Venue

How to reach Ghent

Ghent has two main railway stations, Gent-St-Pieters and Ghent-Dampoort. Gent-Sint-Pieters is the main station and where nearly all international/airport trains arrive. It has frequent tram service right outside, reaching the centre in about 10–15 minutes, plus several bus lines. It’s the busier, better-equipped station overall (more shops, ticket offices, etc.), but it’s about 2 km from the historic centre. Gent-Dampoort is smaller and only served by domestic trains, but it’s actually closer to the centre on foot — about 12–18 minutes’ walk to the Vrijdagmarkt/cathedral area. It has no trams, only buses, which take a detour rather than a direct route. Taxis are available at both stations.

From Brussels Airport (Zaventem – BRU): This is the most convenient option, with a direct train to Ghent-Sint-Pieters operated by Belgian Railways (SNCB/NMBS). Trains run every 30 minutes, with the earliest departure around 5:24 AM and the last around 11:24 PM, taking roughly 55 minutes to just over an hour. You can check live schedules and buy tickets on the SNCB/NMBS website.

From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: There’s no direct train, so you’ll change at least once (commonly in Antwerp or Rotterdam). Trains from Schiphol to Ghent take about 2h30 in total — the Thalys/Eurostar high-speed service takes around 2 hours (reservation required), while regular Intercity trains take 2h30–3h30, with about 3 trains per hour (1 Eurostar/Thalys and 2 Intercity) generally running from early morning into the evening. You can check schedules via NS International or the SNCB/NMBS journey planner.

From Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): Again, there is no direct train — you’ll typically change in Lille or Brussels. The fastest journeys (Eurostar/TGV) take around 2 hours 15 minutes, with roughly 16–24 trains per day on the route, generally spread from early morning (around 6–8 AM) to late evening (around 9–10 PM). You can check timetables and book directly via Eurostar or SNCF Connect.

Conference location

The conference is organised at “De Krook” (map), the municipal library, close to the historical city centre. The nearest bus stop is Ghent Zuid (map). You can reach Ghent Zuid from Gent-St-Pieters train station with Tram 1 and from Gent-Dampoort train station with bus 70 (Direction Technologiepark), bus 76 (Direction De Pinte Groenpark), bus 77 and 78 (Deinze Kerkhof).

Hotels

Here is a (partial) list of hotels within walking distance from the conference site.

• Charmehotel Hancelot
• Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof
• ibis Gent Centrum St Baafs Kathedraal
• ibis Gent Centrum Opera
• Ghent Marriott hotel
• Hotel Harmony
• Aparthotel Castelnou
• 1898 The Post
• One Two Four Hotel and Spa
• Novotel Gent Centrum

City of Ghent

Located in the heart of Flanders, Ghent is one of Belgium’s most enchanting and authentic cities — a place where the echoes of the Middle Ages meet the creativity and energy of the present. Its compact centre invites exploration on foot, with every turn revealing another postcard-perfect view. The city’s skyline is defined by the three towers of Ghent — Saint Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry, and Saint Bavo’s Cathedral — which stand proudly in line and symbolise Ghent’s rich spiritual, civic, and artistic heritage. Inside Saint Bavo’s, visitors can admire the world-renowned Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, a 15th-century altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers that remains one of Europe’s greatest artistic treasures.

At the heart of the old town lies the Graslei, a stunning riverside quay bordered by centuries-old guild houses whose ornate façades reflect the city’s prosperous trading history. This area, along with its twin quay Korenlei, is one of Ghent’s most beloved spots — perfect for a leisurely walk, a boat tour, or an evening drink while watching the lights shimmer on the water. Nearby, the Gravensteen Castle, an imposing 12th-century fortress, offers panoramic views of the rooftops and canals, bringing Ghent’s medieval story vividly to life.

Beyond its history, Ghent is a city full of modern vitality. It is home to a thriving university community, a rich calendar of festivals, and a strong commitment to sustainability — Ghent was one of Europe’s first cities to introduce a weekly vegetarian day and remains a paradise for food lovers of all kinds. From traditional Flemish dishes like Gentse Waterzooi to cutting-edge gastronomy, local breweries, and bustling cafés, the culinary scene is both diverse and welcoming.

With its blend of cultural heritage, artistic innovation, and laid-back charm, Ghent offers something for every visitor. Whether you choose to wander its cobbled streets, explore its museums, or soak in the atmosphere from a terrace by the canal, the city promises an unforgettable experience for conference delegates and their guests.