
ENOHE presents: the 20th Annual Conference
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands
4-6 June 2025
Building Bridges: Equity, Responsibility, and the Ombuds’ Vision for the Future, Inspired by 750 Years of Amsterdam
We are delighted to confirm the title and theme for Conference 2025. This theme connects the idea of building bridges – both literally, with Amsterdam’s iconic canals, and metaphorically, through equity and responsibility in education – with the city’s 750-year history of connectivity and cultural exchange.
ENOHE’s 2025 annual conference will include plenary and working sessions on these topics. A complementary social programme will also be available.
Registration
Registration for the conference is now closed.
Pre-conference workshops, 3 June 2025
The TAP group and GenderSafe are offering two pre-conference workshops on 3 June. Find the outline programmes below. There is a separate fee for the day; registration is via the conference registration form.
Programme
Find the programme for the conference here: Programme for the ENOHE Annual Conference 2025, Amsterdam – ENOHE
Accommodation Options in Amsterdam for Conference Participants
Amsterdam offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets. While staying in the city center provides immediate access to its historic charm and vibrant nightlife, it often comes with a higher price tag. Alternatively, accommodations outside the central area can be more affordable while still offering excellent accessibility, thanks to Amsterdam’s efficient public transportation system.
The Vrije Universiteit (VU) is well-connected and conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from Station Zuid, situated in the heart of Amsterdam’s Central Business District. This station serves as a hub for numerous public transport lines, offering direct connections from both within and outside Amsterdam.
For added convenience, tramline 24 stops directly in front of the university, making it an ideal option for conference participants.
Partner Hotels
We have partnered with two excellent hotels along tramline 24 to offer you convenient and comfortable accommodation options:
– Olympic Hotel: Located near the end of tramline 24, the Olympic Hotel is close to the Vrije Universiteit (just a short tram ride away). This modern hotel is also near Amsterdam’s Olympic Stadium and tranquil parks, perfect for unwinding after conference sessions.
– Hotel V: Situated at the beginning of tramline 24, Hotel V is perfect for attendees who wish to stay closer to the vibrant city center while still having direct and easy access to the Vrije Universiteit. The hotel is located in a lively neighborhood with popular restaurants, bars, and boutique shops.
Guests at these partner hotels can enjoy exclusive discounts through a special link provided for our conference participants. These links will be shared with you after registration. If you need them before this, please email conference2025@enohe.net.
Alternative accommodation locations
For those exploring additional accommodation options, consider staying along the following public transport lines with direct connections to Station Zuid:
Metro Lines:
– Line 50 (Isolatorweg – Gein)
– Line 51 (Isolatorweg – Centraal Station)
– Line 52 (Noord – Zuid)
Tram Lines:
– Line 5 (Westergasfabriek – Amstelveen Stadshart)
– Line 25 (Station Zuid – Uithoorn)
– Line 24 (passing directly in front of the university)
Public Transport Connections to Station Zuid
The Vrije Universiteit (VU) is well-connected and conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from Station Zuid. This station serves as a hub for numerous public transport lines. If you prefer to have direct public transport lines connected to this station, you might want to explore accommodation around these metro lines:
Metro Lines:
– Line 50 (Isolatorweg – Gein)
– Line 51 (Isolatorweg – Centraal Station)
– Line 52 (Noord – Zuid)
Tram Lines:
– Line 5 (Westergasfabriek – Amstelveen Stadshart)
– Line 25 (Station Zuid – Uithoorn)
– Line 24 (passing directly in front of the university)
Interactive Map of Public Transport Lines
To make it easier for you to find accommodations with direct public transport to the Vrije Universiteit or Station Zuid, we recommend using the GVB Public Transport Map. This interactive map shows all metro, tram, and bus lines across Amsterdam and helps you identify routes and nearby hotels.
View the GVB Public Transport Map here.
Accessibility and Sustainability
Amsterdam’s public transport system and our partner hotels are accessible for individuals with mobility needs. For further assistance, please feel free to contact us.
Additionally, using public transport is a sustainable and eco-friendly way to travel, contributing to a greener future for the city.
Public Transport Tickets and Useful Apps
To make traveling around Amsterdam even easier, consider purchasing a multi-day public transport ticket. For example, a 4-day GVB ticket costs €27 and provides unlimited travel on trams, buses, and metros within the city. You can find more information about tickets and prices on the GVB website.
