Information for speakers and poster presenters  are available under the relevant subsites. To find travel information to Tällberg, please consult the "Venue & Access" site.   

Relevant dates

Conference: June 14-18, 2010

Abstract submission deadline for invited talks and invited poster presentations: Expired 

Abstract submission deadline for poster presentations of people funding their participations on their own : 1 May 2010

Registration deadline: 1 May 2010

Practical information 

Abstract submission

Deadline for submission of abstracts for invited talk and poster presentations is expired. However, people funding their paticipation on their own can still submit a poster until 1 May 2010.

Please go to the "Registration page" to find templates and information about abstract submissions.   

Access to the conference site

Please consult our Venue & Access page for details.  

Accommodation 

Conference accommodation 

Conference participants will stay at the conference site, namely Hotel Dalecarlia. Tällgårdsgattu 21,  SE-79370, Tällberg, Sweden, phone: ++46-247-89100, fax   ++46-247-50240, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The hotel is nicely situated  on a hillside with very wide view over the Siljan lake It has a spa (pool, bubblepool and sauna free for our guests) and offers free wireless internet access. Keynote speakers will live in single rooms and students and early career scientists in double rooms. A limited number of single rooms are available also for the letter against payment of a supplementary fee and will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Rooms are equipped with private bathroom, shower, toilet, hairdryer and TV.

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Other accommodation

If you want to stay longer and/or come earlier, you have to book your own accommodation. There are many hotels and B&Bs around the Siljan area. Accommodation around Lake Siljan can be booked at the website of Siljan tourism.  For low budget travelers the Swedish Youth Hostels (no age limit) are a good alternative, there is a quite nice one at Rättvik. Accommodation in those hostels "vandrarhem", which are generally well-equipped and enjoy a high standard (albeit exceptions exist) can be booked at the website of "Svenska turistföreningen"  Please note that around Midsummer time particularly many people (also from Sweden) like to visit the area, and early booking is absolutely essential then (and highly recommended throughout the summer). There is also a popular campsite at Tällberg, nicely situated on the lake shore.    

In Stockholm, accommodation can be booked via the Stockholm Tourist Board website (in 8 languages). Since there is a Royal Wedding on June 19, accommodation will be booked up very quickly so early reservations are a must.  

Alcohol

Like many Nordic countries, Sweden implements a strict anti-alcohol policy.  Liquor is expensive and (apart from light beer and other light alcoholic beverages) only sold in state-run monopoly shops (Systembolaget) to persons aged 20 years or older and served in licensed restaurants. Hotel Dalecarlia is fully licensed and you can try one of the products of the good local microbreweries at the bar there. To consume alcoholic beverages not bought at the hotel or to carry liquor purchased at the hotel out is strictly forbidden.  At the conference dinner a glass of wine per course will be served, if you want to have some strong beer or other alcoholic beverage at other meals, you can do so at your own cost.

If you buy liquor at the state-run liquor store, you might be asked for a piece of identity (this can be also the case when you buy light beer at the supermarket, which is usualy sold to persons over 18). There are duty-free shop airports and on ferries, but their price policy often are oriented towards the Scandinavian market.

Allergies

Due to the late onset of summer in Dalarna, grass pollen can still be very abundant at AbGradCon. Grassy areas are common in Tällberg, so people with grass pollen allergies shouldbring some remedies.  Another problem is the (in Sweden very abundant) birch tree. June is still a spring month in this area.  For up-to-date information check www.polleninfo.org and click on the Sweden map on the site. If you have certain food allergies, please provide relevant information about

Banks

There is no bank or cash machine in Tällberg. This is less of a problem, since most places (apart from very small shops and coffee houses) take credit cards. However, one should take out some cash before coming to the place to be on the safe side. The nearest banks are: Leksands sparbank, Sparbanksgatan 1, Leksand (10 km south of Tällberg, opening hours Monday-Wednesday 10:00-17:00, Thursday 10:00-18:00, Friday 10:00-14:00, cash machines accessible 06:00-22:00) and Leksands Sparebank, Torget, Rättvik (10 km north-east of Tällberg, opening hours Monday-Wednesday 10:00-17:00, Thursday 10:00-18:00, Friday 10:00-14:00, cash mashines accessible 06:00-22:00) .

Cash machines exist in Rättvik (Vasag. 2, Rättvik, Sweden‎) and Leksand (Sparbanksgatan 1 and Torget) .

