Travel & Accommodation
Getting to Rotterdam
You can reach Rotterdam very easliy by international trains. High-speed trains take you into Rotterdam’s futuristic Centraal station several times a day. Take the Thalys from Paris (02h40), Antwerp (only 32 minutes) and Brussels (01h10), or if you are travelling from the UK, take the Eurostar to Brussels and change onto the Thalys for Rotterdam in Brussels.
When traveling from intercontinental destinations you will arrive after landing on Amsterdam Schiphol Airport in only 26 minutes by train in the city center of Rotterdam. Several regional and low-cost airlines fly into Rotterdam The Hague Airport.
visa
The visa application issue in this web page is relevant only for the regular congress participants who are attending presentations in the lecture halls or poster presentations.
Accommodation
If you book your hotel room before 15 June 2022 you will benefit from a WACP2022 discount! Please book a room in the congress hotel via the following link.
Important: Use the corportate code: WACP2022@ph to benifit from the discount.
In addition, there are several alternative options in different hotels in Rotterdam and surroundings at very competitive rates! Please check possibilities via the following link.
ROTTERDAM
Rotterdam is Netherlands second largest city after the capital Amsterdam with a population of approximately 630,000. Rotterdam has been a major city for many hundreds of years and has always served as a large port as it lies on the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt river delta.
Since the 1300’s the port of Rotterdam has developed and served as a major port of the Dutch East India Company. During WWII Rotterdam saw extensive bombing and its centre was almost completely destroyed, however after this the city was slowly rebuilt and once again stands as a modern port.
Aside from its fascinating port, Rotterdam also features some fantastic architecture like the modern cube buildings and the Euromast Tower, but also has a wonderful variety of museums, eateries and activities to enjoy.
TO do
Take a Boat Tour of the Europoort
Rotterdam's massive port occupies half the city's total area of 247 square kilometers, much of it in turn occupied by Europoort, a huge complex known as the "Gateway to Europe." In addition to countless large freight vessels, you'll see mile after mile of quays and storage facilities built to service the world's busiest port.
One of the most popular sightseeing tours of the port area begins at Maeslantkering near Hoek van Holland (Hook of Holland) and includes a close-up look at the city's massive surge barrier. Evening tours are also fun, especially with Rotterdam's most famous landmarks, including the superb Erasmus Bridge, being spectacularly illuminated.
to do
Take a Peek at the Cube Houses
Rotterdam is home to many fine examples of modern architecture, much of it inspired by the city's waterside setting, as well as a response to the devastation of WWII. Pushing the architectural envelope to the max are the city's famous Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen).
Designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom, this block of houses, with their unique cube-shaped upper stories, are clearly visible from a walk through the Old Harbor. One of them, the Show Cube, is open to visitors and contains displays on the design and history of the buildings. An interesting museum dedicated to chess is also located here.
to do
Walk around the Old Harbor and Marine Museums
Rotterdam's Old Harbor (Oude Haven), part of the city's revitalized Maritime District, is a boat basin filled with restored historic boats, including houseboats lived in by locals.
In good weather, you can sit outside one of the many cafés and restaurants and enjoy people watching, or stroll around and watch the boats being painted or repaired. Signs identify the ages of the boats and show pictures of this area in its heyday as a commercial port and shipyard.
to do
Enjoy International Cuisine at the Market Hall
One of the most popular gathering points in Rotterdam is the impressive Market Hall (Markt), a huge office complex that opened in 2014.
You'll find fast foods of every sort here, along with classy restaurants serving everything from traditional Dutch favorites, like Stroopwafels, to Balkan foods, Spanish tapas, and exotic Indonesian dishes.
to do
Learn about the History at Museum Rotterdam
Museum Rotterdam is one of the best places to visit for those wanting to learn more about the history of this fascinating port city. Established in the 1950s, the museum displays a rich collection of documents and artifacts, including artworks from the 17th and 18th centuries. Of these, the most important works are by Dutch painter Pieter de Hooch.
More recent history is also featured at the museum's Coolhaven annex. Dedicated to World War II, Museum Rotterdam '40 -'45 NU opened in 2015 and features exhibits relating specifically to the Dutch wartime experience. A notable artifact on display is the original flag of surrender used in May 1940 after the country was invaded by Germany.