

We then crossed over the road to the Restaurant Adler for a three-course lunch, which turned out to be a bit chaotic but was still very enjoyable. We were able to celebrate the birthday of one of our regular members, Jacqueline S., and were grateful to Naimoon and Robert for buying the drinks on this occasion ­ many thanks to them. When we took our leave of the restaurant to walk up to the train station, we encountered one of the worst storms of the year ­ rain, hail, wind, thunder and lightning all descended from out of nowhere, giving us a drenching and making a talking point for the rest of the journey home. Nevertheless, everyone agreed that we had enjoyed another great day out courtesy of Anne-Marie and the Discovering Zürich and Switzerland group.

Join us on 18 June for a visit to the world heritage town of Bellinzona in Ticino, organised by Francesca. Contact her at dzs.ziwa@gmail.com