Iceland. Known for volcanoes, Vikings, and very moody weather. But what if we told you it’s also one of the most unique places on Earth to tee off?
Golfing here isn’t just about chasing a little white ball. It’s about hitting drives alongside glaciers, sinking putts under the midnight sun, and arguing with your friends about whether that puffin on hole 6 counts as a distraction or a blessing (not a likely situaiton, but still possible!)
And where better to start than The Hill Hotel? Ideally nestled in Flúðir, this is your launchpad to golf courses that are as wild as the landscapes they sit in. Add in natural hot springs, secret lagoons, and one ridiculous view after another, and you’ve got a golf trip unlike anything else.
Golf in the Land of Fire and Ice: Why Iceland Is a Bucket List Destination for Golfers
The Midnight Sun Advantage: Tee Off at 8PM
In Iceland, summer doesn’t just mean warmer weather, it means daylight that refuses to quit. And, as Uncle Ben said “with great insomnia, comes great sporting possibilities“.
From late May to early August, the sun barely dips below the horizon.
That means you can literally tee off at 8PM, play 18 holes, and still make it back to your cosy room at The Hill Hotel before midnight.
No rushing. No bad light. Just pure, uninterrupted golf in the midst of some truly incredible landscapes.
Nature Meets the Fairway: Lava Fields, Mountains & Hot Springs as Your Backdrop
Forget about manicured fairways with city skylines or the relatively homogenous greens you’ve played on.
In Iceland, you’ll drive across ancient lava fields formed by eruptions that predate your golf swing by a few thousand years (and if you’re waiting for my brother to finish his swing routine, you’ll be waiting another few thousand years).
You’ll aim your shots between moss-covered rocks, with glacial rivers murmuring nearby and snow-capped peaks looming like quiet spectators.
Every course here feels like nature had a wild night, sobered up, and decided to plant a flagstick in the chaos.
You’ll play in silence broken only by wind, birds, and your own soul-searching mutterings after missing a two-foot putt.
And the only thing more unpredictable than the wind is your friends slice, which has now officially joined the Icelandic birdlife (cue David Attenborough).
A Brief History of Golf in Iceland
When Did Golf Arrive in Iceland?
Golf first popped up in Iceland in the early 1900s.
Apparently, someone saw the harsh terrain, erratic weather, and complete lack of trees and thought, “Perfect place to lose a ball or three.”
It started humbly, with curious locals whacking balls across meadows and sheep pastures, often with more enthusiasm than accuracy.
By 1934, Reykjavik Golf Club became the country’s first official course, bringing structure (and actual greens) to the madness.
At first, it was more of a niche hobby for the brave and waterproofed.
But as more courses appeared and Icelanders embraced the joy of playing through the seasons in a couple of holes, golf quietly carved out a loyal following, and continues to grow in popularity to this day.
Nowadays, it’s part of the cultural rhythm, right alongside hot dogs, hot tubs, and trying to predict the weather with absolutely no success.
Having lived here for some time, I now associate the transition to summer with the first sighting of my neighbours clubs clanging in the hallway, and not the famous first day of summer.
Iceland’s Oldest Courses and National Passion for the Sport
Reykjavik Golf Club remains a pillar of Icelandic golf.
It’s where tradition meets tundra and where generations have learned the art of swinging in sideways rain without losing their cool or their ball.
But courses like Keilir and Akureyri have also become legendary in their own right.
Keilir is known for its split personality. It has a front nine that weaves through lava fields and a back nine with Atlantic views that might distract even the most focused golfer (a good place to take a friend to distract them from their swing).
Akureyri, meanwhile, sits so far north it practically winks at the Arctic Circle, and yet it’s home to some of the greenest fairways you’ll find during the brief, glorious summer.
Despite the short season, over 15,000 Icelanders play regularly.
That’s roughly 4% of the population, which, if you do the maths, means golf here is just slightly less popular than fermented shark, though significantly more enjoyable and with far fewer regrets afterward (unless you’re sampling some Shark and Brennivín along the way).
It’s proof that when Icelanders fall for something, they go all in – rain, shine, or random volcanic hiccup. And, this goes for the use of Bernaise sauce in absolutely everything savoury they can find as well as golf! (You’ll find out when you come).
