News and Updates
- Sep 30: JOWO 2019 Satisfaction and Feedback results available.
- Sept 13: Detailed arrival to the JOWO venue and events available.
- Sept 11: Conference schedule/program is available at the main JOWO website.
Venue
JOWO will take place at the new campus of the Medical University of Graz (Graz, Austria). Graz is the second largest city in Austria, after Vienna, with a population of around 330.000, of which 60.000 are students.
The city has a long university and educational tradition, with memorable figures having studied or taught in the city. These include 9 Nobel laureates and names such as Johannes Kepler, Ludwig Boltzmann, Nikola Tesla, or Ernst Mach (after whom the ratio of one’s speed to that of sound is named).
The logo of the Medical University of Graz shows Josef Leopold Auenbrugger, who invented percussion as a diagnostic technique.
Aside from visiting this page, you can find updated and extensive information about Graz (traveling, accommodation, events, activities, etc...) at the Graz Tourismus page.
Arriving in Graz
By Plane to Graz
International non-stop flight destinations from/to Graz are limited (being Amsterdam and Istanbul notable exceptions), but there are plenty of convenient one-stop flights via Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, Zürich and Vienna operated by Lufthansa, Swiss, and Austrian Airlines.
Once landed, you can reach Graz in 20-30 minutes using public transportation.
Check the website of Graz Airport / Flughafen Graz (GRZ) for specific information about destinations and further information.
By Plane to Vienna
Vienna International Airport / Flughafen Wien (VIE) is around 2.30-3.00 hours away from Graz and offers many possibilities including low-cost flights. To reach Graz, there are several options.
1. Take a train to Graz (Graz Hbf) directly from the airport. The train might be a direct train or you might need to switch trains in Vienna. Info and tickets: ÖBB.
2. Take a direct bus to Graz (Girardigasse) from Flixbus. Although direct and very convenient, the frequency of this bus is low (timetable available here).
3. First take a city bus to Vienna's “Wien Westbahnhof” (info here), then the “Vienna Felberstrasse-Graz (Girardigasse)” bus from Flixbus.
Renting a car at Vienna airport is usually cheaper than in Graz and could be of interest if you want to combine the conference with some sightseeing.
By Bus or Train
If you do not mind bus travel at night there are direct and generally cheap Flixbus connections from Nuremberg, Karlsruhe, Munich, Verona, Bologna, Ljubjana, Zagreb, Sarajewo, and others.
Travelling to Graz by train will provide you with scenic views, but you need plenty of time (4 hours from Salzburg or 2.5 hours from Vienna). Night trains from central Europe require changing in Vienna. There is one night train from Italy that requires changing in Bruck and der Mur. A direct night train runs between Zurich and Graz. More info at ÖBB.
By Car
If you come by car please remember that highways have no barrier tolls but highways are not free. Cars are controlled via a a Vignette. You can buy one online or at the border or gas stations. More information here.
Parking in Graz can be expensive, as most central areas are for short stay or residents. For more information check here. Parking at the conference site is discouraged, due to periods of peak traffic and expensive fees at the hospital parking.
Getting your bearings in Graz
Getting your bearings in Graz is easy. Following nearly a straight line from West to East you can find the following 4 important points in the city. These 4 strategical sites below are connected by tram line number 7.
Hauptbahnhof
Hauptbahnhof, the main train station of Graz, with train connection to international and local destinations including Vienna and Graz’s airport.
Hauptplatz
Hauptplatz, Graz’s main square and the heart of the city.
This is the starting point of Herrengasse, the main historical and shopping street in Graz, ending close to Jakominiplatz.
Jakominiplatz
Jakominiplatz, considered the transportation hub of the city has connections to all tram lines and many buses. Also, bus stops to/from Graz’s airport and Flixbus (Girardigasse) to Vienna and Vienna’s airport are nearby.
Med Uni Graz
Medical University of Graz, Graz’s main hospital and campus of the Medical University of Graz.
It can be easily reached using tram line number 7. Detailed instructions on how to arrive using line 7 and the last bit on foot are available here.
Reaching the JOWO Venue and Events
JOWO Venue
Sep 23-25, schedule available here
JOWO takes place at the New Med Campus Graz (Neue Stiftingtalstraße 2, 8010 Graz) of the Medical University of Graz. Google Maps link here.
Use tram line number 7. Visit this page for detailed instructions.
