During the congress week, from Tuesday, 29 September, to Thursday, 1 October 2026, you can take part in a diverse programme of excursions and guided tours. Whether you choose a city tour, a ride on the Gutenberg Express, or a Street Art Night Walk – discover the city of Mainz!

Please note that participation in excursions and guided tours is not included in the congress registration fee. In most cases, an additional fee applies. Places can be booked via the Converia congress platform from 4 May 2026.

Escape Room "Mission Climate Rescue" – BNE Escape Game Lab

29 September 2026, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
1 October 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Venue: BNE Escape Game Lab, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Joh.-Friedrich-von-Pfeiffer-Weg 12
Further information on how to get there can be found here: https://www.uni-mainz.de/campusplan/

Cost: Donation-based

Capacity: Maximum 15 participants per session

Duration: Approximately 3 hours in total, including a 90-minute escape game

Description:
The renowned Future Institute at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz is on the verge of a scientific breakthrough in the fight against climate change. However, unknown intruders sabotage the institute by stealing valuable research data and abducting the research team. It is now up to you to rescue the scientists, reconstruct the missing research findings, and continue the mission to save the climate. Combining science and adventure, participants solve puzzles, uncover climate tipping points, and expose hidden conspiracies. Time is running out – are you ready to save the future?

Accessibility:
Unfortunately, the building is not accessible without barriers. The game rooms are located on the upper floors and can only be reached by stairs. There is no elevator.

Guided City Tour "Mainz Highlights"

29 September 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Meeting Point: Market Square, Heunensäule

By bus: Stop "Höfchen"

By tram: Stop "Schillerplatz" (approximately 500 m walk, mostly level)

Cost: €5

Capacity: Up to 30 participants

Description:
Mainz is world-famous for its cathedral, Johannes Gutenberg, and its carnival traditions—but the city has much more to offer. Together we will explore both well-known and lesser-known highlights of Mainz's cityscape and history that continue to shape life in the city today.

Accessibility:
Largely accessible.

City Tour on the Gutenberg Express

29 September 2026, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Departure: Gutenbergplatz, in front of the State Theatre

By bus: Stop "Höfchen"

By tram: Stop "Schillerplatz"

Cost: €10

Capacity: Up to 50 participants

Description:
The Gutenberg Express takes visitors through the streets and alleyways of Mainz, passing the city's most important landmarks, including Mainz Cathedral, the Electoral Palace, the New Synagogue, and the Deutschhaus. During the tour, information on the history, architecture, and sights of Mainz is provided in German, English, and French.

Accessibility:
The entire tour takes place while seated. Commentary is provided via loudspeaker in German, English, and French.

Nature Excursion "Mainzer Sand" – Endangered Steppe Vegetation on the Edge of the City

30 September 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Meeting Point: Mainz-Gonsenheim, An der Krimm, corner of Am Großen Sand

By bus: Routes 6 and 62 to the stop "An der Krimm"

Cost: €5

Capacity: Up to 30 participants

Description:
Situated within sand dunes dating back to the last Ice Age, this protected area is one of Europe's most significant nature reserves. The excursion introduces participants to its geological origins, flora and fauna, and the various land-use conflicts affecting this unique landscape. Sturdy footwear is required. The excursion is also suitable for families. Dogs are not permitted.

Accessibility:
Not barrier-free. The terrain is uneven and requires sturdy footwear, but the excursion is suitable for families.

Excursion: "The Zollhafen Project" – From a Roman Trading Harbour to the Urban District of the Future

30 September 2026, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Meeting Point: Zollhafen/Südmole, Taunusstraße 59–61, entrance to the former wine warehouse

By bus: Routes 70, 71, or 76 to the stop "Feldbergplatz/M. Stadtw." (approximately 500 m walk, mostly level)

Cost: €5

Capacity: Up to 30 participants

Description:
No other urban development project has transformed the city of Mainz as profoundly in recent years as the Zollhafen project. In addition to exploring the historical origins of the harbour, the tour focuses on the current redevelopment and transformation of this former industrial site into a modern urban district.

"Street Art Night Walk" – Alternative to the Congress Party

30 September 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Meeting Point: Münsterplatz

By bus and tram: Stop "Münsterplatz"

Cost: €7

Capacity: Up to 30 participants

Description:
Guided by a local street art expert, this evening tour explores Mainz's vibrant street art scene. Participants discover forms of urban art that often go unnoticed—from stickers and painted utility boxes to large-scale murals. The tour leads through the Bleichenviertel and Neustadt districts and uses projectors to recreate historic Marian murals on the façades where they once appeared.

Accessibility:
Information will follow.

Rhineland-Palatinate after the 2026 State Election – Guided Tour of the State Parliament

1 October 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Please arrive 20 minutes before the tour begins for registration and the security check.

Meeting Point: Deutschhaus

By bus: Stop "Landtag"

Cost: Free of charge

Capacity: Up to 100 participants

Description:
This one-hour guided tour of the historic Deutschhaus introduces participants to the work of the Parliament of Rhineland-Palatinate. The tour includes the parliamentary chamber and the lobby while providing insights into the history of the building and the work of the state parliament.

Important information:
Please do not bring any dangerous items. Participants are requested to arrive at least 20 minutes before the start for registration and the security check.

Accessibility:
Largely accessible.