Ølhallen is Tromsø’s oldest pub, at Storgata 4, 9008 Tromsø, in the southern part of the city centre. Opened in 1928 in Mack’s historic brewery premises, it connects the city’s brewing heritage with a substantial selection of contemporary Norwegian beer. Travelers come for its 72 taps, convivial cellar setting, and the chance to compare Mack classics with beers from other Norwegian breweries—not for a conventional restaurant meal.
What to Expect at Ølhallen
Mack’s story began in 1877, when Ludwig Markus Mack founded the brewery in Tromsø. Ølhallen followed half a century later, becoming a meeting place for fishermen, workers, residents, and visitors. The historic cellar interior, timber furnishings, brewery memorabilia, and taxidermy polar bear give the room a distinctly northern character. This is an informal beer hall rather than a polished cocktail lounge: settle at a table, study the selection, and make the bar your starting point.
The main attraction is the tap installation, which Mack describes as Northern Europe’s largest. Its 72 taps pour Norwegian beers, including Mack products and selections from other domestic breweries. Ask the knowledgeable staff to steer you between lighter lagers, hop-forward styles, and darker beers according to what is pouring. Availability changes, so choose from the current board rather than arriving with a fixed order. Treat Ølhallen as a drinks-focused visit; arrange lunch or dinner separately, and ask about current snacks and allergen information.
- 72 beer taps: A broad Norwegian selection makes side-by-side exploration the central experience.
- Mack brewing heritage: The pub occupies the brewery’s historic Storgata premises, linking a 1928 institution to an 1877 business.
- Historic cellar atmosphere: Timber furniture and brewery objects distinguish it from newer city-centre bars.
- Polar bear display: The taxidermy bear is one of the pub’s recognizable interior features.
- Staff-led recommendations: Describe your preferred bitterness, strength, or sweetness for help navigating the extensive beer selection.
Ølhallen at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Storgata 4, 9008 Tromsø, Norway |
| Neighborhood / Area | Southern city centre, in the historic Mack brewery premises |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Saturday 12:00–00:30; Sunday 13:00–19:30 |
| Admission / Price Range | No sightseeing admission ticket; drinks purchased individually. $$; consult the current bar list for prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Prostneset terminal for airport express coaches and regional connections; paid parking at nearby Nerstranda shopping centre |
| Official Website & Phone | Ølhallen official website; +47 90 40 88 47 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive around opening for an unhurried look at the taps and interior; Friday and Saturday evenings suit travelers seeking a more social pub atmosphere. Groups should reserve ahead by emailing [email protected], as the venue recommends. Individual visitors can approach it as an ordinary pub stop rather than a timed attraction. Casual clothing is appropriate, and card payment is standard practice in Norway. For vegan suitability or gluten-free requirements, ask about individual beers: style names alone do not establish ingredients or production methods.
From Prostneset, walk south through the compact centre to Storgata; allow roughly 5–10 minutes. Nerstranda’s paid parking is convenient, though walking avoids parking costs and is preferable when drinking. Ølhallen’s cellar setting involves stairs, so wheelchair users and anyone needing step-free access should contact the pub about an appropriate entrance and toilet arrangements before traveling. Winter ice can also complicate the approach. Pair the stop with Polaria, around five minutes away, Tromsø Cathedral, roughly five minutes north, or the waterfront at Prostneset within ten minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ølhallen’s hours, and when should I visit?
Ølhallen opens Monday–Saturday from noon until 00:30 and Sunday from 13:00 until 19:30. Choose an early afternoon for conversation and beer advice, or a weekend evening for a livelier room.
Do I need tickets or a reservation?
There is no sightseeing ticket for a normal pub visit; you pay for your drinks. Groups should reserve by email, while current beer prices are available from the bar.
How long should I spend at Ølhallen?
Allow one to two hours to appreciate the room and explore the selection at a relaxed pace. A single-drink stop can fit into about 45 minutes between nearby attractions.
Is Ølhallen accessible, and is there a dress code?
The historic cellar layout includes stairs; arrange access details directly if you use a wheelchair or cannot manage steps. There is no need for formal clothing, and sturdy winter footwear helps on icy streets outside.
When planning your Tromso travel guide or browsing verified nightlife in Tromso, pair this stop with standout local spots including Clarion Hotel The Edge, Tromso Camping, Quality Hotel Saga, and Skaret By Vander (nearby).
