About the Venue
The Grieghallen is the official event venue for Routes Europe 2022.
Named in honour of Bergen-born composer Edvard Grieg, Grieghallen serves as the home of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, and is a popular exhibition, party and concert space. With its central location, Grieghallen is close to most of everything that Bergen’s city centre has to offer, allowing visitors to explore their stunning surroundings during their stay.
Grieghallen has been a landmark in Bergen since 1978 and has housed major events such as the Eurovision Song Contest and the annual Festspillene i Bergen (Bergen International Festival). Nominated in 2018 as one of the Top 10 Attractions and Experiences in Norway (HSMAI), the venue combines modern architecture with unique experiences to provide an unforgettable delegate experience.
Since 2011, Grieghallen has been actively working on environmental measures through the Eco-Lighthouse certification. Taking waste management, good purchasing practices, transport, and energy use into close consideration, the venue was provided with classification as an Eco-Lighthouse company in 2011, and has since continued to have a heavy focus on environmental practices. Greighallen is even home to move than 180,000 rooftop bees!
Preventive measures initiated in Grieghallen in relation to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Grieghallen is implementing measures following recommendations as advised by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (government agency under the Ministry of Health and Care Services). So far, there are no restrictions or warnings from the authorities that restrict Grieghallen's activities. Nevertheless, Grieghallen has introduced several additional measures to prevent the spreading of the virus.
1. Entrance audience
Hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed next to the Main entrance, together with information screens and posters that encourage good hygiene measures.
2. Entrance artists/staff/tenants
Hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed at the Reception entrance, together with signs and posters that encourage good hygiene measures.
3. Foyers and halls
Hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed in the foyers and at entry points to the concert halls, together with signs and posters that encourage good hygiene measures.
4. Food and coffee stations
Hand sanitizer dispensers are to be placed close to serving areas and coffee stations, together with signs and posters that encourage good hygiene measures. Open buffets will be avoided.
5. Extra cleaning/disinfection of door handles, handrails, etc
The cleaning staff's routines have been extended: cleaning staff will be operating throughout the event disinfecting door handles, handrails, elevators and other touchpoints.
6. Additional measures for catering staff
Follow internal control routines with a special focus on cleaning, hand washing, and hand disinfection. Frequent use of hand dispensers, installed in the kitchen, bar and at entry points of public areas.
7. Information posters on how to avoid infection
Several posters are placed around Grieghallen to inform both visitors and employees on how to avoid infection as recommended by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (see below).
8. Backstage
A hand sanitizer dispenser is installed backstage, together with a sign that encourages good hygiene measures.
9. Microphones and other technical equipment
Microphones and clickers are continuously disinfected during conferences, conventions, and concerts.
10. Disinfecting
After every event at Grieghallen, potential touchpoints are disinfected. This applies to audience areas, stage, and backstage.
General: All dispensers should have a sign encouraging use which will be in English.
Areas considered as areas with widespread infection: Mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Iran, South Korea and the Lombardy, Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna and Veneta regions of Italy.
Information from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health's website: Good respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette and hand hygiene helps to prevent transmission of all respiratory infections, including the novel coronavirus. It is recommended to always use paper tissue and hand sanitizer when coughing or sneezing.
These preventive measures will be revised as required.
View the Routes Europe 2022 event programmeReturn to the Routes Europe 2022 home page