5th International Symposium on Deep-Sea Corals 2012 Statoil About Amsterdam Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and is a vibrant city, characterised by its many canals,sluices and locks, bridges and 17th century houses and churches as well as old warehouses lining the waterfront, in addition to buildings of modern design and architecture. Amsterdam has 2 universities and offers a large variety of restaurants, pubs, cafes and many museums. Links of interest Amsterdam information Museums General Spotted by Locals Rijksmuseum Het Concertgebouw I amsterdam van Gogh Museum Paradiso Top Tours Stedelijkmuseum Brouwerij ‘t IJ Zaanse Schans Hermitage Amsterdam amsterdam.info Anne Frank House Tropenmuseum Transport Arrival by plane All major air companies fly to Schiphol (Amsterdam airport). Schiphol is closely situated to Amsterdam and trains go from Schiphol to the Central station (city centre of Amsterdam) at regular intervals. On their website you find the main public transportation options from and to Schiphol. Ticket machines for the trains can be found in the main entrance hall and in the baggage pick up hall (these do NOT accept foreign credit cards...) In the main arrival hall there is a train ticket office where you can buy tickets (cash). There are also options for transport to Amsterdam by bus, check also the Schiphol website. Travel by public transport Amsterdam can be easily reached by train, the central station is located right in the city centre. From here you can continue your journey by tram, metro or bus. Please be aware that taxis are very expensive in Amsterdam. Accommodation Arrangements have been made with some hotels in the neighbourhood of the conference centre. You have to book the accommodation yourself, and when you make your reservation, please mention that you attend the ISDSC 5, to receive a discount. HOTELS Hotel Arena **** Eden Lancaster Hotel *** Hotel Rembrandt ** Eden Amsterdam Manor Hotel **** Hotel Parklane ** 1-6 April 2012, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Image in the right top corner: USGS DISCOVRE 2008