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Iceland Travel Guide

Golf in Iceland

Play under the midnight sun · 65+ courses · Lava fields & fjord views

65+
Golf Courses
1934
Oldest Club
24h
Summer Daylight
65.7°N
Northernmost 18-hole

Midnight Golf — Tee Off at 11pm

Iceland's long summer nights make midnight golf one of the country's most unique experiences. From late May through July, the sun barely dips below the horizon — giving golfers natural daylight around the clock.

When to Play

  • Sun barely sets. Midnight rounds in full daylight.
  • July — Excellent. Still bright until 11–12pm.
  • ~May & August — Late evening rounds possible, twilight rather than full midnight sun.

The Arctic Open

Akureyri Golf Club hosts the legendary Arctic Open every year in late June — an internationally recognised tournament where players tee off at 10pm and complete their round after midnight, entirely under natural light.

Founded in 1986, the Arctic Open attracts golfers from around the world who want to experience playing under the midnight sun at 65.7° North latitude.

Midnight Golf Tip

Most Icelandic golf clubs allow you to book tee times in the evening throughout summer. Akureyri and Ness Golf Club are the most famous for midnight rounds, but almost any course works from late May to late July.

Did You Know?

Iceland has over 65 golf courses for a population of just 380,000 — one of the highest ratios of golf courses per capita in the world.

In June and July, the sun never fully sets in Iceland. Golfers at Akureyri can tee off at midnight under natural daylight.

The Arctic Open in Akureyri has been played under the midnight sun since 1986 — players tee off at 10pm and finish after midnight.

The Westman Islands Golf Club was partially buried by lava during the 1973 volcanic eruption. The course was rebuilt right next to the solidified lava flow.

Ness Golf Club was founded in 1934 — one of the oldest golf clubs in the Nordic countries.

Puffins are a genuine hazard at the Westman Islands Golf Club — they nest in burrows along the cliff-top fairways and occasionally wander across the greens.

9 Golf Courses in Iceland

From the oldest club to volcanic island fairways — Iceland's most remarkable courses.

Öndverðanes
#118 holes
Est. 1974

Öndverðanes

Öndverðanes offers a serene golfing experience amidst Iceland's captivating natural beauty. The lush, emerald fairways, dotted with occasional divots from eager players, stretch towards distant hills under a vast, often dramatic, sky. Here, the challenge of the game blends seamlessly with the tranquility of the Icelandic countryside.

Experience unique Icelandic golf on a beautifully maintained course with stunning views of the South Iceland landscape.
Ness Golf Club — Reykjavík
#218 holes
Est. 1934

Ness Golf Club — Reykjavík

Perched on a verdant peninsula jutting into the Atlantic, Ness Golf Club offers an unforgettable 18-hole experience. Enjoy challenging fairways, distinct sand bunkers, and panoramic views of the deep blue ocean, distant mountains, and a charming lighthouse, all under the vast Icelandic sky.

Book tee times well in advance in summer — the clubhouse restaurant has great views and the course is reachable by car from central Reykjavík in 20 minutes.
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Akureyri Golf Club — Arctic Open
#318 holes
Est. 1935

Akureyri Golf Club — Arctic Open

Akureyri Golf Club is an extraordinary destination, perched at 65.5° North amidst vibrant green fairways and challenging bunkers, as seen from above. This 18-hole course, home to the famous Arctic Open, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Akureyri town, the expansive Eyjafjörður fjord, and the majestic surrounding mountains. Playing a round under the continuous daylight of the midnight sun is a truly unique, bucket-list golfing experience.

The Arctic Open is held annually in late June — book well in advance if attending. Midnight tee times run all of June and July; the fjord views from the back nine are spectacular.
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Vestmannaeyjar Golf Club — Westman Islands
#418 holes
Est. 1938

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.

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.
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Grafarholt Golf Club — Reykjavík
#518 holes
Est. 1963

Grafarholt Golf Club — Reykjavík

Grafarholt Golf Club sits on the elevated eastern fringes of Reykjavík, offering one of the most scenic golf experiences in the capital area. The 18-hole championship layout winds through open moorland with dramatic views of Mount Esja, the city skyline, and on clear days, the distant Snæfellsjökull glacier. Known for variable Icelandic winds that add an extra challenge, Grafarholt rewards strategic play and course management. The club is welcoming to visitors and provides full clubhouse facilities including a restaurant.

