The conference will take place in the Knights’ Hall of the Renaissance Castle in Kostelec nad Černými lesy, just 40 km east of Prague. After a fire in 1549, it was rebuilt by Emperor Ferdinand I in Italian Renaissance style and later modified under Maria Theresa of Savoy. Today, the castle belongs to the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague. It’s a historic and inspiring setting for discussion and exchange. We’re returning to this venue after the success of SentiMAP 2023, and we believe its unique atmosphere will once again foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

Tasty breaks and a castle feast

We’ll make sure you stay well-fed and energized throughout the conference. Lunch and coffee break refreshments will be provided on both days, and Friday breakfast is included for participants staying in the castle accommodations. The highlight, however, will be Thursday evening’s castle reception – a relaxed buffet dinner held in the historic halls. These receptions have become a popular tradition at events hosted here, known for their friendly atmosphere and local flavors. Many ingredients come straight from CZU’s own forests, ponds, and vineyards.

All meals and drinks are free of charge, but you’ll need to pre-order them via the registration form, where you can also let us know about any dietary restrictions or preferences.

Accommodation & Travel

The venue is easily accessible by car, bus, or taxi, and accommodation is available within walking distance. Accommodation is neither arranged nor covered by the organizers – please book and pay directly through the castle reception. All options are within a 5-minute walk of the conference hall:

• Dependance Formanka – twin rooms with private bathrooms
• Dependance Marie Terezie – double or multi-bed rooms with shared bathrooms
• Barbakan dormitory – multi-bed rooms with shared bathrooms in the outer bailey

For bookings, please contact Žaneta Sedláková, ubytovani@lesy.czu.cz, 📞 +420 730 192 060

You’re also welcome to stay in Prague and commute, especially if you prefer a wider range of accommodation options. However, staying in Kostelec is more convenient for joining the evening reception and castle tour.

If you’re traveling by car, see directions via Google Maps or Mapy.cz. Free parking is available in the castle courtyard – just follow the signs upon arrival. You can also take bus no. 381 from Metro C – Háje (Prague), which runs approximately every 30 minutes. Get off at Kostelec nad Černými lesy – Square. The journey takes about 45 minutes, and the ticket costs around 2 EUR / 50 CZK. Alternatively, you can take Uber, Bolt, or a taxi: From central Prague: approx. 25–30 EUR; from Metro Háje or the eastern outskirts: approx. 15–20 EUR

Please note: while getting to Kostelec from Prague is easy, finding a ride back late at night can be difficult or expensive unless pre-arranged. The last buses back to Prague typically leave between 21:00 and 22:00.