Free visit to “Vilar Formoso Border of Peace” memorial

The visit to the “Vilar Formoso Border of Peace” memorial will be available free of charge to all participants in EMTBOC (in a manner to be announced in due course).

The “Vilar Formoso Border of Peace” memorial is a museum dedicated to the role played by the Portuguese border town of Vilar Formoso in receiving Jewish and other refugees from France and elsewhere who were fleeing nazi persecution during World War II. The memorial to the work of Sousa Mendes and the role of the Portuguese people in welcoming refugees takes the form of a museum built in two former warehouses of the Vilar Formoso railway station, which in itself is of considerable interest due to its tile decoration. It was officially inaugurated on August 26, 2017 by the Portuguese president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The exhibition has six sections, or nuclei, named as follows: 1. People like us; 2. The beginning of the nightmare; 3. The journey; 4. Vilar Formoso / Border of peace; 5. In Portuguese lands; 6. The departure.
https://vilarformosofronteiradapaz.cm-almeida.pt

New venue confirmed

Following our previous announcement regarding the relocation of EMTBOC 2026, we are delighted to confirm that the event will now take place in the historic city of Almeida.

Participants are encouraged to make the necessary travel and accommodation arrangements. Further information regarding maps, courses, and local logistics will be provided shortly.

We thank all participants for their flexibility and look forward to welcoming you to Almeida for an exciting and safe EMTBOC 2026!

Official Announcement

Following the severe impact of Storm Kristin on the west coast of Portugal, including the region of Ourém, the Organising Committee has conducted a detailed assessment of the planned terrain for EMTBOC 2026. Unfortunately, it has been determined that the necessary conditions are not in place to host the event in Ourém.

In close coordination with the International Orienteering Federation (IOF), we have been working to secure an alternative venue. We are pleased to confirm that EMTBOC 2026 will take place as scheduled, though at a different location. Final confirmation of the new venue will be announced shortly.

Participants who have booked accommodation in Ourém are kindly requested to cancel their reservations. If you require assistance, please contact the Organising Committee.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Meals

Every day between the 24th and 28th of May, the organisation will provide lunches at moderate prices at the Event Centre.

We will have 2 menu options (only available to those who register by May 16th):

€10.00 – soup + main course+ drink + salad or dessert

  • We will soon announce the two main courses for each day.

€6.00 – soup + bifana (pork sandwich) + drink + salad or dessert

We will also have light meals.

Registration with the organisation will be mandatory by May 16th, 2026.

Training opportunities

As the European Championships approach, preparing in terrain similar to the competition conditions can make all the difference. Explore our Training section for information on training camps and events scheduled ahead of the European Championships.