ETAPS 2024 in Luxembourg City

The 27th edition of ETAPS is organized by the University of Luxembourg. The European joint conferences on theory and practice of software will take place in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg at the Parc Alvisse hotel from April 6–11.

The choice of the venue was made to prioritize sustainability. The Parc Alvisse Hotel holds the Silver EcoLabel Luxembourg, which is a national eco-label issued by the Ministry of the Economy for sustainable tourist accommodation in Luxembourg. The label is awarded according to the following criteria: energy and water consumption, landfill management as well as environmental management.

Read on to learn more about the University of Luxembourg as this year’s ETAPS host institution, and some of the top sightseeing opportunities in the country to enjoy your stay fully.

A little bit of history of the University of Luxembourg

The University of Luxembourg is a young and dynamic institution, established in 2003. The institution has developed a reputation for its international outlook, attracting students from around the world. Its diverse and inclusive environment reflects the cosmopolitan nature of Luxembourg, which is home to a significant expatriate community. Within the QS world University rankings, the University of Luxembourg is in the top 26%. In the Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings for 2022, the University of Luxembourg ranks 25 worldwide.

Before its founding in 2003, Luxembourgish students would often travel to neighbouring countries to obtain a university degree. Today it is the only public university in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and was created to be a driving force within a country that is focused on cementing the position of its knowledge-based economy.

Today it is a hub for research and innovation, fostering collaboration with national and international partners. The university operates in three official languages: Luxembourgish, French, and English, reflecting the multilingual and diverse nature of the country.

Initially, the university focused on interdisciplinary research and education in fields such as law, economics, and finance. Over the years, it has expanded its academic offerings to include a wide range of disciplines, including science, technology, humanities, and social sciences. The strategic development areas of the University are digital transformation, medicine and health, and sustainable and societal development.

The University of Luxembourg is known for its commitment to cutting-edge research, often conducted in collaboration with industry and other research institutions. It plays a crucial role in contributing to Luxembourg’s reputation as a knowledge-based economy. In 2023, the University of Luxembourg celebrated its 20th anniversary, and now offers an array of graduate and master’s programs, and it has developed many strategic partnerships with other universities and key industrial players. This is what makes it the perfect host institution for the first ETAPS Industry Day, a new element of the ETAPS conference.

As the university continues to evolve and expand, it remains dedicated to providing high-quality education, fostering innovation, and contributing to the development of Luxembourg as a leading player in the global knowledge economy.

What to do in Luxembourg

If you arrive a few days before the conference, or stay a few days after, we strongly recommend you take advantage of your time and visit some of the many beautiful attractions in Luxembourg.

City Tour by the Tourist Office in Luxembourg

© RossHelen

The Tourist Office in Luxembourg offers memorable and affordable walking tours of Luxembourg City in different languages (English, French, German, Luxembourgish). This 2-hour tour will take you through the most emblematic places of the City like Chemin de la Corniche, Notre Dame de Luxembourg, and the Holy Ghost Citadel, among others. Another suggestion is to take the time to visit Grund, one of Luxembourg City’s oldest neighbourhoods, located in the valley close to the city centre. The area is easily accessible for pedestrians from the city centre (Ville-Haute) thanks to the Plateau du Saint-Esprit elevator. Its charming and picturesque streets allow for a pleasant stroll while offering some fine restaurants and bars, in addition to boasting historical buildings like the Abbey of Neumünster (declared “UNESCO heritage”).

Mullerthal—one of the most beautiful hiking spots in Europe

© Sabinoparente from Getty images

Often called “Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland”, the rural Mullerthal UNESCO Global Geopark in Eastern Luxembourg has 256 km2 and roughly 25,500 residents. The Trier-Luxembourg Basin, which stretches from the Paris Basin to the Rhenish Massif, is home to the Mullerthal and its beautiful views. You will be able to observe the Luxembourg Sandstone Formations: it can reach a thickness of 100 meters; its formation dates back to the Lower Liassic age, between 205 and 180 million years ago.

As a popular tourist destination in Luxembourg, the Mullerthal will help you stay physically active while providing one of the most spectacular sandstone landscapes in Europe’s western region. The area can be visited by trekking along one of the many marked paths, such as the 112 km Mullerthal Trail, which, by the way, won the “Leading Quality Trails—Best of Europe” award.

Luxembourgish food

© Alleko from Getty Images

Do not miss out on the opportunity to taste Luxembourgish food! Dishes like gromperekichelcher, letzeburger kniddelen and Bouneschlupp are not only typical in Luxembourg but also delicious! They can be found on the menus of restaurants like Dierfgen, Mousel’s Cantine, and Am Tiirmschen. All the restaurants aforementioned are located in Luxembourg City, approximately 20 minutes from the venue Parc Alvisse Hotel by bus.

All public transportation is free in Luxembourg (trains, buses, tramway, …), unless you choose to travel first class. For your stay in Luxembourg, consider downloading the app Mobilitëit, which will give you real-time information on all public transportation options in the country and show you the smartest routes. You can also visit the Mobilitëit website to check transportation schedules in the country. Other sustainable transportation options in Luxembourg include Vel’oH (a bike rental initiative created by the City of Luxembourg) or Webtaxi (the first electric taxis in Luxembourg).