We also recommend downloading the GVB app for real-time updates on public transport. Alternatively, there is a national public transportation app, 9292, available. The app is also available in English, making it convenient for international travelers. Additionally, Google Maps provides accurate and up-to-date public transport information for Amsterdam.
We look forward to welcoming you to the conference and Amsterdam!
Location
The VU campus is quite compact and everything is within walking distance.
Find a map of the campus here.
Details of building name will be given to registered participants in the joining instructions shortly before the conference.
Amsterdam recommendations
During your stay in Amsterdam for the ENOHE-conference, we invite you to explore the city’s rich culture, neighborhoods, and culinary traditions. To make things even easier, we’ve created a Google Maps list with all these recommendations for your convenience. You can open it using the link below, and if you have a Google-account, you can even follow the list and access it on the go. Of course, you’ll also find all tips listed and described below – so feel free to browse and explore whichever way suits you best!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YuVLAVnXDa9idvhd9
Please note that Amsterdam has a strong reservation culture. Many popular museums, restaurants, and experiences require booking in advance (sometimes well in advance). Without a reservation, there is a good chance you’ll miss out. As we say in Dutch, een gewaarschuwd mens telt voor twee – literally: ‘a warned person counts for two’ – so spread the word and come prepared! 😊
While you’re attending the ENOHE-conference, take a moment to explore the host location itself! The Vrije Universiteit offers two self-guided walking tours around the campus as part of its ‘VU in Beweging’ (VU in Motion) programme. These routes not only help you stretch your legs but also reveal interesting insights into the university’s buildings, art, and green spaces.
Buildings route: https://vu.nl/en/about-vu/more-about/buildings-route
The Bustling Campus route: https://vu.nl/en/about-vu/more-about/walking-tour-the-bustling-campus
Top things to do in Amsterdam (outside the conference)
Cultural Highlights
🖼️ Rijksmuseum – Home to Dutch masterpieces like Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Vermeer’s Milkmaid.
🎨 Van Gogh Museum – A moving collection of Van Gogh’s most famous works.
📖 Anne Frank House – A powerful and intimate look into WWII history (book tickets early!).
🧱 Stedelijk Museum – Amsterdam’s museum of modern and contemporary art.
👑 Royal Palace on Dam Square – A grand 17th-century building still used by the Dutch royal family.
Quintessential Amsterdam Experiences
🌊 Canal Tour – See the city from the water on a scenic day or evening cruise (this is also included in your conference registration as the social activity on Friday 6 June).
🚲 Bike Ride through the Jordaan – Rent a bike and experience the city like a local.
🌳 Walk through Vondelpark – Amsterdam’s most famous park and a true urban oasis, perfect for a break from the busy city. Locals come here to picnic, cycle, jog, or simply relax under the trees. The park is dotted with sculptures (including one by Picasso), open-air cafés, and even a small open-air theatre. It’s a great spot to start or end your day, whether with a morning walk or a sunset stroll.
🍻 Visit a Brown Café – Traditional Dutch pubs, like Café ‘t Smalle or Café Hoppe.
🛍️ Explore the Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes) – Charming boutique shopping and cozy lunch spots.
🧀 Albert Cuyp market or Noordermarkt – Open-air markets with local food, flowers, and vintage finds.
🍴 Snack Tips at Albert Cuyp Market:
- 🐟 Haring – Raw herring served with chopped onions and pickles. Traditionally eaten by holding it by the tail and lowering it into your mouth – a true Dutch delicacy!
- 🎣 Kibbeling with ravigote sauce – Battered and deep-fried chunks of white fish, served with a tangy herby mayo-based sauce.
- 🍯 Stroopwafel – Two thin waffles with a warm caramel syrup filling, best eaten freshly pressed from the market stand.
Hidden Gems
⛪ Begijnhof – A peaceful courtyard dating back to the Middle Ages.
🏠 Our Lord in the Attic Museum – A secret 17th-century Catholic church in the attic of a canal house.
🧫 Micropia – A museum about microbes (seriously fascinating!).
🌿 Hortus Botanicus – One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world.
Evening & Social Ideas
🎶 Catch a concert or show – Check what’s on at Concertgebouw, Paradiso, or DeLaMar Theater.
