The resort has many tourist attractions. It can be easily reached by bus from international airports in Krakow (ca. 2 hrs by bus) and from Warsaw (4.5 hrs by Inter-City train). In mid-March, weather is usually sunny but there is still snow lying in mountains around Szczyrk.
Citizens of most countries do not need entrance visa to Poland. Under such circumstances only a valid passport and in the case of European Community countries only valid national ID is required to enter Poland. More information with Visa details will follow soon.
VISA Information:www.staypoland.com/poland-visa.htm
Travel information
It is recommended to fly either to Warszawa (Warsaw), Krakow (Cracow) or Katowice. Szczyrk can be easily reached by bus from international airports in Krakow (ca. 2 hrs by bus), Katowice (ca. 3 hrs) and from Warsaw (4.5 hrs by Inter-City train). In the latter case, the travel is the longest but it might be the easiest to achieve (also local organizers may assist you during transfer to the train).
Bielsko-Biala is the largest city near Szczyrk. All train connections are to the Bielsko-Biala Glowna station. In front of the station, we will provide shuttle buses to the conference center. If you want to use public transportation, there is the PKS Autobus station on the other side of the main street (almost in front of the railway station). Taxi service is also available (ca. 20-25 Euro, i.e. ca. 80-100 zloty/PLN). Approximately 2 weeks before the conference, we will provide more detailed information.
Arrival at Warsaw (Warszawa) Airport
Although Warsaw (Warszawa) is not the closest airport to Szczyrk and Bielsko-Biala, we recommend taking an express train from Warsaw to Bielsko-Biala. It is quite a comfortable train with a restaurant compartment and there is the additional advantage of the possibility of purchasing a ticket on-board using a credit card. You can reach the station in Warsaw (Warszawa Centralna) by the bus number 175 (the ticket for the bus shall be purchased in a kiosk at the airport). You can also take a taxi. Use only licensed taxis available in front of the exit at the airport. Warsaw Airport is not far from the center of the city (25-30 min. by bus). We recommend the direct express train to Bielsko-Biala, with two departure times, at 7:25 or at 15:25.
Arrival at Katowice Pyrzowice Airport
If you decide to fly to Katowice Pyrzowice Airport (low-cost airline connections are available to Katowice) you should first take the airport bus to Katowice railway station (ca. 1 h). Then you shall continue by train to Bielsko-Biala (ca. 1.5 h).
Arrival at Cracow (Krakow)
Alternatively you may wish to fly to Cracow (Krakow). From the Balice Airport in Krakow you shall get to the center of the city. If you choose this option, we recommend that you take a bus to Bielsko-Biala rather than taking a train. PKS Autobus station is not very far from the railway station.
Accommodation in Warzaw
You may wish to arrive a day earlier (i.e. on Saturday, March 21, 2009) or to stay a day longer (i.e. till Thursday, March 26, 2009). We can arrange a night (at reasonable price) for you either in Warsaw in the University Hotel Hera or in the conference center. If you are interested in this, please contact Dr. Krzysztof Miecznikowski (kmiecz@chem.uw.edu.pl).
Presentation guide