Our conference city, Mechelen, is one of Belgium’s oldest cities and is located between Brussels and Antwerp, at only 20 minutes from both.
Corona restrictions: There are currently no restrictions on entry to Belgium from EU and Schengen countries. If you arrive from other countries, please check with the your embassy in Belgium. Face masks must be worn in public transportation.
Getting to Mechelen: If you arrive in the airports or the main station in Brussels: Go to Belgian Rail to plan your journey and buy your ticket. From Brussels South Airport/Charleroi, there is a shuttle bus to the train station. Travel time to Mechelen: From Zaventem 13 minutes, from central Brussels 20-25 minutes, from Charleroi 1-2 hours.
What to bring: Be mindful of Belgian weather, you may need an umbrella. Here is the local Mechelen forecast
Where to stay: There are several hotels and B&B’s in Mechelen close to the conference venue. We do advise you to book sooner rather than later. Use your favourite hotel search site to find numerous options.
If you are stretched for money, there are several hostels in Antwerp, just a 12-minute train ride away, for example the Pulcinella.
Conference venue: The conference takes place at Thomas More Hogeschool, Zandpoortvest 60, 2800 Mechelen.
Going out: You will find restaurants in all price ranges in the center of Mechelen. Drinks in Mechelen can also be had at dozens of different places, but most conference participants go to the Vismarkt. Located in the centre of town, next to the river Dijle, Vismarkt is a charming square lined with nothing but bars and restaurants.
A little background:
Mechelen is both cosy and picturesque. In after-conference hours you will easily find other conference participants along the pedestrians streets and city squares, plotting their next investigations. Eyecatcher of the city center is Saint-Rumbold’s Cathedral towering over the city with its unique silhouette. Adjacent to it is the main square, Grote Markt, surrounded by the town hall and other 16th and 17th century buildings.
Mechelen has played an important role in the history of Belgium. The city lived its heyday in the 15th and 16th century. In 1507, Margaret of Austria had a palace built in Mechelen (Hof van Savoye) from where she ruled over the Netherlands until her death in 1530. During that time, the city was renowned for its broadcloth production. Today, Mechelen counts four UNESCO World Heritage listings and over 370 heritage buildings.