Seminar Venue

Since 1976 the Physikzentrum Bad Honnef (PBH) serves as the main meeting point of the German Physical Society (DPG). It offers a secluded setting for research conferences, seminars, and workshops, and has proved to be especially stimulating for fruitful discussions. To live and work in a single building is an essential concept of the Physikzentrum in bringing experienced researchers and young students together.

The main highlights of the conference program are:

  • Summer Schools on advanced topics of modern physics,
  • Advanced training of school teachers in physics,
  • Research seminars on new developments in special fields of physics,
  • Contact seminars on professional problems of specific groups of physicists.
Surroundings
The stately mansion housing the Physikzentrum is surrounded by a park at the foot of the Siebengebirge ("the Seven Hills") on the right bank of the Rhine river near Bonn. Numerous spa facilities near the Center lend the green character to the town. In the immediate neighbourhood an extensive net of hiking-paths in the Germany's oldest nature preserve invites pleasant short or long walks. Excellent public transport offers convenient access to nearby cities of Bonn (15 km) and Cologne (40 km) with many cultural and scientific attractions. Due to its central location Bad Honnef is easy to reach from all European countries.

Facilities & Equipment
A new lecture hall seating up to 120 participants with a modern double rear projection, interactive electronic board, and full video conferencing equipment has been opened in November 2003. Technical equipment includes data-, overhead- and videoprojection, poster- and blackboards, internet- and email-access. Downstairs a comfortable and cosy clubroom invites discussions and extended talks in the evenings.

The History of the House
In 1897 the rich merchant Otto Hölterhoff donated his entire fortune and property to the University of Bonn with the condition to establish the "Elly Hölterhoff-Böcking-Foundation" in memory of his wife Elly. This foundation was meant to be a "home for young ladies of higher descent" as teachers of a household school for girls of lower descent. The school was opened in June 1906 and run successfully till 1940. Since 1947 the foundation served as home for senior citizens and for "special purposes of the University of Bonn in the fields of research and education". Following the rising demand of many German physicists for establishing a summer school center the Physikzentrum Bad Honnef was founded at the 12th of June, 1976. Since then PBH is run by the DPG and supported by the Land North Rhine-Westphalia and the University of Bonn.

Legal Notice / Last updated: Feb-06-2006 / © W. Becker