Golfing in Iceland: 12 Breathtaking Golf Courses You Need to Play

Imagine teeing off beneath the midnight sun and the roar of the Atlantic Ocean as your soundtrack. This isn't just a fantasy—it's the reality of golfing in Iceland, one of the most breathtakingly unique golfing destinations. Whether you're an avid golfer seeking a new challenge or a traveler with a love for stunning landscapes, Iceland offers an unforgettable golfing experience at the world's most breathtakingly unique golfing destinations.

The Origins of Golf in Iceland: A Surprising History

Golf in Iceland might seem like a recent development, given the island's rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions. However, the history of golf here dates back over a century. The first recorded instance of golf in Iceland occurred in 1912 when an Englishman named Forder was seen hitting small white balls by the Laxá River in the northeast. At that time, Iceland had no formal golf courses, and the sport was largely unknown to the locals.

It wasn't until 1930 that golf began to establish a foothold in the country. The first official golf club, Reykjavík Golf Club, was founded in 1934, setting the stage for the development of golf in Iceland. This club, initially known as Golf Club Iceland, was the only one of its kind for a brief period before other clubs began to emerge. Akureyri Golf Club followed in 1935, and the Westman Islands Golf Club was established in 1938.

Reykjavík Golf Club has since grown into a cornerstone of Icelandic golf, boasting two premier courses that have hosted numerous European and Scandinavian tournaments. The club's legacy is a testament to the enduring appeal of golf in Iceland, despite the country's challenging climate.

A Golfer’s Paradise: Exploring Iceland’s Premier Golf Courses

Today, Iceland is home to nearly 70 golf courses, each offering its own unique blend of natural beauty and challenging play. From courses set against volcanic backdrops to those nestled by the sea, golfers in Iceland are treated to some of the most dramatic landscapes imaginable. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable golf courses that should be on every golfer’s bucket list.

1. Mosfellsbær Golf Club: A Hidden Gem Near Reykjavík

Just a ten-minute drive northeast of Reykjavík lies the picturesque suburb of Mosfellsbær, home to the Mosfellsbær Golf Club. This club offers two courses: the 18-hole championship Hlíðavöllur course and the charming 9-hole Bakkakot course.

The Hlíðavöllur course is a visual masterpiece, with stunning views of the bay Kollafjörður, the glacier Snæfellsjökull, and the majestic Esja mountain. The course's layout is as challenging as it is beautiful, with ample fairways, large greens, and jagged lava rocks waiting in the rough to test even the most experienced golfers. For those looking for a more intimate experience, the Bakkakot course offers a serene, tree-lined setting in the Mosfell Valley, perfect for honing your short game.

After a day on the greens, the modern clubhouse, Klettur, provides first-class amenities, including the BLIK Bistro restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal while taking in the breathtaking views. Whether you're practicing on the driving range or relaxing in the nearby swimming pool and spa, Mosfellsbær Golf Club is a must-visit for any golfer in Iceland.

2. Selfoss Golf Course: A Riverside Retreat

Located just a 35-minute drive from Reykjavík, the Selfoss Golf Course is a 9-hole gem set along the riverside of Ölfusá in South Iceland. The course is known for its beautiful surroundings, with mountain views to the north and east and a landscape that varies between holes, offering challenges in the form of bunkers, ponds, ditches, and the river itself.

Accuracy is key at Selfoss, where the emphasis is on skill rather than power. The club, founded in 1971, has plans to expand to an 18-hole course, with renowned golf course architect Edwin Roald at the helm of the design. The goal is to create a course that harmonizes with the natural environment, offering a unique experience that caters to golfers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The clubhouse at Selfoss provides all the amenities a golfer could need, including a restaurant, pro-shop, and practice areas. Whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner, Selfoss Golf Course offers a peaceful and challenging golfing experience in one of Iceland's most scenic regions.