Climate

Although Tällberg is on the same latitude as Southern Alaska and Southern Greenland, the climate is milder due to the Gulf stream. Nevertheless, you should both prepare for chilly and hot weather alike.

June in Dalarna is about like the early May in Central Europe (northern US) or April in Southern US. On average around 7-8 days in June have over one mm of rain in the eastern parts and 11-12 days in the west. So rainproof clothing is a must to take with, especially at the geological excursion. Dalarna has about 1600-1700 hours of sunshine hours every year, let's hope a lot of them will be during the conference.

Clothing should be adapted to the climate. Good walking or climbing boots with ankle support are a must at the geological excursion. Also you should have some rainproof clothes, Swedish summers can be a rainy affair. Surely, no dress code exists at the Summer school, you might, however, want to dress a bit smarter on the conference dinner.

Up-to date weather forecast is available from the website Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute.

Credit cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Sweden in shops or restaurant. In a lot of places people are asked to present their passports or identity cards when paying with Credit cards. At Dalecarlia all common credit Cards (VISA, AMEX, MC) are accepted.

Criminality

Criminality is low in Sweden, but organized pick-pocketing has become a nuisance, especially at airports, underground and railway stations. Like all European countries, Sweden has its share of drug problems. Also alcoholism is an issue and it is wise to stay away from places where a lot of obviously drunk people gather (often close to petrol stations and sausage stalls during Friday or Saturday night in the centre of small municipalities).

Cuisine

Do not expect Burgundy or Alsace. Swedish food is down to earth and generally not very spicy. Famous dishes are "köttbullar" (meatballs), "pytt i panna" (fried potato and ham dices with fried egg). Fish is often served, but is not so as important as a staple diet as in Norway.  Since the founder of the Royal family stems from Bearn, Sauce Bearnaise is often served with meat dishes. Vegetable soups are popular, on Thursdays it is traditional to eat pea soup (ärtsoppa) with pancakes (pannkakor). A feast for the eye and the palate is the Swedish Smörgåsbord. This buffet includes a wide range of fish dishes (a must is pickled herring), warm dishes and desserts (fruit cakes are usually very good). A thing for the adventurous is rot-cured herring ("surströmming"). A lot of restaurants serving ethnic food have also established themselves in Sweden (especilly in larger cities), and the international Hamburger-Kebab-Pizza-HotDog-Fries cuisine is widely present.

Breakfast is usually a buffet breakfast. Lunch is light and the main meal is dinner "middag". Generally people eat earlier than in continental Europe, some people go for lunch already at 11:15.

Eating out is very expensive in Sweden, but at most places there is a cheaper lunch "dagens rätt", often including a salad, soft drink and coffee, which will set you back SEK 70-100,-. Also drinks are not cheap, expect SEK 50,- to 60,- for a large (0,5 liter) ordinary beer (light beer is cheaper).

Customs

Since Sweden is part of the EU, different rules apply for travels from the EU and other countries. There are some goods that are restricted to import to Sweden. Goods like firearms, dangerous articles, narcotics, animals and medicine. You can't bring goods from endangered species (CITES) into Sweden at any time without special permit. Goods that you are using during your trip like clothes, cameras can be brought into Sweden duty-free.

If you enter Sweden from a country within the EU, you are only allowed to bring in alcohol and tobacco products for your own or your family's personal use. If you enter Sweden from a country outside the EU, you are only allowed to bring in a certain amount of duty-free and tax-free alcohol and tobacco products, "traveller's allowance". Firearms and dangerous articles cannot be brought into Sweden without special permit. The term "dangerous articles" denotes switchblade knives and stilettos, knuckle-dusters, truncheons, karate sticks, blackjacks, ripping and riveted gloves, maces etc. Such articles may not be brought into Sweden without special permits, issued by the Police at the place of importation. Also tear gas sprays are illegal in Sweden, there are boxes at the airport too dispose of them whe you enter the country. When you travel to Sweden you may bring prescription drugs, but only if you intend to use them for a medical reason and it is for personal use. There are also special rules to bring pets to Sweden (discouraged), if you intend to do so, check at the Customs web site in good time beforehand.

Informations about Swedish Custums and immigration can be found on the webpage of the Swedish Customs Authority.

