Gießen is not a large metropolis at first glance, and that is exactly where part of its charm lies. With almost 90,000 inhabitants, the city in Hesse is one of Germany’s smaller university towns, but since its founding as a university city in 1607 it has been closely linked to scientific development. To this day, the Justus-Liebig University of Gießen shapes the cityscape as well as the diverse local life. The connection between city and science has a long tradition here. Justus von Liebig, who taught in Gießen from 1824 to 1852, turned the place into a centre of research, especially in chemistry. Among his students was Georg Büchner, a writer, physician and natural scientist, who today is regarded as an early pioneer of interdisciplinary thinking. At the same time, Gießen is a city that offers many leisure activities. It lies embedded in the Lahn valley, between the foothills of Vogelsberg, Taunus and Westerwald, and offers space for relaxation. The Wieseckaue and one of the oldest botanical gardens nearby are particularly popular. Places such as the Mathematikum, the world’s first interactive museum of its kind, as well as the Liebig Museum are the perfect complement for a day trip. In addition to cultural facilities such as the city theatre or regular events, the weekly market, which is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, also shapes life in Gießen. It is precisely this combination of scientific tradition and a lively atmosphere that makes Gießen an ideal conference venue. Hotels can be booked in Gießen itself or in the surrounding area (Wetzlar, Marburg, Frankfurt/M.).
