GAPS conference 2026

Travel & Accommodation

Venue: Schloss Osnabrück

The conference will take place at Schloss Osnabrück, the historic main building of Osnabrück University. Located close to the city centre, the Schloss provides a central and scenic setting for the event.

Address:
Neuer Graben 29 (Building 11)
49074 Osnabrück
Germany

Getting to the Venue

From Osnabrück Hauptbahnhof (Central Station):
Take a bus to “Neumarkt” (approx. 5–7 minutes), followed by a 5-minute walk to the Schloss. A taxi from the station takes approximately 10 minutes.

From the city centre:
The Schloss is within easy walking distance (approx. 10 minutes).

Signage will be provided inside the building during the conference.

Travel

Osnabrück is located in north-western Germany and can be reached conveniently by train, plane, or car.

By Train

Osnabrück Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) is well connected to major German cities, including Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, and Frankfurt, with regular Intercity (IC) and high-speed (ICE) services. From the main station, the university and city centre can be reached within approximately 10–15 minutes by bus or taxi.

Important note for international travellers: German long-distance trains have not always been fully reliable in recent years, and delays do occur. If you are connecting from a train to a flight or need to change trains, we strongly recommend allowing generous transfer time between your train journey and your departure from the airport or your onward train journey.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Münster/Osnabrück Airport (FMO), located approximately 30 minutes from the city centre by taxi. Please note, however, that there is no particularly convenient direct public transportation link between FMO and Osnabrück.

For many international travellers, it may therefore be more practical to fly into a larger airport such as Düsseldorf, Hamburg, or Frankfurt am Main. These airports offer a wider range of international connections and have direct train links to Osnabrück Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), often making the overall journey smoother despite the longer distance.

If combining air and rail travel, we again recommend allowing sufficient buffer time between trains and flight departures.

By Car

Osnabrück can be reached via the A1 and A30 motorways. Public parking garages are available in the city centre. As the university is centrally located, travelling by public transport is usually the most convenient option.

Accommodation

Participants are asked to arrange their own accommodation. Osnabrück offers a variety of hotels and guesthouses within walking distance of the conference venue. Early booking is strongly recommended.

Some options are listed below:

Apartment House am Westerberg (budget option)

A convenient and comparatively affordable option within walking distance of the Schloss and university campus. The Apartment House offers furnished apartments with kitchenettes and is particularly suitable for guests staying several nights who prefer self-catering accommodation.

Visit the English website here. Click here to see the Apartment House on Google Maps.

Hotel Vienna House Easy
Vienna House Easy by Wyndham Osnabrück

Located approximately 5–10 minutes on foot from the Schloss, this modern mid-range hotel is one of the closest and most convenient options for the conference.

Visit the hotel website here. Click here to see the hotel on Google Maps.

Hotel Walhalla
Romantik Hotel Walhalla

Situated in the historic city centre, about 10–15 minutes from the venue, the Hotel Walhalla offers more spacious rooms and full hotel services and represents a slightly more upscale option.

Visit the hotel website here. Click here to see the Hotel Walhalla on Google Maps.

Prize by Radisson

An affordable, modern and comfortable hotel within roughly 10-15 minutes walking distance of the Schloss. 

Visit the hotel website here. Click here to see the hotel on Google Maps.

Additional hotels and guesthouses are available throughout the city centre, most within walking distance of the venue.

Osnabrück Highlights & Recommendations

To help you enjoy your stay beyond the conference sessions, we wanted to share a few highlights and recommendations from around the city. Osnabrück has a beautiful historic center, lively cultural scene, and several special events taking place during your visit.
Maiwoche FestivalOne of the biggest attractions next week is the Maiwoche, Osnabrück’s annual city festival. Throughout the city center, you will find:
    • live music stages
    • outdoor food and drink stands
    • local and international cuisine
    • a lively evening atmosphere
Most events are free and easily accessible on foot from the old town.
Weekly MarketsIf you would like to experience local life in Osnabrück, the weekly markets are highly recommended:
  • Thursday Market at the Schloss (across the conference venue, might not be on since Thursday is a public holiday)

A popular local market with fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, cheeses, and regional specialties in a beautiful setting near the university and castle gardens.

  • Saturday Market at the Domplatz Held in front of the cathedral in the historic center, this is one of the most atmospheric markets in the region and a great place to enjoy local food and fresh products on Saturday morning.
Museums & CultureIf you have some free time, we highly recommend visiting:
  • Erich Maria Remarque Peace Center & Museum Dedicated to the famous author of All Quiet on the Western Front, born in Osnabrück. The museum explores literature, peace, and modern history.
  • Museum am Schölerberg / Planetarium A natural history museum with excellent exhibitions and a planetarium program.
  • Felix Nussbaum House One of Osnabrück’s most renowned museums, dedicated to the painter Felix Nussbaum. The striking building was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind.

 

Historic Old TownThe city center is compact and walkable, with many cafés, restaurants, and historic buildings. Highlights include:

    • the Market Square
    • the Town Hall of the Peace of Westphalia
    • St. Peter’s Cathedral
    • charming medieval streets and terraces
 
Food & Evening RecommendationsThe old town offers many excellent restaurants, beer gardens, and cafés. During Maiwoche especially, the city remains lively well into the evening.
We hope you will have the opportunity to explore Osnabrück and enjoy both the conference and the city itself.