Currency

Currency is the Swedish Crown (SEK), "krona", plural "kronor". 1 crown equals 100 öre. There are coins with a face value of 1, 5 and 10 crowns and notes with values of 20, 50, 100, 500 and (rarer) 1000 crowns. At the moment (November 2009) 1 Euro equals SEK 10,40 and 1 US$ SEK 6,90. Although it is more advantageous to use credit cards and exchange money in Sweden, participants are advised to bring a small amount in cash for taxis, buses, snacks etc. On the airport as well as on major railway stations (definitely not at Tällberg) there are exchange offices offering good rates. Other currencies are rarely accepted in Sweden and unlikely to be so in Tällberg.

Dos and Dont's

Swedes are generally very informal and therefore there are not a lot of customs to be obeyed. There are, of course some peculiarities of the country. People  use to address themselves by their forenames. Titles are unimportant, do not expect to be addressed as "Doctor" or "Professor".

In shops there often is a roll or a machine where you have to obtain a queue number. Inadvertently ignoring this and thereby jumping the queue does not go down very well. The same applies for drinking alcohol in public places (parks etc.). It is not illegal (although discussions exist to outlaw it), but seen as bad conduct. Alcohol bought in restaurants must not be taken off the premises for consumption. Smoking is prohibited in a lot of places, including restaurants, railway stations etc. In many such places there are designed smoking areas.

Lunch and dinner times are earlier than in many other countries, restaurants are crowded early and later the kitchen might be closed already. At (more formal) restaurants, wait to be seated. 

Punctuality is valued highly, if you come late (even for a couple of minutes at appointments), apologize. In conversation, avoid to talk a lot about your own career, house, expensive hobbies, achievements, which might be regarded as boasting.

People in Dalarna are very proud of their old traditions and are sometimes inclined to see themselves as the most genuine Swedes. There is a lot of rivalry between the different towns around the Siljan lake. To praise Leksand a lot is not a good idea when you are in Mora. This is particularly true when it comes to ice hockey, where a lot of the towns in Dalarna have an own team. Conversations about that sport are at your own risk. 

Public offices and authorities often have very short opening hours. Even if not so, you might be told at 14:45 that the person responsible has already left for the day. Generally, handling of applications is a tedious affair and if you need some visa, permits etc., please apply in good time.

Buses have to be boarded in the front. In Stockholm you have to pay tickets in advance - you cannot obtain them from the driver. 

Electricity

Sweden uses 220 Volts AC,m, 50 Hz frequency (like continental Europe). Also plugs are continental safety plugs (like those used in France and Germany). Never attempt to connect any electrical device not explicitly specified by the manufacturers for 220 V AC to Swedish sockets !

Emergency

The general emergency number is 112. An operator will put you through to the relevant service. Sweden was he first country to introduce a common emergency number.

Health issues

The nearest Health centre is Rättviks vårdcentral in Rättvik, Centralgatan 1. Ordinary opening hours are Mon-Fri 08:00-17:00. In case of acute illness ring 0771-49 11 77, in emergency cases 112.

Generally, the standard of health care is very good in Sweden. If you are a citizen of any of the Nordic or EU/EEA countries, then you have access to public medical services if you register beforehand at a social insurance office in your home country and obtain a European health Insurance card. If European health insurance cards are not yet issued in your country, ask for a form E128, or a form E111 if you plan to stay for less than three months. You need to bring the card or a form with you when seeking medical attention in Sweden. For non EU/EEA citizens: Sweden has reciprocal agreements for public medical benefits with some countries, however; to find out whether your country has such an agreement, you should contact your local social insurance office. For the reciprocal agreement to apply, the need for medical care must arise during (not prior to) your stay in Sweden. With this form, you will be charged only a non-refundable fee. For dental treatment you will have to pay the full cost up to a certain level and a percentage (30 –65%) of the excess. 

If you are not from an EU/EEA country, we strongly encourage people to sign a travel insurance.   

Please note: policy on medicines and drugs is very restrictive. Many items that are sold over the counter in other countries the US or central Europe are only available here with a prescription from a Swedish doctor (this also includes contraceptives). For prescribed medicines you will be liable to pay the full cost up to SEK 400,-. If the costs exceed this you will have to pay a certain percentage (10–50%) of the excess. So, if you permanently need medication, it is a good idea to take a sufficient amount with you. Some medication might, however, fall under the controlled substance law in Sweden (see the Swedish Customs Web site for information). If you think that may be the case for your medication, take a confirmation from your doctor with you and go through the red lane at the customs.

