Take a break: short visits to local sites
Wednesday 15 October - 16:00-18:00
All excursions depart at the conference venue
To take a break from the scientific programme, we offer you a number of short guided visits to local sites on Wednesday afternoon. Your guide will wait for you at the conference venue. The visits are free, but registration is compulsory.
Mercator
The three-masted ship Mercator was built in Scotland as a training ship for the Belgian merchant fleet. Between 1932 and 1960, she completed more than 50 cruises and sailed around the world. She was not only used for training, but also for scientific observations and as an ambassador ship for Belgium, and she competed in several Tall Ship Races. In 1961 she was turned into a museum ship, first in Antwerp and now in Ostend.
Amandine
The Amandine was the last Belgian Iceland cruiser. These ships sailed long distances to the rich fishing grounds of Iceland, fishing mainly for cod. Life on board was hard and dangerous, with extreme working conditions. The Amandine was taken out of service in 1995 and turned into a museum ship shortly after.
Fort Napoleon
Expecting a British attack from the sea on the port of Ostend, Napoleon ordered this fort to be constructed in 1811. It is situated in the dunes close to the harbour. The attack never came, and the fort was used for accommodation and as an arsenal. It was largely abandoned after the end of the French occupation, reused as German headquarters in both the first and second World War, only to be abandoned again after the war. The fort was completely restored and is now used as an event location and museum.
Ensor Museum
Famous painter James Ensor lived and worked in Ostend his whole life. His house was turned into a museum shortly after his death in 1949, but it was only recently restored to its original state. The authentic furniture, reproductions and small documentary presentations offer a unique opportunity to explore the space where the artist worked and lived.
Combine a visit to the house with an interactive walk: the app enables users to take a walk through the city guided by Ensor himself. Throughout the walk, he talks about himself, his friends and Ostend’s rich history.
Guided City Tours
Explore the enchanting city of Ostend with guided city walks that offer a fascinating journey through its rich history and vibrant culture. Led by knowledgeable local guides, these tours take you on a captivating exploration of Ostend's maritime heritage, highlighting landmarks like the historic port, the majestic Royal Galleries, and the bustling fish market.
VLIZ Marine Robotics Centre
Dive deep into ocean exploration at the VLIZ Marine Robotics Centre (MRC). As part of the IKUWA Conference’s celebration of the connections between humans and the sea, this guided tour offers an exclusive look into cutting-edge marine robotic technologies. Discover how autonomous platforms, such as underwater gliders and autonomous underwater vehicles, can help explore shipwrecks, submerged landscapes — unlocking the stories of our underwater cultural heritage. Located at Marine Station Ostend, the MRC showcases how Marine Robots can help you tell the "Exciting Tales of Our Past”.