Unique golf experiences in the Norwegian countryside
Sandy beaches used as natural bunkers. The sea used as a water barrier. Challenging courses that take full advantage of the hilly Norwegian landscape. And a spectacular backdrop of imposing mountains and forests to one side and rugged cliffs along the coast to the other. These are just some of the elements that make Norwegian golf courses special!
Traditionally, Norway is not one of the first golf destinations to come to mind when planning this year's golf holiday, but in fact there are countless fantastic golf courses just a few hours' drive or boat ride from Denmark. With more than 170 golf courses all over Norway, there's plenty for even the most discerning golfer!
Foto: Tore Schning Olsen / www.nordnorge.com
One of the biggest advantages of the Norwegian courses is the truly amazing natural experience you get, no matter where in the country you choose your tee location. Many of Norway's golf courses use natural hazards as an integral part – lakes and beaches, cliffs and woodlands – and you often get unique views of mountain landscapes, fjords, forests and coastlines.
On the Norwegian tracks, you can feel the open landscape and the vast expanses right into your soul. Here you feel completely at one with nature, the stress of everyday life disappears and calm descends – even when the adrenaline is running after another successful stroke.
Foto: visitsouthernnorway.com / Vrådal Golf
First-class golf experiences at Oslo
Foto: Tord Baklund / VisitOSLO
Some of the country's best golf courses are just a ferry ride or a few hours' drive from Denmark, in the Oslo area. Norway's oldest golf course, Oslo Golfklub from 1924, is often called the pearl of the country's golf courses, and not without reason: the course is located in breathtaking surroundings right on Lake Bogstad and has been the setting for numerous Norwegian and international tournaments. It has recently been completely renovated, and in the same spirit it has managed to make even better use of its impressive surroundings, including the strategic location of the course greens. Here you are guaranteed a sublime golfing experience!
Miklagard, around 20 minutes northeast of Oslo, is also worth a visit. The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II and is based on the history of the site: All holes are named after Norse gods and kings, and buildings, signs and course design are inspired by the site's Viking history. The course is world-class and you can expect plenty of challenges – every shot needs to be thought throughto avoid ending up in those tricky bunkers or tricky water holes, and precision, concentration and focus are put to the test all the way around.
Golf paradise under the midnight sun
Foto: Rune Nilsen / www.visitbodo.com
For a unique golfing experience that will leave you with memories for a lifetime, head to the Lofoten Links course in northern Norway.
The course has been several years in the making and opened for play for the first time in the summer of 2015 on 18 holes in the stunning landscape of the Lofoten Islands. The majority of the course – apart from the tees, greens and fairways – is made up of rocks and water, so make sure to bring several golf balls on the round, as some usually get lost along the way. The sometimes harsh winds from the North Atlantic contribute to making the course challenging and demanding on you as a player – no two days are the same and if the weather is in the moody corner, the course changes in a matter of minutes!
Foto: Rune Nilsen / www.visitbodo.com
The unique course is a fantastic experience in itself, but the highlight of a golf holiday in Lofoten is undoubtedly the midnight golf. The experience of teeing off at 10.30pm, while the midnight sun paints the surrounding snow-capped mountains in spectacular golden colours as it makes its way towards the horizon, disappearing behind the mountains for a moment before continuing its journey up into the sky, is an experience every golfer – regardless of handicap – should treat themselves to.