Growth of Golf Tourism in Recent Years
In the past decade, Iceland’s golf scene has exploded internationally.
Travellers are now seeking out the surreal, and Iceland delivers it in 18-hole doses.
More visitors are building their itineraries around golf courses, pairing them with sights like the Golden Circle, waterfalls, and the promise of a post-round soak in a geothermal spring.
The Best Golf Courses in Iceland: Where to Play Across the Country
Reykjavik Golf Club – Iceland’s Oldest and Most Popular
Founded in 1934, Reykjavik Golf Club is still going strong, and has the bragging rights to prove it.
Not only is it the oldest in the country, but it’s also home to two distinct 18-hole courses that showcase the geological quirks of Iceland better than any souvenir fridge magnet ever could.
Grafarholt is the original course, perched up on rolling hills with sweeping views over Reykjavik.
It’s technical, demanding, and more than capable of humbling even confident low-handicappers.
Korpa, on the other hand, runs alongside the sea with a layout that blends coastal breezes with lava rock drama – having lived right next to this course for a few years and taking tourists on tours of the Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland many moons ago, I can vouch for how beautiful and serene it is (along the coast you will also commonly see seals too!)
Together, they offer a unique challenge: can you adapt your game to radically different landscapes without completely losing your mind, or your scorecard?
It’s the biggest, the busiest, and arguably the most iconic spot to rub shoulders with local pros, golf-loving expats, and the occasional tourist trying to tee off in hiking boots.
Keilir Golf Club: Play on a Lava Field by the Sea
Keilir is only 15 minutes from Reykjavik, but it feels like another planet.
The front nine winds through a lava field so dramatic it feels like the set of a Star Wars prequel, minus the droids but definitely with the same chance of getting lost in a strange terrain.
You’ll navigate fairways surrounded by jagged rock and thick black lava, where one mistimed slice could send your ball bouncing into geological history.
The back nine opens up to the sea, offering panoramic views of Faxaflói Bay and more than a few encounters with dive-bombing seabirds who appear to take the game very seriously (or they just assume there’s a spare hot dog going).
Every shot comes with a backdrop you won’t find anywhere else: sea spray on your face, volcanic echoes in your ears, and the very real possibility of blaming a sudden earthquake for your double bogey.
It’s quirky, challenging, and visually spectacular, like playing on Earth’s coolest film set, except here the green fees are real and the wind is very much not CGI.
Akureyri Golf Club: The Northernmost 18-Hole Course in the World
Akureyri Golf Club is as far north as you can go without joining Santa’s apprenticeship scheme.
Perched just below the Arctic Circle, it defies expectations with its lush fairways and mild summer temperatures, which feel almost tropical after an Icelandic winter.
The course itself is a beauty, carved into a hillside with stunning views over Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord.
It’s the kind of place where your backswing might be interrupted by a herd of curious sheep or the distant call of an Arctic tern.
And then there’s the Arctic Open, a midnight sun tournament held every June that attracts players from all over the world.
It’s golf, yes, but with live music, festive crowds, and a tee time that could be at 11PM under golden skies.
It’s more party than PGA, and one of the few places you can finish a round at 2AM and still need sunglasses.
Bring your clubs and your stamina, as you’ll be sure to need both, but it’s great fun.
Geysir Golf Course: Play in the Heart of the Golden Circle
Just a 20-minute drive from The Hill Hotel, Geysir Golf Course sits next to one of Iceland’s most iconic geothermal wonders, Strokkur, the geyser which shoots up over 15m every 5-10 minutes.
It’s a 9-hole course, but don’t let the size fool you. What it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in jaw-dropping scenery and pure Icelandic character.
The fairways wind through rolling hills with steam rising in the distance, while bubbling geothermal features occasionally make you question whether your ball is safe or being slowly poached.
You might pause your game to watch Strokkur erupt nearby, launching boiling water 20 metres into the sky – a key scene I think Happy Gilmore was missing.
It’s surreal, it’s spectacular, and it might just be the only course on Earth where your backswing is timed to avoid a geyser explosion.