3. Brautarholt Golf Course: Golfing by the Sea

For those seeking a truly unique golfing experience, Brautarholt Golf Course delivers in spades. Situated just 30 minutes from Reykjavík, this 12-hole course is set in a breathtaking natural landscape by the sea, offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

Brautarholt is more than just a golf course; it's an adventure. The course's design emphasizes the natural terrain, with untouched spaces around the fairways that allow the area's rich birdlife to flourish. The course's unique location and layout have earned it a spot on the World's Top 100 Golf Courses list in 2019, ranking 62nd.

One of the most extraordinary aspects of golfing at Brautarholt is the opportunity to play under the midnight sun. From June through July, the sun never sets in Iceland, allowing golfers to enjoy the surreal experience of teeing off at midnight with the sun still shining. This is a golfing adventure that simply cannot be missed.

4. Korpa Golf Course: A Coastal Challenge

The Korpa Golf Course, part of the Reykjavík Golf Club, is one of the newest and most challenging 18-hole courses in Iceland. Opened in 1997, the course has quickly established itself as one of the best in the country, offering two distinct nine-hole layouts that provide a varied and engaging golfing experience.

The front nine holes run along the Atlantic coastline, offering stunning views of the ocean and the iconic Esja mountain. This section of the course provides a true test of links golf, with the wind and terrain offering a formidable challenge. The back nine, meanwhile, takes players along the Korpa River, where the landscape shifts to a more inland setting with trees and water hazards.

Korpa's clubhouse is located in the historic Korpúlfstaðir building, providing a charming and comfortable setting for golfers to relax after a round. With its diverse and challenging layout, Korpa Golf Course is a must-play for anyone visiting Reykjavík.

5. Hveragerði Golf Course: A Unique Geothermal Experience

Hveragerði Golf Course, located near the village of Hveragerði in South Iceland, offers one of the most unusual golfing experiences in the world. This 9-hole course is set amidst hot springs, with open geothermal vents serving as natural hazards on the course.

The course's design, by Hannes Thorsteinsson, takes full advantage of the area's unique geothermal features, creating a layout that is as challenging as it is visually stunning. The course is split by the Varmá River, adding another layer of complexity to the game. The club has plans to expand the course to 18 holes in the future, but for now, it remains one of the most distinctive 9-hole courses in Iceland.

The clubhouse at Hveragerði is a converted barn, offering a rustic and welcoming atmosphere where golfers can enjoy light meals and refreshments. For those looking to combine their love of golf with Iceland's famous geothermal activity, Hveragerði Golf Course is an absolute must-visit.

6. Hella Golf Course: Links Golf in the Heart of Iceland

Though located 20 km from the sea, Hella Golf Course offers a true links-style golfing experience thanks to its sandy and lava-strewn terrain. The course, located in South Iceland near the town of Hella, provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the glacier Eyjafjallajökull and Mt. Hekla.

Founded in 1952, Hella Golf Club has a rich history and has hosted the Icelandic Golf Championship multiple times. The 18-hole course is challenging, with narrow fairways and natural hazards that test both accuracy and strategy. The course's location in the heart of Iceland's dramatic landscape makes it a truly unique place to play.

The clubhouse at Hella offers a comfortable setting for golfers to relax, with a café serving hot and cold meals. Whether you're a fan of links golf or just looking for a new challenge, Hella Golf Course offers a memorable and rewarding golfing experience.

7. Geysir Golf Course: Play Next to Iceland's Famous Hot Springs

Geysir Golf Course offers a golfing experience that is truly one of a kind. Located next to the Great Geysir hot spring, this 9-hole course is part of the Golden Circle, Iceland's most popular tourist route. The course's proximity to one of the world's most famous geothermal features makes it a must-play for any golfer visiting Iceland.

The course, designed by Edwin Roald, is laid out in an L-shape, with holes routed in an out-and-back fashion similar to the Old Course at St. Andrews. The fairways are bordered by native roughs and heather, with two rivers coming into play on every hole. The minimalistic design allows the natural landscape to shine, making each round a journey through Iceland's rugged beauty.

