Norway is not a member of the EU. Thus, EU citizens will require a passport to enter the country. Some nationalities will require a visa. Information about which nationalities need a visa, where and how to apply (including forms) is found at http://www.norway.info/
Travel and Accommodation
Location and Weather
The symposium will be held in the city of Tromsø, at almost 70° north. Tromsø is the largest city in the Nordic countries north of the Arctic Circle and is home to the world’s northernmost university, brewery and cathedral. The city lives on education, research, administration, fishing, exports and satellite technology. The centre of the north has 64,492 residents and the Municipality of Tromsø covers an area of 2558 km². Around 50,000 live in the centre of Tromsø, while the remainder are scattered throughout the whole municipality. More information on Tromsø can be found on the website www.destinasjontromso.no.
In spite of the location so far north, Tromsø enjoys a moderate insular climate. Summer weather ranges from five degrees Celsius and rain to 28 degrees and fantastic swimming conditions for the undaunted. The Midnight Sun is visible from around May 21 to around July 21. Between November 21 and January 21, the sun disappears under the horizon and we experience the Polar Nights.
During the conference dates, Trosmø is experienceing late spring or early summer, depending on your point of view and on when the snow melts that year. The average high and low temperatures for the period are 11° and 4.5°C, and in all but one of the last 33 years the snow has melted away entirely before the conference will begin. Temperatures during the conference dates have ranged from 0° to 25°C over the last 33 years, so participants should expect variable weather.
Venue
The symposium is to be held at Teorifagbygget at the University of Tromsø. Clik here for a map of campus.
There are a few cantinas on the university campus.
Transportation
The university campus is a seven minute taxi ride from the city centre and regular buses link the two (see www.cominor.no). Information and schedules for buses and transportation options will be provided to conference participants.
Both the university and the city centre are approximately a 5 minute taxi ride from Tromsø Langnes airport. Taxis cost around NOK 150 (€ 17) and can be found outside the arrivals hall. Alternatively, Flybussen operates regular buses from the airport to the city centre for NOK 55 (€ 6).
Accomodation Information
Most accomodation options will be in hotels in the city centre. Additional options may be available at other locations on Tromsø Island. More information about accomodation will be made available here in 2009.
Internet Access
Wireless internet access will be available in the poster presentation area in addition to various locations throughout the university. Details of laptop configuration for the university’s wireless network will be provided on arrival.