About us
Our story: from the Foothills of the Krkonoše Mountains to the whole world
The AMADEA story began in 2002 in the Foothills of the Krkonoše Mountains – when two friends decided to start a company, and as with many good things, chance, curiosity, and the desire to do things differently played the leading role for us as well.
We started in a basement
Originally, we wanted to work in advertising, but at a technology trade fair in Nuremberg we were fascinated by what was then a completely new way of working with wood – laser engraving and cutting. We brought the laser home and started literally in the basement. We tried, tested, learned from our own mistakes – and quickly realized that wood is a material that makes sense to us. Those small laser-cut wooden ornaments became the first step on our journey.
From ornaments to 70 000 products
We were among the first in Europe to start using this technology industrially to manufacture wooden decorations. Small ornaments gradually grew into a broad assortment, and today AMADEA offers approximately 70 000 active products – from decorations and gifts to home accessories, and our best-known line: wooden nativity scenes.
Nativity scenes made with patience and heart
Nativity scenes created with patience and heart are now a symbol of our work. Today, we are the largest manufacturer of wooden nativity scenes in Europe. We produce several hundred variants and deliver them not only across Czechia, but also to Germany, Austria, and Italy, to Slovakia, and to many other countries around the world – from Latin America all the way to Japan or Australia.
Honest handcrafted work
Making nativity scenes is close to our hearts. An average, moderately complex nativity scene without figurines takes about eight hours of honest handcraft, usually from spruce wood. Each piece passes through the hands of people who give their work maximum care and an eye for detail.
Without skilled hands, it wouldn’t be possible
Modern technologies are important, but they are not enough on their own. At AMADEA, we know that true quality is created by combining technology and human work. In our facilities in Nová Paka, Ostroměř, and Bílá Třemešná many skilled people work with us today—without them, our story could never have been written.
Step by step into the world
We didn’t grow overnight—we grew gradually, step by step. For many years, we fine-tuned technologies, materials, and finishing details, and quality remains our highest priority to this day. International trade fairs also played an important role—especially Christmasworld in Frankfurt, where we built relationships with customers from all over the world. Later, we added our own stores in Prague and Český Krumlov, often discovered by international visitors. Many of them then want to take a piece of AMADEA back to their home country. And so it happens that a nativity scene bought at Christmas markets in Dresden, Vienna, or Nuremberg has its origins right here – in the Foothills of the Krkonoše Mountains.
Created for joy
Our motto “Created for joy” captures not only the joy of our customers, but also the purpose of the work for those who create our products. We don’t have a guaranteed recipe for success—we simply believe in honest work, respect for the material, and the joy of creating. And if we were to give one final piece of advice: during the pre-Christmas rush, treat yourself to a moment of calm. Perhaps with a nativity scene. Because nothing soothes the soul quite like small wooden stories that return home again and again, year after year.
AMADEA
I, Martin Portych, founded AMADEA together with my friend Láďa Šádek.
In 2002, we started in a basement with one laser, plenty of ideas, and the desire to do things honestly and differently. Today, we create wooden products in the Foothills of the Krkonoše Mountains that find their way into homes all over the world.
Although Láďa and I went our separate ways, I still believe in the same thing—that high-quality work, respect for the material, and the joy of creating are the best foundation.
What matters to us
We manufacture in the Foothills of the Krkonoše Mountains with respect for tradition and craftsmanship.
Honesty, detail, and human hands are key to us.
We provide jobs for people with disabilities.
Refined processes, quality wood, and inspection of every single piece.
We think about our impact on nature and the future.
We believe wood has a soul, and products carry emotions.