The clubhouse at Geysir Golf Course offers accommodations for up to 23 guests, making it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area. Whether you're playing a round or simply enjoying the view of Strokkur's eruptions from the clubhouse, Geysir Golf Course provides an unforgettable experience.

8. Vestmannaeyjar Golf Course: Golf Near a Dormant Volcano

Vestmannaeyjar Golf Course is one of the most extraordinary golf courses in Iceland, located on the Vestmannaeyjar Golf Course is one of the most extraordinary golf courses in Iceland, located on the Westman Islands, a small archipelago off the south coast of Iceland. What sets this course apart from others is its stunning setting within an extinct volcano. This unique location creates a dramatic backdrop for every hole, with towering volcanic walls, breathtaking sea views, and the ever-changing Icelandic weather adding to the challenge.

The course, which is set on Heimaey, the largest of the Westman Islands, is a blend of old and new. The original 9-hole course was expanded to 18 holes in 1994, incorporating the rugged landscape and natural beauty of the island. The front nine holes offer a traditional links-style experience, with the Atlantic Ocean often coming into play, while the back nine are carved through the remnants of a volcanic eruption, providing a truly one-of-a-kind golfing experience.

Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club is the third oldest in Iceland, founded in 1938, and it has a storied history of hosting significant golf tournaments, including the Icelandic National Championship and the Scandinavian Amateur Championship. The course is particularly renowned for its immaculate greens, which are considered some of the best in the country.

One of the standout features of Vestmannaeyjar Golf Course is the iconic 14th hole, where golfers must tee off from a cliff edge and hit their ball across a dramatic ravine to a green perched on the other side. The challenge, combined with the stunning surroundings, makes this hole one of the most memorable in Icelandic golf.

The clubhouse at Vestmannaeyjar Golf Course is large and well-equipped, offering a dining room, TV lounge, and bar. The restaurant serves hot and cold meals, and after a round, there's nothing better than relaxing with a meal while taking in the spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. For those looking to stay overnight, the island's unique atmosphere and welcoming community make for a delightful stay.

9. Akureyri Golf Course (Jadar): The World's Northernmost 18-Hole Golf Course

Located just outside the Arctic Circle, Akureyri Golf Course holds the title of the world’s northernmost 18-hole golf course. This moorland-style course, situated near the town of Akureyri in northern Iceland, offers a unique golfing experience that blends challenging play with stunning natural beauty.

The course layout takes full advantage of its dramatic setting, winding through broad ridges and valleys with clusters of trees and rock outcroppings providing both obstacles and opportunities. Designed by Icelandic golf legend Magnus Gudmundsson, the course is known for its clever use of the natural terrain, with several elevated tees offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the distant Arctic Ocean.

Akureyri Golf Club, founded in 1935, has a rich history and has long been a leader in developing golfing talent in Iceland. The course has undergone several renovations, most recently under the guidance of golf architect Edwin Roald, to ensure that it remains one of the best in the country.

One of the most unique features of Akureyri Golf Course is the opportunity to play golf under the midnight sun. The annual Arctic Open Golf Championship, held during the summer solstice, attracts golfers from around the world who come to experience the surreal joy of playing golf in the middle of the night, with the sun still shining brightly. The combination of the Arctic setting, the midnight sun, and the challenging course makes this a truly unforgettable event.

The clubhouse at Akureyri Golf Course is well-appointed, offering first-class facilities, including a restaurant that serves hot and cold meals, a pro shop, and a driving range. The club's friendly atmosphere and the unique experience of golfing so close to the Arctic Circle make it a must-visit for any golfer exploring Iceland.

10. Borgarnes Golf Course: A Scenic Challenge

For those seeking a picturesque and challenging round of golf, Borgarnes Golf Course is an ideal destination. Located just 50 minutes from Reykjavík, this course is known for its stunning views and well-maintained fairways that require precision and skill over brute strength.

Set against a backdrop of rolling hills, water hazards, and lush greenery, Borgarnes Golf Course is a perfect blend of beauty and challenge. The course's design emphasizes accuracy, with narrow fairways lined with trees and water hazards that test even the most skilled golfers. The course’s length is moderate, making it accessible to players of all skill levels, but the strategic placement of hazards ensures that it remains a challenging and engaging round for everyone.