Perfect for a quick round with maximum wow factor.
Kiðjaberg Golf Course: A Hidden Gem in South Iceland’s Highlands
Kidjaberg is a local secret.
Set beside a turquoise river and framed by towering basalt cliffs, this 18-hole beauty blends raw Icelandic wilderness with impeccably kept fairways.
The air here feels different. It’s cleaner, quieter, as if nature is whispering encouragement on your backswing (or at least not laughing when you mishit a chip).
It rarely sees crowds, making it a sanctuary for those who want to focus and play in peace.
Perfect for golfers who enjoy a dose of serenity with their swing, or for those who prefer to shank balls into oblivion without an audience documenting it.
The course winds through valleys and along water edges that glint in the summer sun, offering dramatic views and a stillness that’s hard to find elsewhere.
It’s golf meets meditative retreat, until the wind picks up and reminds you who’s boss (but, that’s Iceland in general for you).
Stay & Play: Why The Hill Hotel Is the Perfect Base for Your Iceland Golf Adventure
Location, Luxury, and Laid-Back Vibes in Flúðir
The Hill Hotel isn’t just a place to sleep.
It’s your home course away from home. It’s a comfy, stylish base smack in the heart of Iceland’s golfing and tourist scene, where the welcome is as warm as the geothermal pools down the road.
You’ll wake to mountain air and coffee brewed strong enough to cure a double bogey hangover, and end your day sipping wine under skies that barely go dark.
With the split of tectonic plates in one direction and waterfalls all around, you’re never far from your next tee time, or your next jaw-dropping photo op that’ll make your group chat explode with envy.
This is where adventure begins and relaxation ends, with a fluffy robe and the distant echo of Strokkur burping somewhere nearby.
Access to Top Golden Circle Golf Courses
Within 30 to 60 minutes from your room are some of Iceland’s best golf spots, each one serving up its own mix of rugged beauty, quirky challenges, and goosebump-inducing views.
Geysir Golf Course: Steam vents, geysers, and greens all within earshot of a literal eruption.
Flúðir Golf Course: Just down the road. And as a guest at The Hill Hotel, you get an exclusive discount there, because staying here comes with perks that go beyond a comfy pillow and a view.
Kidjaberg: A scenic drive through the south’s highland beauty with zero crowds and maximum calm.
This is Iceland’s Golden Circle at its absolute best and rugged. And remember it’s diverse, dramatic, and ridiculously close to your base at The Hill Hotel.
Relax in Style After a Day on the Course
After a day dodging lava rocks and wind gusts that could knock over a small horse, you’ll want comfort. And maybe a moment to question why you attempted a flop shot into a 15m/s headwind.
The Hill Hotel’s rooms offer just that and more.
Soft beds you’ll fall into like a bunker shot gone right, stylish touches that feel more spa retreat than sports trip, and staff who know the best cure for a wayward driver is a local lager and a hot soak in one of onsite hot tubs.
And yes, there’s a bar where the beers somehow taste colder and crisper after a birdie, or six bogeys.
Exclusive Deal: Get a Discount at Flúðir Golf Course When You Stay at The Hill Hotel
How the Guest Discount Works
All you need to do is show your booking confirmation at the course, or contact a member of our team at reception to help you get everything set up.
Remember, golf is very popular during Iceland’s summer months, so earlier booking is not only recommended, it’s a must.
Booking Your Tee Time in Flúðir
Flúðir Golf Course offers online bookings, and we’re more than happy to help you lock in your perfect tee time. Whether you’re planning ahead or deciding on a whim after breakfast, we can make sure everything is set up perfectly.
Just swing by the front desk (pun intended) and we’ll take care of the rest, from availability checks to insider tips on the best time to play (local tip: twilight rounds here are particularly awesome near the summer solstice in June).
You can also get in touch with our team, and we can help you book a tee time and a room all at the same time to save you hassle.
And remember, every guest at The Hill Hotel gets an exclusive discount at Flúðir Golf Course, so you’re not only playing a beautiful course, you’re doing it at a beautiful price.
