08/21/2024 | 5:00 PM
You probably know Iceland for its volcanoes, its glaciers and its waterfalls. Maybe for its hot pools and puffins too. But did you know that within this picturesque scenery and unique environment are 65 pockets of golfing heaven?
You can find golf courses next to natural geysers, surrounded by lava fields, and offering spectacular views over nearby glaciers – and that’s before we talk about the unique opportunity to play golf under the midnight sun.
Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered.
How popular is golf in Iceland?
Very popular! According to public surveys, about 45,000 individuals play golf every year. That's close to 12% of the Icelandic population (which totals approximately 384,000).
How many golf courses are in Iceland?
There are 65 golf courses across the country; 15 are 18-hole golf courses. All of the courses are open to visitors.
As follows the population spread, in the Reykjavík area there are 10 golf courses. Five of these are 18-hole.
What’s the best time to play golf in Iceland?
The golf season in Iceland generally runs from late May to early September. That’s when the weather should generally be cooperative, and the daylight hours are long.
Read more about the seasons in Iceland, including what average temperatures and daylight hours to expect for each month, in our blog covering the best times to visit Iceland.
Can I play golf under the midnight sun?
Midnight golf is generally playable between early June and the later part of July. In Iceland, it’s light 24 hours a day for a few weeks either side of the June 21 summer solstice. Read more about the midnight sun phenomenon.
The North Iceland town of Akureyri (population around 18,000) is known for its annual midnight sun golf tournament, open to amateurs and professionals.
Many golf courses across the country have the opportunity for tee time bookings through the night during the weeks where the midnight sun illuminates the sky.
What about gear? Can I rent golf equipment, or should I bring my own?
Remember to pack your all-weather gear! Waterproofs are a good idea.
Golf equipment such as trollies are usually for hire at the 18-hole golf courses. Golf carts and clubs are available for hire at the courses in the Greater Reykjavík area but are less common out in the countryside.
With Icelandair, it’s easy to bring your own golf clubs with you. You can add your ‘small sports equipment’ (which includes golf clubs) as excess baggage when booking a flight ticket online, which guarantees you get a discounted rate. You can also add golf clubs to your baggage after making a booking, using the Manage booking function on our website and app.
A golfing Stopover
Heading from Europe on your dream golf trip to the US for the Masters? Making the trip from the US or Canada to hit the links in Spain or Portugal?
Why not take advantage of a golfing Stopover in Iceland with Icelandair, get a round or two in and experience first-hand the unique and spectacular courses Iceland has to offer.
You can also make the most of a Stopover in Iceland and follow one of Icelandair’s ready-made Stopover itineraries to help you get the most out of your time.
How popular is golf in Iceland?
Very popular! According to public surveys, about 45,000 individuals play golf every year. That's close to 12% of the Icelandic population (which totals approximately 384,000).
How many golf courses are in Iceland?
There are 65 golf courses across the country; 15 are 18-hole golf courses. All of the courses are open to visitors.
As follows the population spread, in the Reykjavík area there are 10 golf courses. Five of these are 18-hole.
,What’s the best time to play golf in Iceland?
The golf season in Iceland generally runs from late May to early September. That’s when the weather should generally be cooperative, and the daylight hours are long.
Read more about the seasons in Iceland, including what average temperatures and daylight hours to expect for each month, in our blog covering the best times to visit Iceland.
Can I play golf under the midnight sun?
Midnight golf is generally playable between early June and the later part of July. In Iceland, it’s light 24 hours a day for a few weeks either side of the June 21 summer solstice. Read more about the midnight sun phenomenon.
The North Iceland town of Akureyri (population around 18,000) is known for its annual midnight sun golf tournament, open to amateurs and professionals.
Many golf courses across the country have the opportunity for tee time bookings through the night during the weeks where the midnight sun illuminates the sky.
,What about gear? Can I rent golf equipment, or should I bring my own?
Remember to pack your all-weather gear! Waterproofs are a good idea.
Golf equipment such as trollies are usually for hire at the 18-hole golf courses. Golf carts and clubs are available for hire at the courses in the Greater Reykjavík area but are less common out in the countryside.
With Icelandair, it’s easy to bring your own golf clubs with you. You can add your ‘small sports equipment’ (which includes golf clubs) as excess baggage when booking a flight ticket online, which guarantees you get a discounted rate. You can also add golf clubs to your baggage after making a booking, using the Manage booking function on our website and app.
