Kiðjaberg Golf Club

Background

History & Background

Golfklubbur Kiðjabergs was founded in 1993 by a group of local farmers and enthusiastic golfers in Grímsnes. Their vision was to create a championship-level course that would serve the agricultural communities along the Hvítá corridor, bringing the sport closer to home. The initial nine holes opened on land leased from the historic Kiðjaberg farm, lending the club its distinctive name. Interest in the new course quickly grew, leading to the ambitious expansion project that saw the full 18-hole layout completed by 2005. From its inception, the course designers made deliberate use of the Hvítá river, recognizing its potential as a unique natural design element. Several holes on the back nine were strategically routed to follow or even cross the river bank, creating some of the most dramatic and challenging scoring hazards on the course. This integration of the powerful glacial river into the play makes for a truly memorable golfing experience. The club's location, strategically positioned equidistant from Reykjavík, Selfoss, and the popular Golden Circle route, has cemented its status as a favored destination for golfers exploring South Iceland. It stands as a testament to local initiative, blending modern sport with the ancient, farmed landscapes and the enduring presence of the Hvítá river.

Kiðjaberg Golf Club, an 18-hole, par 71 championship course, is beautifully situated in the Grímsnes district of South Iceland, making it a prominent stop along the southern Golden Circle touring corridor. First opened with nine holes in 1993 and fully completed in 2005, the course is a testament to the region's golfing ambition. From above, the course reveals its strategic layout, with lush green fairways interspersed with distinct sand bunkers and clusters of trees, all bordered by the dramatic, winding Hvítá glacial river. This river, known as Iceland's most famous for salmon fishing, presents a formidable natural hazard, particularly on the back nine where it runs perilously close to several holes, most notably the 14th tee. Golfers must contend with its fast-flowing, glacier-fed waters, offering a unique challenge that no designer could artificially replicate. The surrounding Grímsnes area is steeped in history, referenced in medieval Icelandic sagas and showing traces of Viking-age settlement, adding a layer of cultural depth to your golfing experience. Located approximately 60 km from Reykjavík and 20 km north of Selfoss, and about 90 minutes' drive from Keflavík Airport, Kiðjaberg Golf Club is easily accessible for both local and international visitors. Walk-ins are accepted subject to tee time availability, and Golfscape booking is also an option.