Insider Golf Guides #6 Scandinavia
Golf Traveller has many years of experience in delivering itineraries in Scandinavia that combine the finest golf and immerse clients in the best the country has to offer. This is our guide to the Nordics and beyond.
Why go? Scandinavia is a region that boasts a rich tapestry of breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and distinctive culture. Comprising Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and often including Finland and Iceland, it offers an unparalleled mix of serene landscapes, historic towns and vibrant cities. Picture dramatic fjords, tranquil lakes, lush forests, and the ethereal northern lights; whether you are an adventure seeker, a history buff, or a foodie, Scandinavia caters to every travel taste. In a part of the world where ‘hygge’ (Danish for cozy contentment) is encouraged, it’s hard to refuse the allure of the Nordic lifestyle.
When to go? The best time to visit Scandinavia depends on what you want to experience. Summer (June to August) is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, golfing, and sailing, when the famous ‘midnight sun’ phenomenon occurs, with nearly 24 hours of daylight in northern regions. It’s the perfect time to explore the fjords of Norway or enjoy the festivals in cities like Stockholm and Copenhagen. Winter (December to February), on the other hand, transforms Scandinavia into a snowy wonderland. It’s the season for skiing, dog sledding, and hunting the northern lights in places like Lofoten, Norway, Lapland, or Finland. Christmas markets and cosy traditions make this season magical. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are quieter, offering mild weather and fewer tourists. These shoulder seasons are ideal for enjoying the changing landscapes and exploring cities without the crowds.
Why golf in Scandinavia? Scandinavia and its Baltic neighbour, Estonia, have earned a reputation as hidden gems for European golfers. Home to some of the finest facilities on the continent, blending cutting-edge design with natural beauty, courses like Bro Hof Slott in Sweden and Great Northern in Denmark are renowned for their challenging layouts and impeccable maintenance. Lofoten Links, meanwhile, is a golf course that is truly otherworldly, its six thousand metres bordered by the crystal-clear icy waters of the Norwegian Sea. Estonia has similarly emerged as a golfing hotspot of recent, with courses such as Pärnu Bay Golf Links and Estonian Golf & Country Club providing a mix of high-quality design and picturesque surroundings for a relaxed golfing experience.
Where do you stay? Touring through the urban centres of Scandinavia and beyond there is plenty of five-star luxury to be enjoyed, like The Hotel Maria in Helsinki, an elegant stay located in one of the city’s most prestigious addresses close to the Presidential Palace and Senate Square. The very best of Estonia can be found at the Schlössle, Tallinn, which delivers an intimate five-star experience in a beautifully restored 13th-century medieval building. The Lily Country Club, located near Oslo overlooking Miklagard Golf Club, offers a serene retreat with golf facilities and the finest wellness amenities, while the Thon Hotel Lofoten in Norway boasts breathtaking views of the Arctic landscape, along with easy access to local adventures like fishing and hiking.
What activities can you do? Scandinavia has a wealth of activities for travellers of all kinds. Outdoor adventures are inevitably top of the list, with thousands of fjords, trails and mountains for hiking, kayaking, biking, skiing, or snowshoeing, but there’s plenty in the cities too, from the charm of Copenhagen’s Nyhavn district to the medieval streets of Tallinn and Helsinki’s innovative architecture. For culture and history buffs, wander the cobblestone streets of Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, visit the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, or if you’re looking for more indulgence, relax at the sandy beaches of Pärnu, head to a wellness retreat or spa session, or sample the best of Nordic cuisine – think Danish smørrebrød, Swedish herring, Finnish reindeer and Norwegian seafood.
What’s the ideal length of stay? To truly savour the best of Scandinavia and it’s golfing offerings, a stay of 14 days is recommended. This timeframe allows you to play as many at ten courses across five countries, explore the endless outdoors and sample some Michelin-starred cuisine.