Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club — Westman Islands
Vestmannaeyjar
About Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club — Westman Islands
Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club operates an 18-hole course on Heimaey, set between coastal cliffs, volcanic terrain and the island's settled landscape.
Course Details
Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club's course lies on Heimaey in a distinctive island setting shaped by sea cliffs and volcanic terrain. The 1973 Eldfell eruption is an important part of the island's modern landscape, but earlier copy overstated several wildlife and course-history claims. Golfers should check current tee times, green fees, weather and course conditions directly with the club before playing.
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.
Book a Tee Time
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Course Info
- Holes
- 18
- Par
- 70
- Founded
- 1938
- Region
- South Iceland
- Town
- Vestmannaeyjar
- 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.