NEUCHÂTEL / VENUE

Neuchâtel
Situated in the western, French speaking part of Switzerland, the beautiful and pleasant region of Neuchâtel, between the lake and the Jura Mountains, has been inhabited for more than 5 thousand years. In the middle of the "Watch Valley", surrounded with vineyards, Neuchâtel is also a privileged starting point for excursions to natural beauty spots such as the Creux-du-Van or the Saut-du-Doubs, or other cities: La Chaux-de-Fonds, Bern, Lausanne or Avenches are less than 1 hour away by train.

Neuchâtel offers an old tradition of reception, high quality standards and reasonable prices. Of particular interest are the Old Town, the Dürrenmatt Center, the Botanical Garden and the Latenium (museum of archaeology). The centre of the city offers a large pedestrian precinct with small, convivial squares, bars and restaurants; hotels, museums and the lake are all less than a 10-minute walk apart.

Neuchâtel Tourisme 

How to reach Neuchâtel
By train, 1 hour from the International Airport of Bern, 1½ hours from the International Airports of Geneva and Basle or 2 hours from the International Airport of Zurich.

Neuchâtel Access 

Congress venue
The "Aula des Jeunes-Rives", Faculté des Lettres, offers up to 450 seats and several rooms of up to 150 - 200 seats with the latest facilities, on one single site in a very pleasant situation on the lake-side facing the Alps (Nr 1 on the map, near the lake).

Aula Jeunes-Rives 
Interactive_map

Climate and dress
In August, the weather is usually warm and sunny. The normalized average temperature is 18° C, average minimum and maximum temperatures respectively 14° C and 24° C, with less than 100 mm or 10 days rainfall. The lake temperature is ideal for swimming. Dress will be informal throughout the Congress.

Actual weather forecast

Passport and visa
Participants are advised to make their own arrangements with respect to entering Switzerland. Individuals requiring an official letter of invitation in order to obtain a visa and authorisation to attend the Congress should direct a request to the Congress Secretariat early enough. Please be informed that a letter of invitation will only be issued to registered participants and when the Congress Secretariat has received full payment.

Currency
The local currency is CHF. CHF 1 = EUR 0.65 = USD 0.75 (November 2005).

Electricity
The voltage in Europe is 220 volts / 50 Hz. Swiss plugs are used. Appliances designed to operate on 110/120V need a voltage converter and a plug adapter.

Banks and Post Offices
Business hours differ between banks. Most banks are open from Monday to Friday between 08.30–12.00 and 13.30–16.30. Certain banks remain open until 17.30 on Thursdays. On weekends banks are closed. Post offices are open from Monday to Friday 08.00–12.00 and 14.00–18.00. Cash machines 24/24.

Smoking policy
In accordance with the policy of the University, this is a non-smoking event.

Disclaimer
The Host Organising Committee cannot accept liability for injuries or losses of whatever nature incurred by participants and/or accompanying persons, nor for loss of or damage to their luggage and/or personal belongings.