Olhallen (Beer Hall), Tromso

Beer Hall is the oldest pub in Tromso, having opened in 1928. It has long been part of the city’s everyday social rhythm. Traditionally a daytime and early-evening meeting place, it is where people stop for a social pint after work or sightseeing. Even today, it typically closes early in the evening and remains closed on Sundays, reinforcing its role as a pub rooted in routine rather than late-night entertainment.

For decades, the Beer Hall was a well-known gathering place for polar explorers, hunters, and fishermen preparing for journeys into the Arctic ice. This history is still visible inside. A stuffed polar bear stands as a reminder of Tromsø’s hunting past, while photographs of well-known Arctic figures line the walls, grounding the space firmly in the city’s northern identity. These details are not decorative additions but part of the pub’s original story.

The Beer Hall also serves as the taproom for Mack Brewery, once known as the northernmost brewery in the world. In 2026, the pub features an extensive selection of 67 beers on tap, with a strong focus on Mack’s own brews alongside other Norwegian craft beers. Although the space has been updated to accommodate visitors, it retains its traditional layout, including long wooden tables designed for shared seating. This combination of history, beer culture, and communal atmosphere makes the Beer Hall a clear reflection of Tromso’s social life, past and present.