The Borgarnes Golf Club was founded in 1973, and since then, the course has undergone several expansions and redesigns to enhance the golfing experience. The current 18-hole layout was completed in 2007, and it quickly gained a reputation as one of the most beautiful and well-kept courses in Iceland.

The clubhouse at Borgarnes is welcoming and provides all the amenities a golfer could need, including a restaurant serving meals and beverages throughout the day. After a round, golfers can relax and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside, making Borgarnes Golf Course a perfect destination for a day of golf and relaxation.

11. Kiðjaberg Golf Course: Golf in a Historic Landscape

Kiðjaberg Golf Course offers a unique golfing experience set in a historic and picturesque landscape in southern Iceland. Located about an hour’s drive from Reykjavík, the course is nestled between the Hvítá River and Lake Hestvatn, providing stunning views and a serene environment for a round of golf.

The course is set on ancient land, mentioned in Iceland’s famous Landnámabók (Book of Settlements), and the design of the course takes full advantage of its natural surroundings. The first nine holes were opened in 1993, with the full 18-hole course completed in 2005. The layout of the course is in perfect harmony with the landscape, with the Hvítá River playing a central role in the design, especially on the signature 14th hole, where the river cascades nearby, adding both beauty and challenge to the game.

Playing at Kiðjaberg requires careful planning and strategy, as the course’s relatively small greens and the ever-present wind can make for a challenging round. However, the rewards are great, with stunning views and a peaceful setting that makes every shot a pleasure.

The clubhouse at Kiðjaberg is located by the 18th green and offers a restaurant with hot and cold meals, as well as all the necessary amenities for a comfortable day on the course. The combination of historic significance, natural beauty, and challenging play makes Kiðjaberg Golf Course a standout destination for golfers visiting Iceland.

12. Keilir Golf Course: A Links Course with a Lava Twist

Keilir Golf Course, located by the seaside in Hafnarfjörður, offers a unique blend of traditional links golf and Iceland’s dramatic volcanic landscape. The course is divided into two distinct sections: the front nine holes are set within a rugged lava field, while the back nine are located on a small peninsula overlooking the harbor, offering stunning views of the Alftanes Peninsula and the Snæfellsjökull Glacier.

Founded in 1967, Keilir Golf Club has a rich history and is known for its challenging and visually striking course. The front nine, surrounded by jagged lava rocks, requires precision and accuracy, as any wayward shots can easily be swallowed by the lava. The back nine, with its open fairways and seaside views, offers a more traditional links experience but with the added challenge of coastal winds.

One of the course’s most famous holes is the par-5 first hole, where golfers must navigate their way through a fairway flanked by lava rocks before reaching a green nestled between more volcanic formations. The contrast between the dark lava and the lush greens makes for a visually stunning and challenging round.

The clubhouse at Keilir Golf Course offers first-class facilities, including a restaurant, pro shop, and a driving range. The course’s unique combination of links golf and volcanic terrain makes it a must-play for any golfer visiting Iceland.

 Iceland: A Golfer's Dream Destination

Iceland may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of golf, but for those willing to venture off the beaten path, it offers an experience that is truly unmatched. From the midnight sun to the breathtaking landscapes and challenging courses, golfing in Iceland is more than just a game—it’s an adventure.

Each course in Iceland offers something unique, whether it’s the chance to play in a volcanic crater, tee off next to a geyser, or enjoy the peaceful serenity of a riverside course. The country’s golf courses are as diverse as its landscapes, providing golfers of all skill levels with a memorable and rewarding experience.

In addition to the golf, Iceland’s rich culture, vibrant cities, and stunning natural wonders make it an ideal destination for a golf vacation. Whether you’re playing a round in the shadow of a glacier or relaxing in a geothermal hot spring after a day on the course, Iceland offers an experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

So, pack your clubs, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to discover the magic of golfing in Iceland. It’s a journey you’ll never forget.