Golfing in Reykjavik, Iceland

Lets admit it, Iceland does not sounds like your typical destination for a golfing holiday, but put aside your preconceptions and you will find that the pure air and peace of the Icelandic countryside make it a truly unique golfing experience. Against a backdrop of dramatic mountains, rugged lava fields and magnificent ocean views, golfers can enjoy 24 hours of daylight during the summer – and there is no other place in the world where you can indulge in a round of golf under the midnight sun!

Iceland’s vibrant capital, Reykajavik, boasts the most well-established golf resort on the island, Reykjavik Golf Club, dating back to 1934. The club features two 18-hole courses, Grafarholt and Korpa, the former featuring in continental Europe’s top 100. It is the Grafarholt Course that is the resort’s main attraction, boasting a unique layout designed by Niels Skjold with challenging undulating lawns and a diverse set of holes. Having hosted various Nordic and international events, the course deserves its reputation as Iceland’s number one golf spot.

The Korpa Course, whilst somewhat overshadowed by its internationally acclaimed cousin, is also a worthy course in its own right. Visually breathtaking, the course is scattered with lush trees, following the rugged coastline of the Atlantic Ocean on one side, and the scenic Korpa River on the other.

If you fancy venturing further away from the capital, the Akureyri golf course, located in the south west eastern part of Akureyri, offers something a little different with its lush views of the surrounding countryside. Resembling more of a moorland course, the par-71 layout wanders over broad ridges which are scattered with clusters of trees and rocks. According to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, it is also the world’s most northerly 18-hole golf course.

Whilst on your golf break, a visit to Reykjavik would not be complete without sampling some of the local cuisine.  Iceland’s famous Hakarl – rotten shark, is not for the faint-hearted, being served as a delicacy after being disinterred from a six-month stay underground. If, on the other hand, you want to play it safe and indulge, go all out and pay a visit to Silfur – Reykjavik’s top restaurant. Offering the very best of the island’s gastronomy, their incredible desserts, which leak dry ice all over the tables, are particularly worth a try.

For further reading see travel guides Iceland