Berlin, Capital of the Federal Republic of Germany, is located at the heart of Europe and also, after EU enlargement in 2004, at the centre of the European Community. With about 3,400,000 inhabitants, Berlin is the largest City in Germany. It is 38 kilometres long and 45 kilometres wide and covers an area of 889 square kilometres. In the middle of the Brandenburg region, the city occupies the flatlands on the banks of the Havel and Spree rivers and is criss-crossed with numerous canals.
For more information about Berlin you can visit the following link of Berlin Tourist Information:
http://www.berlin-tourist-information.de/
Berlin can be easily reached from all corners of the globe.
International flights arrive at all three Berlin International Airports:
Tegel, Tempelhof and Schönefeld airports.
- From Tegel Airport to the city center: airport shuttle buses no. 109 and/or no. X9 to Zoologischer Garten station.
- From Tempelhof Airport to the city centre: Bus no. 109 and 128 to Kurt-Schuhmacher- Platz station. U-Bahn line 6 to Leopoldplatz station and then change to line U9 to Zoologischer Garten station.
- From Schönefeld Airport to the city centre: S-Bahn line U6 from Platz der Luftbruecke station to Stadmitte station and then change to line U2 until Zoologischer Garten station.
Taxis are available at all times of the day from the airport into the city centre and cost approximately Euro 15-20.
The main railway stations in Berlin are the Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) and the Ostbahnhof.
Berlin has a very efficient public transportation system that services the entire city.
There is the S- and U-Bahn Metro network as well as buses and taxis.
More information can be found under www.berlin-tourist-information.de
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Messe Berlin GmbH
Internationales Congress Centrum ICC Berlin
Postal address:
Messedamm 22
D-14055 Berlin Main entrance:
Neue Kantstraße / Ecke Messedamm D-14057 Berlin
Tel.: +49 (30)3038-3000
Fax: +49 (30)3038-3030
E-Mail: info@icc-berlin.de
Web: www.icc-berlin.com |
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The ICC Berlin is easily accessible by public transport. Berlin has an excellent public transport system connecting all parts of the city.
Banking & Exchange
The German monetary system is the Euro. Foreign currency may be changed at banks during normal banking hours, at hotels, at airports and in exchange offices. All major credit cards are acceptable in most hotels, restaurants and shops.
Climate
The climate of Berlin is continental. Average daytime temperatures between May and September are usually somewhere between 18º and 25º C and hence very pleasant. Nevertheless some rainy days can be expected.
Currency
The Euro (€), the official national currency, is convertible. The exchange rates applied in Berlin banks, official exchange offices and hotels may vary. All the major credit cards (VISA, EC/Mastercard and American Express) are accepted in Germany in places displaying the emblem at the entrance.
Electricity
The voltage in Germany is 230 V.
ESE Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the European Society of Endocrinology will be held on Tuesday 6 May 2008 in hall 1 at the congress venue.
Insurance
Please notice that the congress fee does not include any insurance. All participants should arrange their own insurance. Health and accident insurance is recommended and would need to be purchased in the country of origin.
Invitation Letter
An official invitation letter can be downloaded form the Congress website www.ece2008.com. It does not constitute a commitment to provide any financial support for travelling and staying expenses.
Italian Delegates
The Official Agency appointed to represent ECE Congress 2008
for the collection of Italian delegate registrations is:
FARGO INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS & CONVENTION
Via Pietro Maroncelli 44/46
50137 Firenze
ITALY
Tel: +39 055 600555
Language
The official language of the ECE Congress is English. Simultaneous translation will not be provided.
Meals
Free tea and coffee will be available during the meeting, as indicated in the programme. Lunch is included in the registration fee. Delegates are requested to indicate their lunch requirements in advance using the registration form.
Programme / Abstract Books
The final programme will be available at www.ece2008.com before the congress. Final programme and abstract book will be included in the delegate bags, the abstracts of the congress will also be available online.
Programme Changes
The organisers cannot assume liability for any changes in the programme due to external or unforeseen circumstances.
Public transport
A widespread system of underground (U-Bahn) trains, overhead suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams and buses cover the entire city. Comprehensive information on routes, timetables, prices and much more can be accessed on the website of the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe: www.bvg.de
Tipping
There are no hard rules for tipping in Germany. If you are satisfied with the service, a 10% tip is customary, particularly in a taxi, restaurant or café with table service.
VAT
Value added Tax is actually 19% in Germany. Travellers who live outside the European Union can obtain a refund on value added tax for goods bought in Germany. Save your receipts from your purchases. Get to the airport ahead of time when you are leaving. Before you check in your luggage, you can go to the tax free shopping reclaim office and get your receipts stamped and obtain a cash refund.
Visa
The entry formalities and vaccination requirements for the Federal Republic of Germany vary according to the country of origin. For more information please contact your nearest German Embassy, Consulate or local travel agency well in advance. It is the responsibility of the participant to obtain a visa if required. You may also visit the website of the Federal Foreign Office:
www.auswaertiges-amt.de/www/en/laenderinfos/adressen/index_html.
