Logistics

Conference Location

Energy Academy Europe, Zernike Campus, Nijenborgh 6, 9747 AG Groningen (Google Maps Pin)

• Go by bike or bus from the city center.

• Closest bus stop: Nijenborgh (Google Maps Pin).

• The Energy Academy is to the right behind the big blue building when getting out of the bus.

• There will be signs guding you to the Rocky Worlds meetings.

How to get to Groningen: train & plane

The easiest way to get to Groningen is by train. If you arrive from an international location outside of central Europe, we suggest you book a flight to Schiphol Airport and then take a train to Groningen main station. See the secton on public  From the main station it is only 5-10 min by foot to the city center. Directly in front of the train station you can find many buses to all directions in Groningen.

How to get around in the Netherlands: public transport

Groningen and the whole of the Netherlands have a strong public transport infrastructure. You can check out train and bus connections on https://www.ns.nl/en, there also exist dedicated smartphone apps for iOS and Android. Train and bus tickets cost the same at all times and for all journey lengths and you cannot reserve seats, thus it is not necessary to buy tickets beforehand. A journey from Schiphol to Groningen costs €50 in second class and € 100 in first class. Buy your tickets either in the smartphone (links above) or at the vending machines directly in front of the platform (train) or with the driver (bus). All vending machines accept card or cash and there is a dedicated English language option. In busses you can alternatively also just "tap" your credit card (VISA, Mastercard) onto the check-in point when entering and exiting your bus – there is only one fare price and it is safe.a

Cycling

Groningen is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, with dedicated bike lanes, flat roads, and a strong cycling culture. Cycling is the easiest way to get around — especially between the city center and the conference venue at Zernike Campus.

We have partnered with a local bike rental shop, Fietsverhuur Groningen, which is conveniently located at walking distance from the main train station. Rocky Worlds 4 participants can rent a bike for 5 days for just €40 using a special discount code (TBD). The discount can be applied either when reserving a bike on their website or when renting in person at the shop.

Two locks are included, and helmets are available upon request. We highly recommend using both locks in the city center – as well as this large free bike parking garage ("fietsenstalling"). This should provide you with a safe and convenient transport method during the Rocky Worlds 4 meeting!

Accommodation

There is no central conference hotel, but many good hotel and Airbnb options exist in the city centre from which the conference venue can be easily reached by ~10-15 min via bus and bike. We recommend booking your accommodation as soon as possible, as the week before Rocky Worlds 4, the annual Eurosonic Music Festival (ESNS) will take place in Groningen, which draws about 40'000 participants, and so the hotels may still be somewhat under pressure.

We can recommend the following hotels:

• Martini Hotel

• Leonardo Hotel Groningen City Center

• NH Groningen Hotel

• The Social Hub Groningen

• Hotel Corps de Garde

• Hotel Halbert

• Hotel Miss Blanche

• The Market Hotel

• Boutique Hotel De Doelen

You can find many more here or on your favourite booking website.