The nearest pharmacy are in Rättvik (Apoteket "Kronan", Vasagatan 2) and Leksand (Leksandsvägen 2), and opens mon-fri 10-18:00, sat 10:00-14:00. There is no vaccination needed for Sweden. The only danger is some diseases spread by ticks. If you plan to go hiking in some parts of the Stockholm area, you should be aware of the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Information about TBE can be found here. Ticks also transmit the Lyme-Borreliosis, which is common in Sweden (apart from the far north).      

Information

Tällberg has no tourist office. For general infos about the Siljan area check the website of Siljan Tourism.

Language

Swedish belongs to the Northern Teutonic languages. Since it is therefore somewhat related to English and German people familiar with these languages, will be able to understand written, but not easily spoken Swedish, since pronunciation is more difficult. English is very widely spoken, sometimes German, French and Spanish to a lesser extent. You find a short survival guide for Swedish as a .doc file on the bottom of the page.

Laundry

There is no self-service laundry in Tällberg. Laundry can be left for washing at the front desk. Prices vary, but are around SEK 20,- per item.

Legal issues

Participants take part in the conference entirely on their own risk. Neither the conference organizers, nor Stockholm University, nor the funding agencies are in any case reliable for damage to property, life or limb of conference participants.

Some activities at the excursions are potentially dangerous. Participants are requested to wear apt clothing footwear and follow he instructions of the guides. Swedish law applies for all potential disputes regarding the conferences.

Please note that registration automatically implies reservation of rooms and substantial fees will be charged in case of cancellation after May 1sy 2010 or no-show. We can also not refund flight tickets if you book a flight and do not visit the conference for any reason whatsoever. We therefore strongly encourage people to sign a travel insurance.   

Meals

Meals are served in the restaurant on the first floor. On Tuesday, dinner wll be (weather permitting) at the lakeshore, we will walk there together. On Wednesday lunch packets will be provided.   

On Sunday 13 June we will start with a welcome drink (20:00) and a traditional Swedish Smörgåsbord. If you arrive at 21:00 there will still be something left for you.  
For people coming early there will be a coffee break with sandwiches at 15:30 and late comers (train arriving at 23:07) we'll have some sandwiches and tea. Early arrival is encouraged since the Spa will be open until 20:00 and the weather forecast for Sunday is, to put it mildly, not exciting.

Mail

Mail to be posted can be left at the front desk. Letters (up to 20g) and postcards cost SEK 12,- to all (foreign) countries. Post boxes are yellow or gray in Sweden. Many shops sell stamps "frimärken" in Sweden, but the nearest proper post office is located at ICA supermarket "Fiolen", Vasagatan 2, Rättvik (opening hours Mon-Sun 08:00-22:00) Parcels have to be brought in on weekdays (Mon-Fri) before 16:30.

Nuisances

Although mosquitoes are less common in southern Sweden than in Lapland, they can be a nuisance, especially after wet springs. It is a good idea to bring some repellent. Wasps are less of a problem during spring. The only poisonous snake in Sweden is the common adder (Vipera berus), which also has a black form. Watch out when you are scrambling over stony areas. Ticks exist in Sweden and they both carry Tick-borne-encephalitis and Lyme-borreliosis.

Public holidays

In spring and summer there are three public holidays. Ascension “Kristi himmelfärd” is on 13 May in 2010, Whitsuntide Monday (May 24th) is no public holiday, but this being Sweden, many closures can be expected anyway. National Holiday is on June 6th. The most important holidays for many Swedes are Midsummer Eve and Midsummer Day on June 26 and June 27. On these two days the country almost comes to a complete standstill, public transport is very scarce and there are immense traffic jams caused by people going to their holiday homes, especially on roads out from towns (specially around the Siljan area). It is a very nice thing to take part in a midsummer celebration, but it should be noted that early booking of accommodation is absolutely necessary during midsummer time.

Right of access

Shopping

There are a lot of shops in Tällberg selling handicrafts, specially near the hotel "Klockargården". Recommendable items are Dala horse from the Siljan area, glassware from Orrefors or Kosta Boda, and high-quality handicrafts work. For lovers of indigenous art, very beautiful and valuable items are produced by the Sami people from northern Scandinavia under the auspices of the Sami Handicrafts Foundation (Beware of cheap imitations for unsophisticated tourists!). One of the other items worthwhile to buy in Sweden is outdoor clothing and fishing and hunting equipment. For children, we recommend the books of Astrid Lindgren and other famous Swedish children’s books authors. 

