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Welcome to the EGEA Annual Congress 2024 official website!

You can find out more about our sponsors, patronages and partners in the Sponsors section.



9 September from 10:00 to 14 September from 12:00 Europe/Poland

During the month of the
Open Call for Participants we have got…

of which there were unique…

from…

🫂 Registrations🫂


Participants Fee

% fee to be paid AC 2024 fee
[EUR]
Group A100%203.94
Group B80%163.15
Group C65%132.56
Group D50%101.97
EGEA Annual Congress 2024 Participants’ Fee calculated by the Board of EGEA.
Insight, how Annual Congress’ fee has been calculated, can be seen in official EGEA documents (APPENDIX C)

🇦🇹 Austria

🇧🇪 Belgium

🇫🇮 Finland

🇫🇷 France

🇩🇪 Germany

🇮🇹 Italy

🇱🇹 Lithuania

🇲🇹 Malta

🇳🇱 Netherlands

🇳🇴 Norway

🇸🇮 Slovenia

🇪🇸 Spain

🇨🇭 Switzerland

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

🇭🇷 Croatia

🇨🇿 Czech Republic

🇪🇪 Estonia

🇭🇺 Hungary

🇵🇱 Poland

🇷🇴 Romania

🇷🇺 Russia

🇸🇰 Slovak Republic

🇹🇷 Türkiye

🇷🇸 Serbia

🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina

🇽🇰 Kosovo

🇺🇦 Ukraine



🌍 Scientific Programme 🌍

Workshops may differ in the final programme!

The proposed workshops shown below may differ later, and fewer will be chosen in the end. We will inform about every change!
Workshop themes brought to you by our #ScienceTeam

Theme of this EGEA year and theme of Change for the Future

With Agrifuture being EGEA’s theme for 2024, we believe there is no better time to look into the future. Agriculture has traditionally been a core element of Podhale’s economy and culture, yet its practices have continuously raised questions of sustainability. Now it’s time to brace it for the heavily changing environment surrounding it.

Moreover, all of us are aware of the dynamically altering conditions resulting from worldwide human impact and climate change. With extreme occurences and catastrophes that have been and are now happening in Europe, we want to provide insight and give room for diving further into these issues in a place filled with nature, deeply sensitive to unstable circumstances.

We also cannot forget the ever-so-important EGEA Regional Restructuring. In its spirit, we offer space to talk about the future of our Association. What does it look like with the new division just around the corner? What new challenges will we be faced with?

Proposed workshops

Have you ever wondered about the future of Tatra’s winter wonderlands? Join us in the picturesque setting of Podhale as we explore the dynamics of climate change and its effects on our snowy landscapes. Strap on your snow boots and delve into discussions surrounding the changing climate patterns that may influence the future of this region, and explore the delicate balance between nature, culture, and climate.

Issues: Local climate change impacts on winter conditions in Kościelisko and Zakopane

Are you interested in spatial planning? Do you enjoy working with aerial photographs, archival maps and LiDAR? If so, fly with us into exploring the changes in the development of the Polish Western Carpathians. You will discover the characteristics of settlements in the Polish mountains (also some of the architecture) and learn about the factors that have influenced and continue to shape this type of development.

Issue: Changes in the settlement patterns in the Polish Western Carpathians over the years and now

Are you passionate about highlands, water management, and hydrology? Let’s explore the beauty of the Dunajec Basin together! Workshop participants will learn about the issues and significance of the Dunajec Basin (located in Podhale) and will be able to identify the basic hydrological characteristics of the historically often treacherous region. Pack your enthusiasm and let’s dive into the world of water management!

Issue: Water management and flood risk assessment in the Dunajec basin

For centuries agriculture was considered the primary way of living in the mountainous landscape of southern Poland. With time it has lost its significance to other sectors of the economy but it is once again gaining importance as a way to preserve the culture of Highlanders. Get your gear on and join us on a quest to find out how today’s shepherds work and in what ways we can help them be more sustainable!

Issues: Mountain grazing and its employment in the tourism of the Podhale region

A long time ago, during the Last Glaciation, Tatra Mountains had its own glaciers. Today we can recreate the environment that back then was much like that of the Alps today, thanks to the observation of the remnants in the landscape of the most popular Polish mountains. Get ready for a journey back in time to the glaciation of the Tatra Mountains.

