Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club — Westman Islands
About Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club — Westman Islands
Experience an unparalleled round of golf on Heimaey, where lush green fairways meet towering sea cliffs and the stark beauty of ancient lava flows. This 18-hole course offers breathtaking views, with the majestic green-clad mountain rising dramatically under a vast blue sky, making every swing a memory.
Course Details
The Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club offers one of Iceland's most spectacular and unique golfing experiences. Located on Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands archipelago, this 18-hole course is a harmonious blend of natural drama and sporting challenge. From the lush, vibrant green fairways captured in the image, golfers gaze upon towering sea cliffs, the iconic volcanic cone of Eldfell—which erupted without warning in 1973—and the sprawling blue expanse of the North Atlantic. The course is famously bordered by stark, black lava flows from that very eruption, a powerful reminder of the island's raw, volcanic nature and its incredible resilience. Beyond the game, the club is nestled amidst the world's largest puffin colony, with over a million birds nesting in the cliffs, adding a unique wildlife spectacle to your round. Accessible by a scenic ferry ride from Þorlákshöfn or a short flight, a visit here isn't just a golf trip; it's an immersive journey into Iceland's geological history and vibrant wildlife, offering a truly unforgettable experience unlike any other on Earth.
️ History
The history of Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club is inextricably linked to the dramatic geological forces that shaped Heimaey island. Established long before the 1973 eruption, the club offered a tranquil sporting escape amidst the island's rugged beauty. However, on January 23, 1973, life on Heimaey changed forever. The sudden eruption of Eldfell sent rivers of lava towards the town, forcing the overnight evacuation of the entire population. When residents eventually returned, they found their landscape dramatically altered, with much of the town and parts of the golf course buried under a thick layer of black volcanic rock. Demonstrating remarkable community spirit and resilience, the islanders undertook the monumental task of rebuilding. The golf club was meticulously restored, incorporating the very lava fields that had once threatened its existence into its unique design. Today, these ancient lava flows serve not just as a striking hazard but as a poignant, living monument, narrating the island's powerful story of destruction, survival, and rebirth to every golfer who steps onto its greens.
Story
The year 1973 etched itself into the soul of Heimaey. When Eldfell erupted, a terrifying wall of lava advanced, threatening to consume the town and its vital harbour. Islanders fled overnight by fishing boat, leaving everything behind. Upon their return months later, a changed landscape greeted them; their beloved golf course lay half-buried beneath black, cooled lava. Yet, the resilient community rebuilt. Today, those same dramatic lava fields, visible as dark slopes against the verdant greens and the towering, moss-covered mountain in the image, serve as a constant, silent backdrop to every round—a powerful, living monument to the eruption that reshaped the island and forged its enduring spirit.
Why Visit
Golf on a volcanic island surrounded by puffins, dramatic cliffs, and the scars of a 1973 eruption.
Did You Know?
The Westman Islands are home to the world's largest puffin colony, with over 1 million birds nesting in the sea cliffs surrounding the golf course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is booking a tee time essential?
Yes, especially during peak season (June-August), it is highly recommended to book your tee time in advance to ensure availability.
Can I rent golf clubs and equipment?
Yes, the Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club offers rental golf clubs, trolleys, and buggies for visitors.
Are there caddies available at the course?
Caddies are generally not available, but the course is well-marked, and staff can provide guidance.
What is the best way to get to Heimaey island?
You can reach Heimaey by taking a ferry from Landeyjahöfn (approx. 35 mins) or, if that port is closed due to weather, from Þorlákshöfn (approx. 3 hours). A short domestic flight from Reykjavík Airport is also an option.
Is the course suitable for beginners?
While challenging, the course is enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels, offering incredible scenery that makes every shot memorable.
Course Info
- Region
- south-iceland
- Best Season
- May–September
- Duration
- 3–4 hours
Visitor Tip
Take the ferry from Landeyjahöfn (35 min) or fly from Reykjavík. Watch for puffins crossing the fairways in summer — they nest in burrows along the cliff-top rough.