🍽️ Foodhallen – An indoor food market with a great vibe and diverse cuisine.
🌆 Evening stroll through De Pijp or the Jordaan – Lively neighborhoods full of bars and terraces.
🎭 Comedy or Improv Night – Check out Boom Chicago (in English).
Special Events During the ENOHE Conference Period
🎪 Sunday Market at Westergas – 8 June: A lively open-air market with local design, art, fashion, and street food at the cultural hotspot Westergas.
🚚 Rollende Keukens (Rolling Kitchens) – 28 May to 1 June: For those who are planning on arriving a few days earlier. A large open-air food truck festival in Westerpark, offering a festive atmosphere, over 100 mobile kitchens, live music, and unique food experiences. Open daily from 13:00 to 23:00. Free entry.
🦁 Aardbewoners Festival at ARTIS – A unique event hosted by Amsterdam’s historic zoo, combining nature, art, and sustainability. ARTIS itself is also worth a visit any time of the year – it’s one of the world’s oldest zoos, and uniquely located right in the heart of the city.
🎉 Amsterdam 750 Years Celebrations – 2025 marks 750 years of Amsterdam! Check out the special exhibitions, festivals and city-wide events during your visit: www.iamsterdam.com/whats-on/calendar
Easy Day Trips from Amsterdam
🧳 If you have extra time, consider visiting:
🌾 Zaanse Schans – A postcard-perfect village just 17 minutes by train from Amsterdam Central. Famous for its traditional windmills, wooden houses, and Dutch crafts like clogs and cheese-making.
🐟 Volendam – A charming fishing village with colorful houses and fresh seafood, reachable in under 30 minutes by bus. Great for experiencing traditional Dutch culture, costumes, and harbor views.
Host Pelin Zenginoglu’s Favorites
Food & Sweet Treats
🍰 Patisserie Holtkamp – Beloved for its elegant pastries and what many call the best croquettes in Amsterdam. Located near the canals, it’s a must-stop for anyone with a sweet (or savory) tooth.
🍫 Patisserie Linnick – A small boutique pastry shop offering inventive cakes, chocolates, and desserts with a refined twist. Perfect for those who appreciate modern patisserie in a relaxed setting.
🍦 Van der Linde Ice Cream – A legendary ice cream shop on Nieuwendijk, known for its unique, creamy soft-serve that feels warm when it first hits your mouth – an illusion caused by the high fat content and temperature close to melting point. It’s incredibly smooth and fluffy, and only available in one flavor. Cash only!
🥪 Eetsalon Van Dobben – A classic Amsterdam lunchroom dating back to 1945, famous for its soft white rolls filled with warm kroketten or meatballs. The atmosphere is unpretentious and nostalgic – a local favorite for a quick bite.
🥪 FEBO – A Dutch fast-food icon. Try a snack from the “vending wall”! Pelin’s favorite: the Vitaaltje, a vegetarian kroket.
🥧 Dutch Apple Pie Like Grandma Makes It – Try Winkel 43 (very popular, long lines!) or the more relaxed Café Papeneiland, both serving traditional appeltaart with whipped cream.
🍺 Brouwerij ‘t IJ – A local brewery next to a windmill. Great beers, relaxed atmosphere, and a true Amsterdam experience.
🥃 Wynand Fockink – A traditional Dutch tasting room and distillery dating back to 1679, tucked away behind Dam Square. Sample authentic jenevers and liqueurs served in tulip-shaped glasses. Don’t forget to lean in for the first sip – a fun local ritual!
Culture & Relaxation
📚 Het Fort van Sjakoo – Pelin’s favorite bookstore: a politically engaged, independent bookshop with a wide range of titles on social justice, activism, and philosophy. A hidden gem for thoughtful browsing.
🎬 Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski – Watch a film in one of the most beautiful cinemas in the world, built in Art Deco style.
🎷 Café ‘t Molenpad – Enjoy live jazz music on a canal-side terrace. Or visit Jazz Café Alto, a cozy venue with nightly live jazz.
🐾 De Poezenboot – A floating cat sanctuary on a houseboat in the Singel canal. Open to visitors a few days a week, it’s a uniquely Dutch and heartwarming place for animal lovers.
