A World Class Course in the Land of the Midnight Sun
Situated within the Arctic Circle, along Norway’s rugged northern coast, lies one of the most breathtaking and unique golfing experiences in the world. Framed by the vast Norwegian Sea and dramatic mountain ranges stretching to the horizon, this course offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and golfing adventure. This... is Lofoten Links.
Lofoten Links is now available in GOLF+
Fast Facts
Location: Lofoten Islands, Norway
Accessibility: Public
Year Opened: 2015
Architect: Jeremy Turner
Par: 71
Yardage: 6,662
World Golf Ranking: #88 (Golf.com Top 100 Courses); #24 (Golf Digest World's Best Golf Courses)
From Farmland to Fantasy
The land where Lofoten Links now sits was once the Hov family farm, a coastal estate that had been passed down through generations. In the 1980s, Tor Alfred Hov, inspired by a friend's recent trip to Scotland, began to dream of building a world-class golf course on the family’s Arctic Ocean-front property.
When Tor Alfred unexpectedly passed away in 1993, the dream was left to his son, Frode Hov. Having already begun to forge a career in hospitality and tourism, Frode dove deep into the world of golf course development and was determined to see his father’s vision realized by vowing to create "the world's most spectacular golf course."
The family was introduced to British architect Jeremy Turner, renowned for his Scandinavian course designs. Turner and his team began construction in 1998, starting with six holes. By 2010, the course had expanded to nine holes, and with Frode Hov’s persistence and the securing of additional investment, the dream finally came to fruition with the completion of the full 18-hole course.
In July 2015, Lofoten Links officially opened as an 18-hole golf destination.
Golf. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.
What truly sets Lofoten Links apart from any other golf course in the world is its extraordinary location. Situated north of the Arctic Circle, the course experiences the phenomenon of the midnight sun during the summer months. For 55 consecutive days, from May to July, the sun never fully sets, giving golfers the rare opportunity to play for 24 hours a day—a one-of-a-kind experience.
In contrast, the winter months bring nearly total darkness to the region, limiting the golf season at Lofoten Links to May through October. While fall may not offer the chance for round-the-clock golf, it presents something equally magical: the possibility of playing under the Northern Lights. It’s a golfing adventure unlike any other!
Worldwide Recognition
Despite its relatively young history, Lofoten Links is quickly solidifying its place among the top golf courses in the world.
In 2023, Norway’s undisputed #1 course made its debut at #88 on Golf.com’s prestigious list of the Top 100 Courses in the World. In 2022, Lofoten appeared for the first time in Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Courses (outside of the United States) at #44, and has since soared 20 spots to #24. It’s also consistently ranked as a Top-5 course in Continental Europe by various publications.
One of Lofoten’s standout features is its second hole—a stunning par three that plays downhill to an island green, framed by a towering rock formation. It’s widely regarded as the best par 3 in all of Europe, further cementing Lofoten’s reputation as a must-play destination.
James Wilson conducting the voiceover for the GOLF+ trailer video. Check out his recent documentary on the history of Lofoten Links!
How Can I Play Lofoten Links?
So, the question everyone’s asking: how do you actually get to play at Lofoten Links? The good news is that Lofoten Links is fully accessible to the public. Its greens fees are surprisingly affordable for a course of this caliber—and even better, they allow for unlimited 24-hour play! The bad news? It’s not the easiest place to get to.
But for those looking to make the once-in-a-lifetime journey, here’s how to get there, stay, and enjoy this bucket-list golfing experience.
1. Fly to Oslo, Norway
No matter where you’re coming from, your first stop will be Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL), Norway’s capital and largest international airport.
2. Take a Regional Domestic Flight
From Oslo, there are several connection options to get closer to Lofoten. The nearest major airport is Harstad/Narvik Airport (EVE), a 2.5-hour drive from Lofoten Links. Alternatively, you can fly to Leknes Airport (LKN) or Svolvær Airport (SVJ), which are closer but typically require a connecting flight through Bodø Airport (BOO).
3. Drive to Lofoten Links
The final leg of your journey is a scenic drive through some of Norway’s most beautiful landscapes. From Harstad/Narvik, it’s a 3-hour drive through fjords and mountains toward the Lofoten Islands. If you’re flying into Leknes or Svolvær, the drive is shorter—about 1 to 1.5 hours.
4. Stay at Lofoten Links
Once you arrive, you’ll find convenient on-site accommodations at Lofoten Links, with modern lodges available to rent. If you prefer, there are also plenty of hotels, cabins, and lodges in the nearby towns.
With a bit of travel planning, you’ll soon be enjoying one of the world’s most extraordinary golfing experiences at Lofoten Links.
Play Lofoten Links in GOLF+
Golfers can now get to experience the uniqueness and beauty of playing under the Midnight Sun and Northern Lights as Lofoten Links is now available in GOLF+.
For a limited time only, GOLF+ has discounted the cost of an annual GOLF+ PASS subscription to $49.99 (from $79.99). Experience a collection of the world's most iconic golf courses anytime - anywhere, with the GOLF+ PASS.
