A smooth start and delicate beauty in Nižbor
The morning departure went without a hitch, and our driver, Mr Berka, got us to Nižbor ahead of schedule in his Otokar coach. That left a window for morning coffee and a thorough browse of the local souvenir shop, which saw some enthusiastic support from our group. One particularly memorable acquisition: a beautiful glass elephant.
The guided tour took us through the entire handmade production process. While the workshop environment was filled with the loud hum of production, the chance to see the master glassmakers crafting their art firsthand more than made up for the noise.
Lunch brought a pleasant surprise: the Zastávka Nižbor restaurant offers dining inside lovingly restored railway carriages. Not only was the atmosphere incredibly charming, but the food itself was excellent, providing us with the perfect energy boost before our afternoon journey.
A step into the Middle Ages
The glassworks in Nižbor was founded in 1903, but the history of Czech glassmaking stretches back to the 13th century, the same era in which our next destination began writing its own, often brutal, story. Through beautiful forests, we made our way to Křivoklát Castle.
Although it was our guide's very first tour conducted in English, he was confident, professional, and brought the castle's ancient stones to life. The whole day had a relaxed, friendly feel. Exactly what a Saturday trip should be. We're already looking forward to the next one.