For ordinary daily goods shopping, there is the "Tempo" shop opposite the railway station in Tällberg.

To claim tax-refunds for shopping goods in Sweden is worthwhile, since VAT for most articles is 25 %, so you can save a bit. A refund office is located at Terminal 5 on Arlanda Airport (opening hours: Monday - Sunday 05.45-19.30). Information about tax-free shopping is available here. If you are permanent resident in the EU, you are not eligible for tax refunds for goods bought in Sweden.

Sightseeing

There is not much time for sightseeing. If you want to explore the Siljan area (recommended), you should either come earlier or stay later (or both). In Tällberg itself, there is (apart from the picturesque village) not too much to see, but there are some little gems. The small open air museum Holens Gammelgård is closed during the conference but we might be able to organize a guided tour for people, if there is interest. A nice walk (1km) leads up to the viewpoint "Digerberget", please consult the Tällberg map for details.  

For sights in the Siljan area, please see the Siljan tourism website. Popular sights are the town of Leksand with the houses of Axel Munthe and the composer Hugo Alfvén, Mora with the house of the painter Anders Zorn and the musum on the Vasa Run (which ends in Mora), Rättvik with its church stables and the wooden landing bridge. Little farther away are Falun with the Falu mine, Sundborn with Carl and Karin Larssons home and the Ornässtugan (where a future king escaped through a toilet once: But also today, if you want to make a career in Sweden, you have find unconventional ways and be prepared to go through a lot of shit...). 

In Orsa there is the Bear Park Grönklitt, from Mora and Orsa you can also take the tourist railway "Inlandsbanan" to Gällivare beyond the Arctic Circle.

The home of the famous Dala wooden horses is in Nusnäs between Rättvik and Mora.  A special concert area is the disused limestone quarry Dalhalla with a lot of music events.     

Smoking

Most public places (railway stations, airports) as well as trains and buses are no smoking zones. Please further note that now smoking is prohibited in all Swedish restaurants. For buying tobacco (age limit 18 years) you may be asked for a piece of identity.

Tax-free

To claim tax-refunds for shopping goods in Sweden to be brought outside is worthwhile, since VAT for most articles is 25 %, so you can save a bit. A refund office is located at Terminal 5 on Arlanda Airport (opening hours: Monday - Sunday 05.45-19.30). Information about tax-free shopping is available here. If you are permanent resident in the EU, you are not eligible for tax refunds for goods bought in Sweden.

Taxis

Generally, going by taxi is an expensive thing in Sweden. There are also special (elevated) night and weekend fees. A local taxi company is "Sälens taxi" (phone: 0250-16200)  

Telephone

The country code for Sweden is 46. After the country code dial the area code without the preceding 0. To phone from public telephones you have to buy a telephone cards from the state-owned Telia, such cards are available for SEK 50,- or SEK 100,-. Using credit cards is possible with some public phones, but expensive. Mobile phones can be recharged at the Tempo shop near the railway station in Tällberg. Please contact your operator for prices for roaming modes. 

Time

Tips

Toilets

Sometimes, a fee is levied (SEK 5,-) for the use of public toilets. Note that locks on Swedish toilets often unlock and lock by turning the lock handle in the opposite directions of those you might be used to in other countries. So if the door does not open, do not panic, take a deep breath and try the other way.  

Traffic

Traffic signs warning for mooses crosing roads seem to be funny, but they are to be taken seriously.  In fact, one of the most common accident causes in Middle and Northern Sweden is collisions with animals. Nevertheless, mooses seem not to regard cars as dangerous, which adds to the peril.

On weekends, traffic might be dense in the Siljan area. This holds especially for Midsummer weekend.

Traveller’s cheques

Traveller's cheques can also be used in some shops, but are much less widely accepted in Sweden than in the US.

TV

All rooms are equipped with TV. Press info on the remote control to find information about our TV channels and Pay TV. We will try to enable conference guests to watch the World Championship in Soccer.  

Twilight  

Although the sun does set Tällberg at  the time of the conference, it never gets dark and dusk goes over to dawn directly. If you have troubles falling asleep when it is light, bring a sleeping mask.

VAT

Value added tax “moms” (usually 25 %) and service is included in all quoted prices. This includes restaurant bills.

Visa regulations

Weather forecast

Up-to date weather forecast is available from the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute.

Attachments:

Swedish.doc

[Survival guide for Swedish]

52 Kb