Macks Brewery in Tromso used to publicise itself as the most northerly brewery in the world. Alas, now there is a brewery in Honninsvag which is slightly further north. You can go on a tour of the brewery followed by a tasting session.

I have been on brewery tours before so after a day of seeing the sites of Tromso we went into the pub attached to the brewery. It is large and traditionally decorated. There are two large stuffed polar bears that great you as you come in form the road.

They are great to have your photograph taken next to. You really appreciate how huge these bears are when you get up close. Unfortunately disrespectful thieves have ripped off the bears claws as souvenirs over the years.

Scandinavia is famous for expensive alcohol and some of its beers are not in the top league. I was very pleasantly surprise by the top quality of Mack's Brewery beers. Unfortunately the price was still expensive. I like ale and Mack's brown beers were superb.

If one of your party is driving remember that Norway has a zero allowance on drink drive. If you are driving you must not drink any alcohol. If you do you face arrest and heavy fines. Because of this law Mack's Brewery has spent time on perfecting a non alcoholic beer that has a great taste.

Each month they have a special beer on tap depending on the season. Whilst you are enjoying your beer have a look at some of the interesting framed photos and paintings on the wall of old Tromso.

What is really strange is the pub closes at around 6.30pm so go early. Macks Brewery - Tromso Macks Olbryggeri was founded in 1877 by Ludwig Markus Mack a businessman and local politician. The brewery is said to have been started to try to get his staff to drink beer rather than 'hard liquor' and has become very successful over the years. A large proportion of the company shares are still owned by the family. The brewery currently turns out nearly two dozen beers, including Haakon and Macks Pilsner. www.mack.no

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