Practical Information for ICHG 2026

18th–20th May 2026 · Solstrand Hotel & Spa, Bergen, Norway

Location and conference package

Bergen is a charming city on the west coast of Norway, surrounded by mountains and fjords. The historical Solstrand Hotel & Spa is located on the shore of the Bjørnafjorden, just 30 km from Bergen city center, and 24 km from Bergen airport. It is a remote location surrounded by the wonderful Norwegian nature, providing a perfect environment for the ICHG. All conference attendees will be hosted together, and attend common meals in a familial atmosphere. In addition to the scientific content of the conference, the conference package covers nights at the hotel from the 18th to the 20th of May, all meals, and access to the spa.

If you wish to bring an additional guest who will not attend the conference, the following rates apply for one night...
... with breakfast: NOK 1200 for one adult and NOK 600 for one child
... with breakfast and dinner: NOK 1600 for one adult and NOK 800 for one child
... with breakfast, lunch, and dinner: NOK 1900 for one adult and NOK 950 for one child

If you wish to stay before or after the conference, we recommend to book accommodation in Bergen. The conference hotel is fully booked before and after the conference.

How to get there?

Bergen airport can be reached from many international airports, with major connecting hubs including Helsinki, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, or London. It is possible to get to Bergen by train via the Oslo-Bergen line. Trains in Norway can be used using the Eurail and Interrail Passes. The Fjordline ferry connects Bergen with Denmark.

A free bus shuttle will be organized to and from the hotel. A tentative schedule is available in the preliminary program and will be confirmed in the second week of January. Attendants who do not wish to use the free shuttle can reach the hotel by their own means. Public transportation has regular connections between Bergen and Os, from there it takes approximately 30min to walk to the hotel. The hotel can also be reached by taxi from Bergen and from the Airport. For those coming by car the hotel offers free parking for conference attendants.

The 17th of May in Norway and extending your stay

The 17th of May is the national day in Norway. If you consider attending, you will experience popular celebrations in all cities, mainly in the morning. Please consult the local websites for program of celebrations. On the 17th of May, most city centers and businesses are closed. Please expect disruptions in public and private transportation. If you can, we recommend to travel before the 17th and attend the popular fest.

Bergen is a wonderful starting point to explore the wonderful Norwegian nature. Fjord tours on the magnificent Sognefjord starts from Bergen, as well as many other routes to discover. You can also consider heading up north by boat or renting a camping car and explore hidden gems by yourself. The local tourist office has resources to plan your stay.

Weather and culture

Bergen is known to be the one of most rainy city in Europe. For comparison, it rained in average 155 days per year over the past ten years in Seattle, 213 in Edinburgh, 255 in Bergen. Statistically, May is one of the nicest months of the year, but you should still prepare yourself for challenging weather. As the locals say, there is no bad weather, just bad clothing. We recommend to regularly consult the forecast of the Norwegian meteorological institute.

Most people in Norway speak English and information is translated in English and German in most touristic places, but you might still need translation. The Norwegian culture might differ in many ways to yours. If you encounter challenges please contact the organization team.

Insurance

Visitors to the conference are expected to have their own insurance. According to the Norwegian Association of Higher Education Institutions, the conference does not insure external participants and participants should organize their own insurance.

Questions?

If you are missing practical information please contact the organisers at ichg2026@gmail.com and we will answer your request within the briefest delays.