Akureyri Golf Club — Arctic Open
Experience midnight golf at the world's northernmost 18-hole course, nestled on a vibrant green hillside above Akureyri.
At a Glance
Visit time
4-5 hours for a round of 18 holes; 1-2 hours for the driving range or a shorter visit.
Best season
June-July for midnight sun golf, May-September for general play.
Access
Paved road, easily accessible by car from Akureyri. A large parking lot is available on site, as seen in the image.
GPS
65.6837, -18.0924
About
About Akureyri Golf Club — Arctic Open
Experience midnight golf at the world's northernmost 18-hole course, nestled on a vibrant green hillside above Akureyri.
Play golf under the midnight sun at the world's northernmost 18-hole professional course, a truly unique experience.
Background
History & Background
The origins of the Akureyri Golf Club date back to 1935, making it one of the oldest golf clubs in Iceland. However, it gained international renown with the establishment of the Arctic Open. This unique tournament first teed off in 1985, initially conceived as a local amateur gathering to celebrate golf in the land of the midnight sun. Word of this extraordinary event quickly spread beyond Iceland's shores. The novelty of playing an 18-hole course under continuous daylight at 65° North began to attract professional golfers and enthusiasts alike. What started as a modest local competition transformed into a prestigious international event, drawing players from across Europe and beyond, all eager to experience the truly unique phenomenon of midnight golf in the Arctic. The club's continued development and the popularity of the Arctic Open have solidified its status as a must-visit destination for golfers seeking an unparalleled experience.
Akureyri Golf Club stands as one of Earth's most exceptional golfing destinations, vividly portrayed by its lush green landscape and stunning setting. Situated at 65.5° North, well above the Arctic Circle, it hosts the legendary Arctic Open—a professional tournament played in late June under the mesmerizing glow of continuous daylight. The 18-hole course gracefully clings to a steep hillside overlooking Iceland's second city, Akureyri. From every hole, golfers are treated to jaw-dropping panoramic views across Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, and the snow-capped mountains in the distance, clearly visible in the expansive image. The course design features undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and clusters of trees, offering both beauty and a formidable challenge. The modern driving range, a prominent structure in the foreground of the image, allows for practice with a view. During the midnight sun season, tee times are available around the clock. Playing at 2 AM under a brightly lit sky is a truly singular, bucket-list experience, unlike any other in the world of golf. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual enthusiast, the opportunity to tee off in perpetual daylight, surrounded by Iceland's dramatic scenery, makes Akureyri Golf Club an unforgettable visit.
Folklore
Story & Folklore
The Arctic Open, held here at Akureyri Golf Club, began in 1985 as a humble local amateur event. Over the decades, its allure grew, drawing professional golfers from across Europe who sought not just the thrill of competition, but the unparalleled experience of playing under the midnight sun. Imagine sinking a putt with the sun still high above the horizon at 2 AM – a sensation beautifully captured by the endless daylight seen in the image. The course itself, as evident from the aerial view, boasts an eccentric hillside layout, a landscape of lush green fairways interspersed with trees and distinct bunkers. This unique topography means some tee boxes demand a shot directly over the clubhouse roof, adding a memorable challenge to this already legendary course.
💡 Did You Know?
During June, the sun never sets at Akureyri Golf Club, allowing for official tee times through the night, with the latest slot at 3 AM.
Local Legend
N/A
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Culture
Stories & Legends
Icelandic sagas and folklore from this area
Akureyri
Akureyri is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Ljósvetninga saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Kaupangur
Kaupangur: A Viking marketplace where sagas of trade and conflict unfold.
Oddeyri
Oddeyri is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Ljósvetninga saga, Víga-Glúms saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Sigluvík
Sigluvík is a historic location in Iceland mentioned in "Víga-Glúms saga", one of the ancient Íslendingasögur (Sagas of Icelanders). These medieval narratives preserve the history of Iceland's Viking Age settlement.
Explore
Hidden Gems Nearby
✦ The Driving Range with a View
The modern driving range, prominently featured in the image, offers a fantastic way to warm up or practice your swing. It's a great spot to take in the views even if you're not playing a full round.
It provides excellent practice facilities with unparalleled panoramic views of the fjord and mountains.
✦ Clubhouse Cafe
After your round, relax at the clubhouse cafe (partially visible near the parking lot) and enjoy local refreshments. It's a cozy spot to recount your midnight golf tales and watch others play.
Offers a welcoming atmosphere and local treats, perfect for unwinding after a unique golfing experience.
✦ Elevated Tee Box Vistas
Discover several elevated spots around the course, particularly near the higher tees, that provide unparalleled vistas of the entire Akureyri fjord and the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
These vantage points offer stunning photo opportunities and a deeper appreciation for the course's dramatic setting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Location
📍 Location
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