Lofoten Links: The ultimate experience for die-hard golfers

Lofoten Links, a golf course in Norway, provides a truly unique golfing experience under the midnight sun, where the sun never sets during the summer months. This extraordinary phenomenon allows golfers to enjoy the game at any hour, bathed in continuous daylight.

The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs during the summer in regions north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle. During these months, the Earth’s axial tilt causes the North Pole to lean towards the sun, resulting in continuous daylight for several weeks.

In Norway, the Svalbard archipelago experiences the midnight sun from April 20 to August 22, the longest duration in the country.

Golfing Under the Midnight Sun: Lofoten Links Unique Phenomenon

Lofoten Links, situated on the beautiful Lofoten Islands, is one of the premier golf courses where players can experience the midnight sun. Nestled amidst sand dunes and facing the open ocean, this golf course is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and challenging layout.

Designed to integrate seamlessly with the natural landscape, Lofoten Links offers golfers a unique blend of rugged coastal beauty and top-notch golfing facilities.

The Lofoten Links course features a clubhouse equipped with a café, bar, pro shop, and meeting rooms, along with apartments and cabins available for hire. The golfing season at Lofoten Links runs from April to October, providing ample opportunities to play under the midnight sun. Golfers can enjoy a game at any hour, making the most of the continuous daylight to perfect their swings and take in the stunning views.

Playing golf at midnight is an otherworldly experience. The landscape, bathed in the soft, warm light of the midnight sun, transforms Lofoten Links into a scene straight out of a fairy tale. The shadows cast by the sun create a magical atmosphere, making each swing feel like a part of a grand adventure.

Jens Kristian Hansen, a veteran Norwegian golfer, captures the essence of this experience, saying, “Forget mindfulness. When you golf in the midnight sun, you get an intense feeling of being present in the moment.”

The course’s location by the ocean means that a wayward swing might send your ball into the seaweed, adding an extra layer of challenge to the game. But this is a small price to pay for the opportunity to play golf in such a unique setting.

The proximity to untouched Nordic nature means that players might encounter local wildlife, from reindeer to sea eagles, adding to the enchantment of the experience.

Lofoten Links is not the only golf course in Norway where you can play under the midnight sun. Bodø Golfpark, located minutes from the city center, offers spectacular views of Landegode and the Lofoten Islands.

The first nine holes of Bodø Golfpark are links, where the sea and wind often become opponents, while the last nine holes consist of a woodland course. The course is open 24 hours a day during the summer, allowing golfers to take full advantage of the midnight sun.

In Narvik, golfers can enjoy a course set against the steep mountains by the Ofotfjord, while Tromsø offers a course with direct views of the water. Each of these courses provides a unique experience, combining the thrill of midnight golf with the stunning natural beauty of Norway’s northern regions.

Golfing under the midnight sun is more than just a novel experience; it’s a significant part of northern culture. As Geir Johnsen, a hobby golfer and director at Nordlands County Council, explains,

“Being able to golf in nature in this way is an important part of the northern culture. When golfing, you’re active and social at the same time as you’re enjoying the nature. So golfing really helps to keep our nature alive and appreciated in the modern world.”

The northern golf courses like Lofoten Links are teeming with life, both on and off the greens. Players might find themselves putting alongside an elk or an otter, or trying to ace while gulls cry overhead.

At Bodø Golfpark, reindeer occasionally make appearances, and sea eagles can often be spotted soaring through the sky. The integration of nature and tradition in these courses ensures that golfing under the midnight sun is an experience that stays with players long after they’ve left the green.

Golf courses like Lofoten Links, Bodø Golfpark, and others in northern Norway offer an unparalleled golfing experience under the midnight sun. The unique combination of continuous daylight, stunning natural landscapes, and the chance to encounter local wildlife makes these courses a must-visit for any golf enthusiast. 

For those seeking an extraordinary golfing adventure, playing under the midnight sun in Norway is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a newcomer to the sport, the magical atmosphere and breathtaking views of these northern courses promise to make every game a cherished memory.