Lofoten, Norway
The dark skies of Norway’s Arctic north are the celestial playground of the most famous light show in the world, the Northern Lights. Seeing nature’s pyrotechnics is a wonder of travel worth making every effort for, but then combine it with golf at Lofoten Links and you have a very special experience. On a land famed for the Viking adventures of its former chieftan, Tore Hjort – there’s two Viking tombs on the course – you can begin a golf adventure amid a landscape carved among snow-capped Arctic mountains.
The course first follows alongside the crystal-clear icy waters of the Norwegian Sea, before heading back towards those mountains. Holes that were once protected by Mediterranean-blue sea are now given craggy rock borders or deep bunkers, the Troon-managed course has signature holes for everyone. Or, as the greenkeeper puts it: ‘sixteen signature holes, and that’s being unfair on the other two’. The course is on the island of Gimsøya, part of the Lofoten archipelago far north of Norway’s Arctic Circle, an area that gives so many unique experiences to the traveller from catch and cook codfishing experiences to the most refreshing of swims in icy waters, but, best of all, the newly opened luxury hotel at Lily Country Club transforms Oslo as a golfing gateway, giving you the chance to sample one of Europe’s most fascinating cities.
Where You Stay
Lily Country Club, Oslo
Residing just ten minutes from Oslo airport, Lily CC is a new luxury hotel with 507 rooms overlooking Miklagard golf course and with one of the most enviable spa offerings, including the very best sauna offering.
Lofoten Links Lodges
Just set back from the beach a few minutes’ drive along the coast, you’re in prime position with your own lodge to take in the Northern Lights, if you’re lucky, or the spectacular sun dances at either end of the day.
Where You Play
Lofoten Links
Whether you visit spring/summer for midnight sun, or late summer/autumn for the Northern Lights, this stunning links course along the rugged Arctic island coastline offers spectacular golf. Viking graves, mountain backdrops, crystal-clear waters: this is a place where it’s impossible not to enjoy your round.
Miklagard
Another course on a land full of Viking history. Ever since it opened at the turn of the Millennium, this Robert Trent Jones Jnr.- course has been considered one of the best courses in Norway. A host of several European Tour events.
The Must Do
Thanks to its northerly location in the Arctic Circle, in the summer the sun never sets on Lofoten Links meaning you can play eighteen holes at midnight, meaning you can finish your round with breakfast or dinner.
When To Visit
Late August to October provides the best window to witness the Northern Lights and play golf, while May to July is the best window for midnight sun.
