Recently moved to Denmark, Sweden, or Norway? Read our expat’s guide to the best golf courses in Scandinavia so you don’t miss out!
Golf is not likely to be the first sport that comes to mind when you’re thinking of Scandinavia. You’re probably picturing snowy peaks, ice, skis, and roaring log fires after a day out.
But if you’ve recently moved to one of the Scandinavian countries and you’re missing golf, you’re in luck! When the snow has cleared, there’s excellent golf to be played in the summer months. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
We’ve put together an expat’s guide to the best golf courses in Scandinavia. So what are you waiting for? Go search about golf bags and invest for it!
While these golf courses are our favorite, they’re by no means the only ones around that are well worth the play!
While culturally, Finland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands are considered part of Scandinavia, they’re technically part of a different area. So we’ve settled on just the main three, and a few public golf courses from Norway, Denmark, and Sweden.
Norway
Lofoten Links
This spectacular course is set alongside the ocean, which makes an appearance as a hazard on multiple holes. Built on old Viking burial grounds, you get a feeling of magic and mystery in the air, and the golf follows suit.
The signature 2nd hole plays to a tiered, almost-island green, starting things off with a bang. Visually stunning, and not for the faint of heart in terms of skill.
Kongsvinger Golfklubb
Each hole at Kongsvinger is an experience on its own. Every fairway is hugged by lines of majestic fir trees, making each one feel like an intimate corridor on its own. The fairways are of medium size but undulate with the natural terrain to add some challenge.
The greens are large and the bunkers even larger, so play carefully! Hole number 12 is the one to look out for, as it trips up many experienced golfers.
Meland Golfklubb
Packed with interesting holes and supplemented by scenic views, this forest course starts with a bang with three par-5s in the first 5 holes. It’s been labeled as difficult by many golfers, but the only way you’ll really know is to try it!
The sloped fairways present a challenge, and the closing hole is one of Norway’s trickiest—a devious par-3, played from an elevated tee to a well-protected island green.
Denmark
Holstebro Golfklub
With a full 18-hole course, a 9-hole layout, and a 9-hole par-3 course, there’s something for everyone at Holstebro. Although the fairways have a gentle roll and bunkers are few, if you venture off course the heather will trap you.
You’ll need accuracy more than the power to win on this course! It’s a challenge but a fun one, and you’ll get a good test of your game on these fairways. A great training aid!
The Scandinavian Golf Club (New)
Both the Old Course and the New Course are worth a play, but we particularly like the New course for its challenge. It’s visually intimidating but absolutely spectacular, featuring multiple water hazards that stretch across many holes, white bunkers, and sneaky rough areas.
Fanø Golf Links
Located in the Wadden Sea National Park, this course looks and plays like a true links layout thanks to its heather and dune design. It’s also the oldest course in the country and the only true links-style one!
As true to nature as they come, this course is well worth a play if you’re a links fan or if you want to experience the rawest form of golf you can find!
Sweden
Ullna Golf Club
Stunning views abound as multiple holes on this course are set on the shores of Lake Ullna. Located just 12 km from Stockholm, this is a popular golfing spot despite its compact and challenging layout.
There are no weak holes in this course, but you should definitely bring an extra sleeve of balls and be gentle with your driver!
Bro Hof Slott Golf Club
Featuring 2 courses, long holes, large bunkers, playable waste areas, and spacious greens, Bro Hof Slott may be less technical than some but it’s certainly gorgeous and memorable.
The wind comes into play often on these two courses, so keep your wits about you as you move through the course! Keep in mind the wind may make gadgets such as rangefinders a little more difficult to use.
Halmstad Golfklubb (Norra)
Also featuring 2 spectacular courses (of which Norra is one), Halmstad is a unique place. You can hear the sea, and taste the salt on your lips, but no hole has ocean views. Peppered with doglegs, the MOrra course is a challenge and a beauty.
Also home to Sweden’s best golf restaurant, it’s a great spot to have an excellent round of golf and a hearty meal!
An Expat’s Guide to the Best Golf Courses in Scandinavia, compiled by Jordan Fuller. Jordan is an American retired golfer who’s played on golf courses all over the world. When he’s not on the course, he’s researching and writing for his website, Golf Influence.
Also by Jordan Fuller: Rediscovering Scandinavia’s Golf Courses as Gems for Golfers
Feature image (on top): © peter77/Depositphotos
