Now is the ideal moment, especially for water polo enthusiasts, to explore the Netherlands, which is proudly home to the current women’s World Champions. In case you want to travel to the men’s competition, check out our guides for Zagreb and Dubrovnik.
The very city and pool that hosted the Euros in 2012—marking the inaugural winter-month tournament—await your visit. Though the weather may lean towards chilly, there’s undeniable certainty that the poolside action will be nothing short of scorching! If you’re thinking of heading to Eindhoven, make sure to give this travel guide a quick glance!
The Competition
The 36th edition of the European Water Polo Championships will be hosted by two separate national federations, across three different locations. The women’s event will be held in Eindhoven, while the men’s competition will be held in two locations across Croatia; Zagreb and Dubrovnik.
This will be the first edition with teams sorted into two Divisions, based on the last edition and the qualifiers. The top eight teams will make Division 1 and the other eight teams will make Division 2. Both divisions will be split into two groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group of Division 1 will advance directly to the quarterfinals, while the other two teams from each group will play against one of the top two sides from each group in Division 2 in a play-off round. Starting with the quarterfinals onward, the regular knock-out system will be used.
Division 1
Group A – Netherlands, Hungary, Croatia, Greece
Group B – Spain, Israel, France, Italy
Division 2
Group C – Romania, Serbia, Czechia, Turkiye
Group D – Slovakia, Germany, Great Britain, Bulgaria
Venue
Eindhoven hosts the women’s event at the European Water Polo Championships, with the tournament taking place at the Pieter van den Hoogenband Zwemstadion.
HOW TO GET TO EINDHOVEN?
Eindhoven Airport is well-connected to most international airports across Europe, but primarily through Dusseldorf Airport in Germany. Situated to the north-west of the city, the airport is a 30-minute bus ride to the city center, accessible via bus routes 400 and 401.
If flights to Eindhoven are unavailable, the city is easily reachable by train and bus from Amsterdam (2.5 hours), Rotterdam (1.5 hours), or Antwerp to the south in Belgium (2 hours).
From the city center, traveling to the swimming pool is straightforward by car, taxi, or buses 15, 16, and 17, which run every 15 minutes. While the train is suitable for traveling to and from the city, within the city, no trains or trams are in operation.
TICKETS
Tickets are currently on sale, and can be purchased by clicking on this link!
ACCOMODATION
There is not much in the way of hotels that are within a 15-minute walk to the pool; however, there is a lot of choice closer into the city, with a variety of rooms available at different prices.
PLACES TO SEE
For atmosphere, Strijp-S is the place to be, as well as the downtown bustle of Demer Street. The Stratumseind might be of interest to those wanting to enjoy drinks with friends, as it’s known as one of the longest pub streets in the Netherlands.
De Bergen District and Wilhelmina Square are both ideal spots with cafes providing winter warmers you might just need in early January!
During the day, there are plenty of calming outdoor spaces to enjoy leisurely walks in Genneper Parks (which features the Genneper Windmills), Stadswandelpark, as well as De Karpendonkse Plas and its scenic lake.
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