Issues: Carving activity of former glaciers in the vicinity of the Morskie Oko lake

Are you curious about the delicate balance between preserving the natural wonders of the Tatra National Park (TPN) and the influx of mass tourism? Research the concept of honeypots and explore how these attractive destinations within the park draw crowds of visitors. Together we will look into the challenges posed by mass tourism, examining its effects on the delicate ecosystems of Podhale and its local communities.

Issues: The impact of mass tourism in the Tatra National Park

Every mountainous region with steep slopes has the same problem — land mass movement. In Podhale, one of its drivers is the Carpathian flysch. But what exactly is it? What are the main hazards hiding behind the landslides and other types of mass movements? Where are the most endangered sites located? How can we protect ourselves from the possible danger? If any of these questions light a spark within you, we are looking forward to seeing you join this workshop.

Issues: Land mass movement in the Podhale region

Do you enjoy exploring challenging environmental conditions? Do the possibilities of arranging the infrastructure by local communities make you fancy? If you answered “YES” to either of the above, this workshop is for you! We will focus on challenges related to — among others — flash floods and halny wind (local foehn wind), which impose special adaptation of the infrastructure and architecture in the Tatra Mountains. The potential outcome of our work will be an outline of the conditions an ideal home or building must meet to withstand the environmental constraints of the region.

Issues: The adaptation of infrastructure to the environment of the Tatra Mountains

As society develops its settlements, it seeks for a feasible source of heat. First it was wood, then fossil fuels but today we look toward more sustainable and eco-friendly options. Come with us to gain some knowledge about geothermal energy in Podhale and its use for local leisure and municipal needs. 

Issues: The usage of geothermal energy in the Podhale region

Do you want to live your best Polish Highlander mountain fantasy? Get yourself a wide-brimmed Highlander hat (as featured in the AC 2024 logo) and embark on a captivating journey into the heart of the Polish Highlands folklore. Discover the treasures embedded in the mountain culture and understand how our vibrant traditions contribute to the allure of tourist destinations. Examine the dual impact of tourism on local culture — how it can both enrich and challenge the preservation of traditions.

Issues: Highlander folklore’s impact on local tourism and culture

Hop on your skis and get ready to carve through the slopes as we delve into the environmental considerations of winter sports in the Tatra mountain range. From understanding the ecological impact of skiing activities to exploring sustainable practices, discover how responsible tourism and eco-friendly practices can coexist with the adrenaline rush of skiing. Join us in discovering the delicate balance between recreation and conservation in the Tatra Mountains!

Issues: Environmental and social impacts of (un)sustainable skiing practices


Special guests

to be announced…


Trainings

to be announced…


Proposed excursions

⚠️🌍 Proposed excursions may differ in the final programme of the congress 🌏⚠️

Calling all forest lovers! During this easy hike you will be able to reconnect with nature and find inner peace, which might come in handy after yet another of the crazy parties we have in store for you.

The hike will start directly from our accommodation, where you will head south and enter the Tatra National Park. Moving along the Mała Łąka Valley and the Nad Reglami Path, you will be able to hear the voices of the Podhale forests. Don’t you worry though, as amazing viewpoints are also planned. You will reach the Grzybowiec peak (1417), from where an incredible view of the Tatras can be admired. On the way back you will get the chance to see the beautiful three-part Siklawica waterfall, where many photos are bound to be taken. Following the Strążyska Valley and the Pod Reglami Path, you will then be taken back to Dom Wczasowy Harnaś II, with more fun activities awaiting.

If you ever considered visiting Poland in winter, you must have heard of Zakopane. The city, just east of our Kościelisko, is nicknamed Poland’s winter capital for a reason. During this excursion (the only urban one, may we add) two groups of EGEAns will see the many sides of Zakopane, a city vibrant regardless of the season.

Both groups will get to see the core area of the city, which now serves multiple functions. You will be able to experience both the traditional architecture of Podhale and the sharply contrasting new tourist facilities. The route will begin with Krupówki, Zakopane’s very heart and undeniably one of Poland’s most recognisable streets, and end with a climb up the peak of Gubałówka (1126) for panoramic views of the city. In between, you will be entertained by attractions depending on which group you choose. The first group will follow a path in the footsteps of local culture, while the other studies Podhale’s nature and sports legacy. More on that to be announced…

The most distant of our trips will bring together people of different interests, with the running theme being water. Here yet again two groups of EGEAns will head north in the direction of Nowy Targ, Podhale’s historical capital, to find themselves nestled right between two national parks – Gorczański and Pieniński. Our destination will be Lake Czorsztyn, one of the largest reservoirs in southern Poland.

