Last verified: September 15, 2026 · how we verify
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INQA 2026 is the fifth conference of the International Network on Quantum Annealing, a research community focused on analog approaches to quantum computation. The 2026 edition carries the theme 'Quantum Simulation and Quantum Computation in Continuous Time', with a headline framing of analog quantum computation from annealing to simulation. It is hosted in Slovenia with organisation linked to the Jožef Stefan Institute in Ljubljana. The conference runs from 2 to 4 November 2026 in Bled, a lakeside town in the Julian Alps. Earlier editions were held in London in 2022, Innsbruck in 2023, Tokyo in 2024 and Barcelona in 2025. The programme consists of oral and poster presentations selected from submitted abstracts, covering quantum annealing for combinatorial optimisation, analog quantum simulation and related theoretical, numerical and experimental work. An optional hands-on workshop on programming D-Wave quantum annealers is offered on the first afternoon, limited to fifty participants on a first-come, first-served basis. INQA is aimed at researchers and advanced students in quantum computing, condensed matter physics and optimisation. For the quantum annealing community, the conference is the principal annual forum for presenting results and comparing analog quantum hardware and methods.
INQA Conference 2026 takes place November 2–4, 2026 in Bled, Slovenia.
INQA Conference 2026 is an in-person event.
Travel questions? See Good to know in the travel guide below.
Early November is Bled at its quietest. The summer crowds have gone, the lake sits under morning mist most days, and the Julian Alps behind it usually carry their first dusting of snow. Delegates arriving for three days of quantum annealing talks get a resort town small enough to walk around in about ninety minutes, with the alpine backdrop doing the rest. Expect roughly 5-12C, early sunsets, and off-season room rates.
Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport (LJU) is the nearest gateway, around 35 kilometres away, with shuttle vans and taxis reaching Bled in about 40 minutes. Some attendees fly instead into Venice (VCE), Zagreb (ZAG) or Klagenfurt (KLU) and drive two to three hours. From Ljubljana city, buses run regularly and take roughly 80 minutes; trains stop at Lesce-Bled, a short local bus ride from the lakeshore.
Skip the taxi queue — pre-book a fixed-price airport transfer with Kiwitaxi. Exploring beyond the city? compare rental cars on EconomyBookings.
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Mobile coverage is dependable around the lake and through the town, though it thins out on the wooded hillside trails above it. Activating an eSIM before departure means you skip the SIM counter at Ljubljana airport entirely. Set up an eSIM with Airalo before you board and you're online the moment you land.
Bled Island and the pletna boats. The island church in the middle of the lake is reached only by pletna, the flat-bottomed boats rowed standing up by licensed oarsmen. Crossings run year-round from several jetties and take about 20 minutes each way, plus half an hour ashore to climb the 99 steps. November departures are far less crowded than summer. Tickets on Tiqets →
Bled Castle. Perched on a cliff above the north shore, the castle gives you the postcard view of the island rather than being in it. The walk up takes 20-25 minutes on a steep path from town, or a few minutes by car to the upper car park. Late afternoon light in November is excellent for photographs. Tickets on Tiqets →
Vintgar Gorge. A wooden walkway pinned to the rock face follows the Radovna river through a narrow limestone gorge about four kilometres north of Bled. The circuit takes roughly 90 minutes. Opening is seasonal and the gorge generally closes for winter, so confirm dates before setting out in early November.
Lake Bohinj. Thirty minutes further into Triglav National Park, Bohinj is larger, wilder and much less visited than Bled. Buses run from Bled several times a day. An hour along the flat northern shore path in low autumn light is the usual reason people make the trip.
Which airport should I fly into for Bled?
Ljubljana Joze Pucnik Airport (LJU) is closest at about 35 kilometres and roughly 40 minutes by shuttle or taxi. Venice, Zagreb and Klagenfurt are alternatives if the fares work out better, but each involves a two to three hour drive.
Do I need a car in Bled?
No. The town and lakeshore are walkable, and buses connect Bled with Ljubljana, Lesce-Bled station and Lake Bohinj. A car is only worth it if you plan to range further into Triglav National Park.
What is the weather like in Bled in early November?
Cool and often damp, typically around 5-12C, with mist on the lake in the mornings and snow already visible on the higher peaks. Bring a waterproof layer and shoes with grip for the castle path.
Travel notes written for INQA Conference 2026 attendees. Links marked above are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Verify schedules and opening hours on official websites before you travel.
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