A golfing Stopover
Heading from Europe on your dream golf trip to the US for the Masters? Making the trip from the US or Canada to hit the links in Spain or Portugal?
Why not take advantage of a golfing Stopover in Iceland with Icelandair, get a round or two in and experience first-hand the unique and spectacular courses Iceland has to offer.
You can also make the most of a Stopover in Iceland and follow one of Icelandair’s ready-made Stopover itineraries to help you get the most out of your time.
,Are you interested in finding Iceland's best or quirkiest golf course? Read on...
You'll find more information on each course's website, and on the general Golf in Iceland site, which has useful details on green fees, clubhouse facilities, and so on.
Note that a number of clubs allow tee time bookings throughout the night in summer's peak, when the midnight sun is shining.
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,Keilir Golf Course
- 18 holes, Hafnarfjörður
The top-ranked course in Iceland is Hvaleyrarvöllur at Keilir Golf Club in Hafnarfjörður, just outside Reykjavík. Conveniently located a 25-minute drive from Keflavík airport, this 18-hole links course is renowned amongst golf enthusiasts for its incredible environment.
The first nine holes feature enclosed patches of bright green fairway that starkly contrast against the surrounding black rocks, with part of the course constructed over lava fields.
The back nine holes, however, were built on old farmland on a peninsula at the entrance to the Hafnarfjörður harbor, with surrounding water bringing a test of golfers' skill. From this part of the course golfers can enjoy spectacular views of the nearby Alftanes peninsula and the distant Snæfellsjökull glacier.
The Hvaleyrarvöllur course focuses on skill and accuracy over swing power and distance, and is perfect for those seeking an exciting golfing challenge – just watch out for the lava fields!
,Brautarholt Golf Course
- 12 holes, Reykjavík
Another highly ranked option, Brautarholt Golf Course features as the top course in Iceland according to Golf World's Top 100 list, with the description: "Just 12 holes, but more fun, spectacular scenery and memorable holes than in most courses in mainland Europe. Its beauty is breathtaking."
Located on a peninsula outside Reykjavík with spectacular ocean views on nearly every hole, Brautarholt is known for its sustainable design, blending harmoniously with the natural terrain, and offers a unique experience of coastal golf. There's a traveler-friendly option to arrange a game, club rental, and hotel transfers from Reykjavík.
,Vestmannaeyjar Golf Course
- 18 holes, Vestmannaeyjar
Vestmannaeyjar are a group of volcanic islands that lie off the south coast of Iceland, and are sometimes known in English as the Westman Islands. They’re reached by a ferry that operates several times daily.
The super-scenic Vestmannaeyjar course (pictured) provides a truly unique experience, lying between an extinct volcano and the Atlantic Ocean. It's renowned as one of the world's most dramatic island courses, with puffins often spotted along the cliffs. It's home to the Volcano Open Golf Championship, which attracts golfers from all over the world in early July.
,Akureyri Golf Course
- 18 holes, Akureyri
As one of the northernmost 18-hole courses in the world, Akureyri Golf Course features forested fairways with a backdrop of snowcapped mountains.
It hosts the annual Arctic Open each June, a 36-hole tournament that gives golfers the rare chance to play under the glow of summer’s perpetual daylight.
,Hlíðavöllur Golf Course
- 18 holes, Mosfellsbær
Just outside Reykjavik, Hlíðavöllur is situated on the edge of Kollafjörður bay with the dramatic Esja mountain as its backdrop. Its open layout and long, undulating greens make it both scenic and a test of skill, particularly with the unpredictable Icelandic winds. There's a popular clubhouse with good dining here.
Geysir Golf Course
- 9 holes, Haukadalur Valley
The Geysir Golf Course is a literal hot spot! This nine-hole course lies close to the Geysir geothermal area on Iceland’s renowned Golden Circle. The scenic backdrop of steaming geysers and rugged terrain makes for a memorable round in a uniquely Icelandic setting.
Höfn Golf Course
- 9 holes, Höfn
Located close to the icy behemoth that is Vatnajökull glacier, the Höfn Golf Course (also known as Silfurnesvöllur) offers incredible views of glacier tongues and surrounding mountains. It's a small but scenic nine-hole course that gives golfers a peaceful, remote experience in southeastern Iceland.
Siglufjörður Golf Course
- 9 holes, Siglufjörður
In the scenic North Iceland town of Siglufjörður, the Sigló course is surrounded by towering mountains and the sea. Its tight layout and dramatic scenery make it a favorite for those seeking an intimate and scenic golf experience.