Conference location

The MapWindow GIS Conference 2012 will be held at the University of Applied Sciences VanHall-Larenstein.

Conference attendees can enjoy convenient access to many of best attractions in the Greater Arnhem region, including the world-renowned Burgers' Zoo, the Dutch Open Air Museum and the gorgeous Hoge Veluwe National Park.

Travel arrangements

The address of University of Applied Sciences VanHall-Larenstein is

Larensteinselaan 26a
6882 CT Velp

Two international airports are in the area:

• Amsterdam Airport (Schiphol), The Netherlands
  From Amsterdam Airport to Arnhem is takes 75 minute by train (approx. €16 one way).
  
• Düsseldorf Airport, Germany
  From Düsseldorf Airport to Arnhem it takes 90 minutes by train (approx. €19 one way).

In Arnhem you can use the train to go to Velp and walk to Larenstein. According to Google Maps it takes 16 minutes to walk.
You can also use the bus to travel. For instance the bus from Arnhem Station the Larenstein only takes 15 minutes and a 5 minutes walk.

You can buy train tickets at every train station using your credit card or Maestro card (debit card). Bus tickets can only bought in the bus and you need small change for that, €5 or €10 bills, €1 and €2 coins will work.

Accomodations

We've been talking with several hotels and Bed&Breakfasts in the area. Down below is an overview.

You need to book your room yourself. We have made some reservations you can use.
When you contact the hotel or B&B don't forget to mention you are joining the GIS Conference at Larenstein. That might give you additional discounts.

Floriade 2012 - Venlo

You can be part of the theatre in nature

If you pay The Netherlands a visit between April 5th and October 7th, put Floriade 2012 into your schedule. Floriade is the largest International Horticultural exhibition, which is only organized once every 10 years. As you might well know The Netherlands is a very green country with a longstanding tradition in breeding flowers, vegetables, trees and shrubs. Although The Netherlands is famous for its Tulips, it is also the largest horticultural exporter in the world. Floriade 2012 in Venlo is the place to see and the large variety of species available, get into modern landscape architecture and experience the abundance of nature. The theme of this 6th International Horticulural Exhibition "Be part of the theatre in nature; get closer to the quality of life" is displayed over a 66ha area, spread over 5 areas: Environment, Green Engine, Relax & Heal, Education & Innovation, World Show Stage. Check out and book via www.floriade.com
Members and donators of VVA-Larenstein can buy tickets with 10% reduction.

Region Arnhem Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Because of the differences between them, Arnhem and Nijmegen are complementary to one other, both sharing a history dating from the Romans in Nijmegen till a bridge too far. Both towns are surrounded by Veluwezoom and Rijk van Nijmegen , two magnificent scenic areas. Together with the river landscape of the Land van Maas en Waal, Betuwe, Liemers and De Gelderse Poort they create a diverse landscape in a relatively small area. More information.