International Association of Astacology (IAA)
17th Symposium
August 4-8, 2008
Kuopio, Finland

LOCATION

The IAA17 symposium venue is TietoTeknia building located within the University of Kuopio campus, a neat walk from city center. The campus map shows TietoTeknia building (nr 15) with bus stops along Savilahdentie conveniently on both sides of the complex. Campus itself lies around bay Savilahti, a beautiful natural bay within the city. The linked map is in Finnish and there is chance to learn a few words: University of Kuopio is Kuopion yliopisto; market place is tori and recreational harbour is matkustajasatama. Just a few key locations from the symposium program.

Kuopio lies in Northern Europe, in a place called Finland, and is surrounded by beautiful Savo region.

Finland is neighboured by Estonia, Sweden, Norway and Russia, which gives us Finns a very interesting geopolitical placing on the surface of the earth. This, on the other hand, gives IAA members a fantastic opportunity to experience nature wonders, political wonders and just plain good leisure in Kuopio. You might even want to visit our neighbours after the conference. After all, Lennart lives in Sweden!

Kuopio itself is surrounded by lakes (check the photos in the upper frame) and has been an island before it was connected to mainland due to railroad and road arrangements. This urge to connect Kuopio to nearby islands and mainland can still be seen as bridges are being built to southern parts of Kuopio.

University of Kuopio Savilahti campus, the heart if IAA 17 symposium, is situated by a lake, no wonder, since there are 200,000+ lakes in Finland. Savilahti campus is walking distance from Kuopio market place and thus easily reachable even for those delegates hopelessly late from talks. The campus is serviced by buses leaving from the market place but friends of extreme sports, like Arnie and Paula Eversole, could even walk there.

IAA 17 symposium accommodation is close to campus and city center. Easy to get to the lectures and even easier to sneak out for recreation.