Excursions
The local host team is delighted to guide you through their home region. The programme includes two excursions.
On Tuesday you have three options:
- The Delta Works ‘Neeltje Jans’ in Veere, the Netherlands
- Museum MAS and the University of Antwerp, Belgium
- Flanders Fields in Ypres, Belgium
On Thursday we all visit the city of Leuven (Belgium) together.
The Delta Works
In this excursion we will explore the Dutch Delta Works in Zeeland, The Netherlands. A large area of the Netherlands is situated below sea level. After the flooding in 1953 with many deaths, the Dutch decided one thing very clearly: this never again. The Netherlands became the number 1-country in Sea Management. The Delta Works is a clear example of this policy. The Delta Works is a large-scale project to keep Zeeland dry. With improved dykes and sluices and especially the Oosterschelde construction, the Dutch managed to control water levels and maintain healthy animal life in the Oosterschelde.
We will visit the Delta Works Neeltje Jans Park and the Storm Surge Barrier. Moreover, we will learn about the Delta Plan and even experience the Disaster of 1953 in 4D. En route to Neeltje Jans we will drive by car through the Westerschelde Tunnel: a long tunnel connecting the Zeeland Isles. After this leisurely drive we will have a relaxing lunch on the beach and we will see the Delta Works from an afternoon boat trip. You might even see dolphins or other sea animals.
Antwerp
Antwerp, the largest city in the Flanders region with a population of half a million, has been a significant trading hub since the mid-16th century, owing to its proximity to the Scheldt River and the North Sea.
The city is renowned for its remarkable 17th century art scene, featuring masters such as Peter Paul Rubens, Jacob Jordaens, and David Teniers, as well as its thriving book printing industry, which dates back to the late 15th century. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Antwerp also became a Roman Catholic stronghold of the Counter-Reformation.
Due to its accessibility and vibrant trading history, Antwerp has long been a melting pot of diverse cultures, a richness reflected in the city’s extensive cultural archives. During our visit, we are delighted to showcase this diversity through a guided tour of the COMPASSION exhibition at the MAS (Museum aan de Stroom / Museum on the River).
Excerpt from the MAS Website on the COMPASSION Exhibition:
How do we show compassion? What drives us to do so? Who do we see as good examples? What ideas inspire us to show solidarity? And what if the views clash? When the ideals are unachievable?
The expo ‘COMPASSION’ is about our need and aspiration to help others. You will see art from past and present and from all over the world that depicts this, as well as ornaments and utensils. A work by Breughel with the seven works of mercy, a Japanese print showing how to help the sick, a Congolese sculpture of a generous woman, a Tibetan prayer wheel with a compassionate mantra or a Masonic collection box. Each piece illustrates how humans want to help others.
At the same time, contemporary artists invite you to think critically about the how and why of ‘compassion’. Besides visual works by Khaled Barakeh, Berlinde De Bruyckere and Ai Weiwei, photographer Stephan Vanfleteren made his own interpretation of the ‘works of mercy’ and artist Annita Smit created a surprising paper sculpture of posters calling for solidarity.
After the museum visit, we will explore the historic buildings of the University of Antwerp and introduce you to Zomaar een Dak, the University’s pluralistic chaplaincy service.
Flanders Fields: Reflection and Remembrance
Join us on a special trip to Flanders Fields, where we’ll remember those who served during World War I and explore the history that shaped Europe and the world. At this historic battleground, we’ll visit preserved trenches, offering a solemn look into the experiences of soldiers. We will walk among rows of graves and memorials, each a reminder of lives lost and the hope for peace. With current events, this trip sadly is an important moment to reflect on the impact of war and the importance of peace in our world today.
Whether you’re interested in history, peace studies, or simply want to connect with the past, this meaningful excursion will add depth and reflection to your conference experience.
Leuven: A Historic Gem and Thriving University City
The keynote lecture by Anne Vandenhoeck will take place in the Saint John the Baptist Church (Sint-Jan-de-Doperkerk) located in the Great Beguinage (Groot Begijnhof), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Great Beguinage is one of Leuven’s most remarkable historical landmarks, a beautifully preserved medieval quarter that once housed a community of Beguines—lay religious women who lived in simplicity and devotion. Today, this serene enclave, with its cobblestone streets, charming brick houses, and tranquil courtyards, serves as a peaceful haven and a symbol of Leuven’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
In addition to the keynote lecture, you are invited to discover Leuven, a city renowned for its rich medieval history, vibrant student life, and cultural treasures. You can choose to participate in two of the following three activities:
The University Parish
Discover the University Parish of KU Leuven. Join us for three workshops where you can explore a small selection of the services we offer to students and staff.
- Learn about the KU Leuven Lifestance Network, a group of international representatives from various religious and non-religious communities active in Leuven and at the university.
- Take part in activities on grief, where we’ll introduce you to the different ways we support individuals and groups through loss.
- Talk to our student chaplains, who help students take a break from studying and offer guidance on finding deeper meaning in everyday life.
Hospital Chaplaincy at UZ Leuven
Guided Tour of Leuven