Walks & Nature
⚓ Marineterrein Amsterdam – A modern, innovative waterfront area with public swimming spots and experimental architecture. This site has served for decades as the naval base of the Royal Netherlands Navy, but is now also partially shared with the city of Amsterdam for public and social use – including outdoor swimming, social start-ups, and research institutes. It’s located right next to the National Maritime Museum, which is also worth a visit! From the Marineterrein, you can admire the full-scale replica of a Dutch East India Company (VOC) ship docked at the museum – an impressive sight. With a museum ticket (or Dutch Museum Card), you can even go aboard the ship and explore it up close.
⛪ De Nieuwe Kerk – Climb the church roof for a rare panoramic view of Amsterdam (only possible during the 750-year celebration, until November 2025).
🏛️ Römer Visscherstraat – A hidden architectural gem, known for its ‘Seven Countries Houses’ – seven buildings in the style of different European countries.
Hidden Gems & Local Quirks
🍻 Café Het Sluisje – Located on the peaceful Nieuwendammerdijk in Amsterdam-Noord. A charming spot for drinks off the beaten path.
🌳 Lomanstraat – Famous for its row of bent trees forming a green tunnel over the street – a great photo stop!
🏠 Het Huis met de Kabouters – A whimsical canal house topped with gnome statues. A quirky, lesser-known local landmark.
🎨 NDSM-Werf – A creative and industrial area in Amsterdam-Noord filled with street art, cultural venues, festivals, and bars like Pllek with a city beach vibe. Take the free ferry from Central Station.
🌳 Amsterdamse Bos – A huge park on the edge of the city, great for canoeing, walking, and even visiting goats at the goat farm. A peaceful escape from the city.
🏘️ Haarlemmerstraat & Haarlemmerdijk – A cozy shopping street with independent boutiques, coffee spots, and concept stores, less touristy than the Nine Streets.
🌸 Flower Bikes of Amsterdam – As you explore the city, keep an eye out for the iconic Flower Bikes – brightly decorated bicycles covered in artificial flowers, often chained to bridges or parked along the canals. These colorful creations are the work of Warren Gregory, also known as the ‘Flower Bike Man’. Originally from the U.S., Warren began decorating bikes as a tribute to his wife who was dealing with mobility challenges. The bikes quickly became a joyful symbol of love and positivity in the city, and now form part of Amsterdam’s unofficial street art. Spotting one makes for a cheerful surprise and a great photo!
Practical Tips
🕒 Time Zone
The Netherlands operates on Central European Summer Time (CEST) during June (UTC+2).
💶 Currency
The local currency is the euro (€).
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, though small shops may prefer Maestro or V-Pay debit cards. Contactless payment is common.
🔌 Electricity
- Voltage: 230V
- Frequency: 50Hz
- Plug types: Type C and F (two round pins)
Bring a suitable adapter if your plugs differ.
🚰 Tap Water
Tap water is safe, clean, and delicious to drink. You can refill your reusable water bottle almost anywhere.
📱 Emergency Numbers
In case of emergency:
- 112 – Police, ambulance, or fire brigade
- 0900 8844 – Non-emergency police assistance (Dutch only)
- +31 20 555 8222 – Amsterdam medical center for non-life-threatening issues (GP out-of-hours service)
📞 Phone and Internet
- The country code is +31.
- Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and at the conference venue.
- Visitors from EU countries can use their mobile data and call plans without roaming charges.
🚲 Transportation and Traffic
- Watch out for bikes – cyclists have priority in most situations.
- Public transport (trams, buses, metro) is reliable and efficient. You can pay using a contactless card or buy an OV-chipkaart.
- Taxis are expensive – biking or using public transport is more convenient and cost-effective.
☀️ Weather in June
Expect mild early summer weather, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C (54°F–68°F). A light jacket and an umbrella are recommended, as rain is always a possibility.
Questions
If you have any questions about the conference, do not hesitate to contact us at conference2025@enohe.net.
Conference accommodation scam alert
ENOHE’s only involvement in hotel arrangements is that we have negotiated discounts at two hotels in Amsterdam. Details will be provided to you by ENOHE, once you have registered for the conference.
ENOHE’s only involvement in hotel arrangements is that we have negotiated discounts at two hotels in Amsterdam. Details will be provided to you by ENOHE, once you have registered for the conference.