As Obergurgl is a very remote place, it is recommended to travel to Innsbruck, Austria. Innsbruck can be reached by plane (INN) from several major European hubs or by train. For information about train connections please check Austrian Railways or German Railways.

A free shuttle service will be provided from Innsbruck Main Station and Innsbruck Airport on arrival day (Monday, 27 November 2017) and back on departure day (Sunday, 3 December 2017). Transfer time is approx. 1.5 hours. 

Obergurgl is located in the Ötztal Alps in Tyrol, Austria, and part of the municipality of Sölden. The village is located 1,907 m (6,257 ft.) above sea level and is primarily a tourist resort with only about 400 permanent residents. Due to its remote location, it is very popular not only for tourists but also among scientists and researchers.

In 1931, Obergurgl temporarily became famous when the Swiss explorer and inventor Auguste Piccard was forced to land on the Großer Gurgler Ferner glacier on the historic balloon flight during which he became the first man to fly up into the stratosphere.

The Obergurgl University Center is located right next to the ski slopes and only five minutes' walk from the village centre. It was founded in 1951 by the Obergurgl Federal Sports Centre in cooperation with the Alpine Research Centre of the University of Innsbruck. This marked the beginning of a long tradition of uniting sports and science and encouraging international participation. Over the past decades, numerous renowned mountain guides, ski instructors, researchers and scientists gathered here to collaborate on major contributions to sports and science in the Alps.

The centre consists of three former customs buildings that are listed as historical heritage. They have been carefully refurbished and equipped with up-to-date technical systems and now contain spacious conference rooms, the Alpine Research Centre, laboratories, common rooms, a restaurant and 43 guest rooms.

Right on the doorstep, there is one of the most beautiful biosphere reserves in Europe in front of the magnificent backdrop of the glaciers of the Ötztal Alps.

1. What expenses should I expect?

Participants must cover the following expenses:

• Travel
• Beverages during dinner
• Lunch

 

2. How can I pay for my additional expenses at the venue?

Additional expenses, such as beverages, must be paid for in cash. There are two ATM machines in walking distance of the meeting venue.

 

3. What if I need medical care on site?

We strongly recommend that you invest in travel insurance and inform yourself about treatment and reimbursement conditions before travelling to Obergurgl. If you are a European citizen, you should bring your European Health Insurance Card. There is a local doctor in Obergurgl with an in-house drugstore and a close collaboration with the local pharmacy. The European Health Insurance Card is accepted in combination with an ID.

As health care and social security systems vary between EU countries, please check the details on unforeseen medical treatment abroad. 

The closest public hospitals are located in Zams (approx. 1 h 15 min away) and Innsbruck (approx. 1.5 h away). Please note that you might have to contact your health insurer for authorisation before being treated. 

 

4. What is the typical climate in Obergurgl?

Obergurgl is located 1,907 m (6,257 ft.) above sea level. In November and December, the weather will be snowy with average temperatures between -1 and -7°C (30 and 19 °F). Please note that in the Alpine region temperatures can also fall below -10 °C during day and night. It is therefore highly recommended to bring warm clothes as well as sturdy shoes.

Click here for a detailed weather forecast. 

 

5. Is there free Internet available on site?

Wi-Fi is available at the Obergurgl University Center in the lecture hall, at the restaurant/bar areas and in most of the rooms. They also offer the EDUROAM Wi-Fi, which can be accessed with your personal log-in data. Alternatively, Internet can be accessed in the rooms with a LAN cable that can be rented at the front desk.

 

6. What else do I have to know?

• Language:

The official language in Austria is German. Foreign languages, particularly English, are widely understood and spoken.

 

• Time zone:

Obergurgl is in the Central European Time Zone (CET = GMT+1).

 

• Electric Current:

Electricity is supplied at 230 volts (alternating current). Type C and F plugs are used.

 

 

If you have further questions, please contact us at education@humanbrainproject.eu.

 

Please note that the information provided on this site has been obtained from several different sources and therefore the organisers cannot accept any responsibility for errors therein.