Prefer to walk? Use this slightly longer but much nicer route to enjoy beautiful Graz away from noise and traffic.
Welcome Reception
Mon, Sep 23 - 7 p.m.
The welcome reception will happen at the Orangerie Graz (Stadtpark 2, 8010 Graz). Google Maps link here. Plan 20-30 minutes to reach it comfortably from the JOWO venue and 10-15 minutes from the city center.
Conference Dinner
Tue, Sep 24 - 8 p.m.
The conference dinner will take place at Welscher Stub'n (Schmiedgasse 5-7, 8010 Graz). Google Maps link here. It's in the heart of the city, near the main square. Plan 20-30 minutes to reach it from the JOWO venue.
Ontology Pub Quiz
Wed, Sep 25 - 5:30 p.m.
Want to have some fun and show your ontology skills? Come to Brot & Spiele (Mariahilferstraße 17, 8020 Graz, Google Maps here) and participate in the Ontology Pub Quiz at the Cuba Room. Plan 30-35 minutes from the JOWO venue, 5-10 minutes from the city center.
Local Info and Tips
Accommodation
Graz Tourismus offers a comprehensive page on accommodation including hotels, bed & breakfasts and apartments.
For hotels and general accommodation, also check Booking.com. If you want to rent a small studio or a cheap room in a shared flat, AirBnB is a great alternative. Remember both sites offer discounts using referral links (for more information check their websites or use the email address below).
For a super-low budget hostel check here.
WARNING: PHISHING ALERT!
Some potential attendees have been approached by alleged hotel representatives from Graz offering accommodation for JOWO 2019 and asking for credit card details. Please do not give any personal or financial details to anyone and book only using trusted methods.
As organizers, we do not share any personal data from attendees with third parties and we do not have any arrangements with any hotel for special accommodation for JOWO 2019.
Where to stay?
As Graz is a small city and very well connected, you will reach the venue easily, so it's up to you. However, here are some tips about different areas of the city for your convenience:
- The Western part of the city (from Hauptbahnohf to the river) is the most multicultural and affordable. There are many convenience stores and fast food options.
- The city center (around Hauptplatz) is more traditional and expensive, offers plenty of museums, restaurants, boutiques and stores.
- The Eastern area hosts the universities and there you can find plenty of shared accommodation, student bars and cafes. The area is very dynamic during school days.
- The immediate surroundings of the Medical University of Graz, particularly towards the East are mainly residential.
Public Transportation
Graz and its close surroundings (including the airport) belong to a single Zone (101) and are very well connected via public transportation (train, bus, and tram). A standard one-hour ticket for Zone 101 costs 2,50€ (as of July 2019) and allows you to use virtually all trains, buses, trams, and the Schlossbergbahn funicular within its validity.
Notice it's proportionally much cheaper to buy a weekly pass or, if you are staying for 3 days and visiting the city you might be interested in purchasing a 3-day ticket. For further information on tickets check this page.
A map of public transportation in Zone 101 is available here. Use this route planner to check for specific connections.
Taxis
No-Go Zones
Graz is a small peaceful city with barely any crime and there are no "no-go zones". However, if you are walking alone after dark you might want to circumvent certain parks such as Volksgarten and Stadtpark.
Emergencies
In case of a serious/life threatening emergency, please call 112, the emergency European phone number. They will send the police / ambulance / fire brigade.
Activities
Graz offers many places to visit and activities to enjoy. Please visit the Graz Tourismus page.
If you intend to visit the region, please visit the official tourism portal of Styria.
Currency, Payments, Tips
The currency in Austria is the Euro. Major credit and debit cards are accepted in most places but having some cash with you is advised, as some things you might be used to pay by credit/debit card require cash here (parking machines, taxis, small restaurants and businesses, etc...). Here's some useful information on how to order and pay, and how to how to tip in restaurants.
Legal & Contact
All information shown here is provided on a good-will basis from the local organization, includes personal advice, and is for informative purposes only. The Medical University of Graz is not officially responsible for this website.
We care about your privacy and the local organization will only use your personal data for internal necessary purposes directly related to the event organization. No data are ever shared with third parties. It is your right, so if you need further information or want to get your personal data changed or removed please contact us.
To contact the local organization, please write an email to Pablo Lopez - pablo.lopez@medunigraz.at and include JOWO in the subject.