Trip · Dec 23, 2025
Mack Brewery and Fjellheisen Northern Lights Trip
A day exploring Tromsø, touring Mack Brewery, then taking the Fjellheisen cable car up the mountain to see the Northern Lights and Tromsø at night.
A Daytime Stroll Around Tromsø
After waking up and having breakfast at the hotel, we had some time to wander around.
Here is what Tromsø looks like at 1pm.
Supermarket and Souvenirs
We went to a nearby supermarket to buy souvenirs.
They had whale and reindeer jerky.
And here are a few other things that caught my eye.
Then we headed back out onto the main street.
This Normal shop also sells relatively inexpensive items.
It is worth having a look before you go on a shopping spree.
It was impressive to see the cups stacked this high at 7-Eleven.
Tromsø City Centre and Harbour
We walked to the harbour to look at the sea.
There were lots of birds gathering here.
We came across a large shopping centre—Nerstranda Shopping Centre, now called Alti Nerstranda.
There were plenty of shops to browse inside.
We went into the busiest shop of all—the liquor store.
Heading to Mack Brewery
After walking around for a while, it was time for the highlight of the day: Mack Brewery.
We booked the tour through their official website.
Once inside the entrance, we found an area selling their own products.
Mack Brewery Tour
After speaking to a member of staff, we waited for a while before they took us in to begin the tour.
My friend and I were the only two people on the entire tour.
Our guide was a handsome young man.
History of the Brewery
The tour began with a few videos.
They told the history of the brewery,
from its beginnings and family ownership through the Second World War and the Nazi occupation, all the way to the present day.
The videos were played in English, although when the CEO at the time appeared and spoke, I was not sure whether that part was in Norwegian.
Afterwards, the guide took us to a small room next door.
The first thing he did was ask whether we had any questions about the video.
Since he looked so young, I asked whether he was actually a member of the family.
He laughed and said no, although he wished he was.
His parents worked at the brewery.
He also came here to work part-time from time to time.
He had just turned 18 that year and worked in the brewery bar.
It made me think of Li Ka-shing.
The whole family works for him, haha.
Hops, Brewing Equipment and Tasting
Here, he told us about the hops they use.
He also explained what kind of water they use for brewing.
Then we tasted some of their beer.
He went on to explain the equipment they use.
Brewing Tanks and a Look Around the Brewery
We then went upstairs to see their brewing tanks.
The artwork on the tanks was all painted by members of staff.
He then explained what the equipment on each tank was used for.
Next, he took us to one of their offices.
He also explained what this tank was used for.
They make full use of everything, finding uses even for the spent hops.
I have forgotten what those uses were, haha.
There was also a little gimmick with this beer bottle.
Scanning the bottle with your phone would bring up a song.
The brewery pairs each beer with a song they think suits it.
That way, everyone can listen to music while drinking.
It was a wonderfully relaxing idea.
Beer and Souvenirs
After the tour ended,
we bought several beers, including some we had just tasted and enjoyed.
They also make a few apple ciders.
After the tour, we walked around town for a while longer.
A Quick Bite Before Dinner
Before our trip to Northern Europe, lots of people had told us there would be nothing good to eat.
So we had brought plenty of cup noodles with us.
To finish them all so we would not have to carry them home,
we bought some fish balls at the supermarket.
We heated them up using the kettle we had brought with us.
Their fish balls were different from the ones in Hong Kong.
They were still very tasty.
Heading to the Fjellheisen Cable Car
It was time to head up the mountain to see the Northern Lights.
We bought our cable car tickets from the official website.
You can also buy them on the spot.
We took a bus across the bridge to reach the cable car.
Sorry, I did not take photos of where we boarded and got off the bus.
You can follow Google Maps.
We could already see the Northern Lights on the way up the mountain.
If you are walking up the mountain, I recommend asking a local resident or following Google Maps closely.
Some signs point in the wrong direction.
The houses were quite charming too.
Seeing the Northern Lights from the Mountain
On the cable car ride.
When we reached the top, everyone was already taking photos and watching the Northern Lights.
Tromsø Night Views from the Summit
There was only one café at the top.
It was where everyone went to warm up.
Outside, there was a bench with a view over the whole of Tromsø.
There was a snowman outside the café.
Taking the Last Cable Car Down
We took the final cable car down the mountain.
Then we had McDonald’s and left.
Afterword
If you go up the mountain at night, bring a few extra layers. It gets colder as the night goes on.
Remember to wear ice grips too. The path up the mountain is covered in ice.
Some bus stops have ticket machines beside them.
The McDonald’s in Tromsø is the northernmost branch in the world.
You can buy a postcard at the restaurant as a souvenir.