More Than Just Golf: What Else to Do Near The Hill Hotel
Soak in the Secret Lagoon After a Round
What’s better than a post-golf dip in natural geothermal waters to heal those tired muscles? It’s Iceland after all!
The Secret Lagoon is just a five-minute stroll from The Hill Hotel (plus, you get a 20% discount as a guest at the Hill Hotel).
Steam rises. Muscles relax. And yes, drinks are allowed.
Visit Gullfoss, Geysir, and Þingvellir Within Easy Reach
You’re not just in a golf hotspot.
You’re also in the Golden Circle.
Visit the thundering Gullfoss waterfall, the iconic Geysir, and the rift valley of Þingvellir National Park all in one afternoon.
Golf in the morning followed by bucket list sightseeing before dinner.
Horseback Riding, Hiking, and Hot Springs
Not everyone in your group into golf?
No worries.
Go horseback riding on Icelandic horses.
Hike through geothermal valleys on a local horseback riding tour led by some locals.
Or go and take a hike to the famous Reykjadalur Hot Springs to get a little more off the beaten path.
You’ll never run out of things to do, or reasons to come back for another trip to experience the things you didn’t have time for.
Planning Your Iceland Golf Trip: What to Know Before You Go
Best Time of Year to Golf in Iceland
June to August is peak season.
That’s when courses are open, weather is cooperative, and the midnight sun works its magic.
Spring and early autumn can work too. You’ll just need to check if your preferred course is open.
What to Pack: Gear, Clothing, and Layers
Layers are life, and an everyday necessity for exploring an country this far north.
Bring waterproofs, windbreakers, and something for the odd snow flurry, which yes, can happen even in July (at the time of writing, in May, I can see snow landing out of my office window in Reykjavík).
Most courses don’t require formal dress codes, but decent golf shoes and gloves are a must. Channel your inner Scotsman, minus the Kilt, and you’ll be fine.
Renting Golf Equipment in Iceland
Don’t fancy lugging your clubs across continents?
Most major courses, including Reykjavik and Keilir, offer rentals.
Or feel free to ask our Hill Hotel staff for help arranging gear locally.
Iceland is very small, and with a great local community, we often have connections.
Sample 3-Day Golf & Adventure Itinerary from The Hill Hotel
Day 1: Arrival, Secret Lagoon Soak & Local Dinner
Arrive at The Hill Hotel.
Unpack. Have a bite to eat. Then stroll to the Secret Lagoon to soak the travel off.
Finish your night with dinner at a local spot or at our beautiful onsite restaurant (our bar also has a daily Happy Hour between 4pm – 6pm…just saying!)
Day 2: Golf at Flúðir + Golden Circle Highlights
Morning tee time at Flúðir Golf Course.
Afternoon adventure to Geysir, Gullfoss waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park (to stand or dive between two of Earth’s major tectonic plates).
Dinner? Your call, but if you don’t want to spend another night with us, then try the wonderful Friðheimar Vínstofa bistro surrounded by tomato plants.
Day 3: Morning Golf + Afternoon Hiking or Horseback Ride
Another morning on the greens, perhaps Geysir Golf Course.
An afternoon hike to Reykjadalur Hot Springs or a local horseback riding tour. Or, if you’ll feeling adventurous enough, why not try snowmobiling on the closest glacier peaks near Gullfoss waterfall?
Finish strong with a sunset soak, a toast, and a promise to come back.
Ready to Tee Off in Iceland? Book Your Stay at The Hill Hotel Today
Your golf bucket list just got a lot more interesting.
Book your room at The Hill Hotel now and claim your guest discount at Flúðir Golf Course.
Or chat to us about golf packages, itinerary ideas, or that one hole where the seagull stole your ball.
We’re ready when you are, and would love to get your take on the most surreal Iceland golfing experience – we’re confident it’ll give you some great memories to take home with you.
Conclusion
Golf in Iceland isn’t just a game.
It’s an experience, an adventure, and a photo op waiting to happen.
From midnight sun tee times to gloating coastal seals and steaming fairways, the magic is very real.
And at The Hill Hotel, you’re perfectly placed to enjoy every swing of it.
Come for the golf. Stay for the views. Leave with stories your friends won’t believe.
Unless they join you next time.