Popular with locals — book ahead on weekends. The course is well maintained year-round when weather permits and is accessible by public transport.
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Keilir Golf Club — Hafnarfjörður
#618 holes
Est. 1967

Keilir Golf Club — Hafnarfjörður

Keilir Golf Club takes its name from the perfectly cone-shaped mountain that dominates the horizon to the south — one of Iceland's most recognizable landmarks. The course itself threads through ancient Reykjanes lava fields, where jet-black rock contrasts with vivid green fairways in a distinctly Icelandic way. Founded in 1967, the club has grown to offer a full 18-hole layout that challenges players with narrow lava-bordered holes and unpredictable coastal winds. The town of Hafnarfjörður — the Viking village — sits just minutes away.

Wind can be strong here — bring an extra club. The lava rough is unforgiving and morning rounds offer the best light for photography.
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Korpa Golf Club — Kópavogur
#718 holes
Est. 1997

Korpa Golf Club — Kópavogur

Korpa Golf Club in Kópavogur is one of the most accessible courses in the capital region, beloved for its welcoming atmosphere and well-groomed fairways. The 18-hole layout suits players of all abilities — from beginners enjoying their first round in Iceland to experienced golfers looking for a relaxed game before or after exploring Reykjavík. The course sits close to the Kópavogur town centre and public transport links, making it easy to visit without a car. A good pro shop and practice facilities round out the offering.

Regarded as one of the most technically challenging courses in Iceland — ideal for low-handicap players. Excellent practice facilities on site.
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Brautarholt Golf Club — Reykjavík
#89 holes
Est. 1958

Brautarholt Golf Club — Reykjavík

Brautarholt Golf Club is Reykjavík's most centrally located course — a compact 9-hole layout that punches above its weight in terms of setting and enjoyment. Perfect for golfers who want to fit in a quick round during a short visit, or families and beginners looking for a low-pressure introduction to the game. The course offers beautiful views of the surrounding Reykjavík neighbourhoods and nearby Öskjuhlíð hill. Equipment hire is available and no booking is required for casual play, making it the most spontaneous golf option in the capital.

Ideal for beginners or a quick 9-hole round — walking distance from many Reykjavík hotels and open late into the evening in summer thanks to the midnight sun.
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Garðabær Golf Club
#918 holes
Est. 1970

Garðabær Golf Club

Garðabær Golf Club is situated in one of the capital region's most pleasant suburbs, offering an 18-hole course with excellent turf conditions and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The layout makes clever use of the natural terrain, with some holes offering views across the bay to Mount Esja. Well-regarded among locals for consistent course maintenance and a strong programme of events throughout the summer season, Garðabær is a reliable choice for visiting golfers who want a quality round close to the capital without the crowds of the larger clubs.

Family-friendly atmosphere and great value. Combine with a visit to the nearby Viking World museum or the Blue Lagoon — both are within 20 minutes by car.
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GetYourGuide

Book a Golf Experience in Iceland

Tee off under the midnight sun with a local guide. Golf packages, transfers and equipment rental available.

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Map of Golf Courses

Most courses are clustered around Reykjavík, with notable courses in Akureyri and the Westman Islands.

️ Practical Information

Golf Season

The main season runs from May to October. Most courses close in winter due to frost. June and July are peak season for midnight golf.

Equipment Rental

Most Icelandic golf clubs offer club rental for visitors. Call ahead to reserve. Trolleys and pull carts are widely available.

Green Fees

Green fees typically range from ISK 6,000–12,000 (€40–80) for 18 holes. Members of affiliated clubs may receive discounts.

Weather

Icelandic weather is unpredictable. Always bring a waterproof jacket regardless of the forecast. Wind can dramatically affect play.

Getting There

Most Capital Region courses are 15–30 minutes from central Reykjavík by car. Akureyri is a 45-minute flight or 5-hour drive from Reykjavík.

Booking

Book tee times directly through each club's website. Summer weekends fill up fast — reserve 1–2 weeks ahead during peak season.

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