Before you get there though, you will get to see sights such as the scenic Bór na Czerwonem (a peatland that is both a nature reserve and a Natura 2000 protected area) and short but expansive Białka gorge (functioning too as a nature reserve). Having arrived at the reservoir, you will split into two groups. One group will, to put it mysteriously, delve into the past and future of the area, while the other searches for traces of volcanic activity and looks at the area from high above. The two groups will then come together to conclude the trip with a very special surprise. Do we have your attention? Good, as that is all we can say for now…

One of the longer journeys will take us to one of the must-see points of the Tatra mountains. It is here that vast numbers of tourists from Poland and beyond walk up the classic road to marvel at the truly iconic, blue miracle of nature. You guessed it, you will get the chance to see the Morskie Oko, Poland’s most known mountain lake.

Before reaching the final destination, you will walk alongside the picturesque valley of Białka (Rybi Potok) river, which is also the border between Poland and Slovakia. During the excursion itself you will:

  • learn the story about the Waterfalls of Mickiewicz
  • talk about the potential risk for the surrounding nature coming from the mass tourism near the Włosienica pasture and Morskie Oko lake
  • admire the views of the highest Polish mountain range

While most of the road from the starting point of our hike named Palenica Białczańska is quite easily accessible (it is a paved road after all), the last 2 km to the Morskie Oko are much harder, so please be prepared for possible slippery conditions! That is all we can say for now…

In comparison to the remaining hikes, this one is much less demanding, as it starts directly from our accommodation. Do not underestimate it though, as we have never heard of anyone who would be disappointed after visiting the famous Kościeliska Valley.

The hike will take place in the valley deriving its name from the village where our accommodation is located. The valley is one of the larger in the region and is known as a place where a lot of Polish Highlanders operate on local pastures, hence the ties to Agrifuture. Participants taking part in this trip will get to not only enjoy the balance between nature and human activity, but also see the cradle of the best oscypek cheese in the entirety of Podhale. Can you already taste it?

Does neither of the previous excursions satisfy your need for a truly mountainous experience? Do you have greater background in mountain hiking? Do you not mind getting downright sweaty and gritty? If so, join the utmost mountainous hike possible – the excursion to Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy! 

Sadly no glaciers are left in the Polish mountains now but many traces of their abundance in the past can be found. One of them is the titular Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy, which is much different from Morskie Oko as it is far less exploited by tourists.

Given the conditions, during this workshop you will:

  • take a longest hike possible…
  • …which in return gives marvelous sights of Polish Tatras…
  • …and the biggest of the Polish Tatras’ lakes

We know you are already excited about it – come join us on the trail!


Day schedule

⚠️🌍 Proposed programme may differ 🌏⚠️

Day schedule – explanations

coming soon…

📌 Location 📌

Region of Podhale

Podhale is a picturesque and culturally rich region in southern Poland, at the very base of the Tatra Mountains. Known for its natural beauty, Podhale offers a blend of lush valleys, towering peaks and crystal-clear alpine lakes. Its cultural identity is shaped by the unique Highlander people (pol. Górale), who have preserved their traditional lifestyle, music and food.

Podhale in Poland offers an exceptional setting for hosting the EGEA Annual Congress 2024 due to its unique combination of geographical features, cultural richness and convenient infrastructure. The region’s stunning landscapes, encompassing the Tatra Mountains and picturesque valleys, provide an inspiring backdrop for diverse and absorbing workshops. Additionally, Podhale’s strong cultural heritage offers a distinctive experience that can enhance the congress’ atmosphere and provide participants with a deep sense of the place.

Podhale, Town of Zakopane; Source: https://visitmalopolska.pl/

Town of Kościelisko

The beautifully located Harnaś II complex, with plenty of attractions at our disposal, proximity of hiking/biking trails and location in the center of Kościelisko is a guarantee of fantastic stay!

Accommodation of Dom Wczasowy Harnaś II

Nice atmosphere, highland hospitality, tasty food and traditional interior design will make everyone feel at ease here, which will encourage you to return to this beautiful nook below the Giewont Mountain.

  • over 200 places
  • double, triple or quadruple rooms
  • restaurant and Big Hall for General Assembly and Night Programmes
  • smaller rooms for workshops and trainings
  • pool table, soccer and volleyball fields

& much more this place has to offer…


🚝 Transport suggestions 🚀

to be announced…


💛 Sponsors, Patronages and Partners💛

💛 Our lovely sponsors

💛 Our lovely patronages

more coming soon…


👷Meet Our Orgateam👩‍💻


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