Lofoten Links is an Arctic seaside golf resort at Tore Hjortsvei 389, 8314 Gimsøysand, in the rural Hov area of Gimsøya, Norway’s Lofoten archipelago. Opened as a six-hole course in 1998 and expanded to 18 holes in 2015, it draws golfers for exposed coastal holes, mountain backdrops, and summer rounds beneath the midnight sun. Nordic-style lodges also make it a base for beach walks, horse riding, and northern-lights trips outside the bright summer months.
What to Expect at Lofoten Links
The par-71 course, designed by Jeremy Turner, threads between rocky shoreline, sandy beach, and rough grass beneath Hoven mountain. Its defining challenge is the setting itself: sea breezes alter club selection, exposed greens punish imprecise approaches, and the light changes constantly across the Norwegian Sea. The signature second hole is a short par three played toward a green framed by coastal rock and white sand. This is genuine links golf rather than a parkland course with a sea view; bring enough balls and clothing that works in wind-driven rain.
Accommodation centers on Nordic-style lodges rather than a conventional hotel block. Room bookings and whole-lodge stays suit different groups; check whether your chosen category includes shared living and kitchen space. Nearby, Låven at Hov Gård occupies a converted barn and provides a local dining option, while the farm organizes Icelandic-horse outings. Reserve meals and riding separately from golf. The resort also advertises Arctic Spa & Wellness, with treatments and lodge options; book these specifically rather than assuming spa access accompanies every room.
- Second-hole coastal green: The course’s best-known par three combines exposed rock, beach, and a demanding approach.
- Midnight-sun golf: Around late May to mid-July, continuous daylight makes unusually late rounds possible when tee times are offered.
- Hoven mountain: The compact, steep-sided summit forms the course’s unmistakable inland backdrop.
- Nordic-style lodges: Stay beside the golf landscape, with room and whole-lodge booking options.
- Dark-season skies: The rural coast offers northern-lights viewing opportunities when skies are clear and sufficiently dark.
Lofoten Links at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Tore Hjortsvei 389, 8314 Gimsøysand, Norway |
| Neighborhood / Area | Hov, northern Gimsøya, Lofoten |
| Operating Hours | Seasonal golf; daily tee times, reception hours, and course status vary. Winter lodge stays are offered separately. |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid golf and accommodation; $$$$ destination-resort tier. Green fees and room rates vary by date and package. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 5 to 6 hours for golf; 2 to 3 nights for a resort stay |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | No rail connection; road access from the E10 across Gimsøya. On-site parking; arrange taxis ahead. |
| Official Website & Phone | Lofoten Links official website; +47 76 07 20 02 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book summer tee times and accommodation together, especially for midnight-sun dates. Allow roughly an hour’s drive from either Svolvær or Leknes, depending on your starting point and conditions. A rental car is the simplest option: leave the E10 for Gimsøya and follow local roads toward Hov. Public transport is sparse, so check Reis Nordland before planning a bus-based arrival. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your round, and verify equipment hire, caddie availability, and buggy rules when booking.
Hov’s sandy beach and Hov Gård are natural nearby pairings, each within roughly a 5–15-minute walk of the resort’s central area. Keep off playing surfaces unless golfing, and give horses space. The coastal setting includes uneven turf, sand, rocks, and exposed outdoor routes: it is not uniformly wheelchair- or stroller-friendly. Request precise entrance, threshold, bathroom, and parking details for your lodge before reserving; a golf buggy is not a substitute for accessible accommodation. For a gentler outing, choose a short shoreline look rather than the steep Hoven hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Lofoten Links open, and when should I visit?
Golf operates seasonally, with playable dates dependent on course conditions. Choose June or early July for midnight-sun possibilities; check the official tee sheet and course-status page before traveling.
How much does it cost, and should I reserve?
This is a premium, paid golf destination, with date-dependent green fees and accommodation packages. Reserve through the official website, and confirm equipment rental and dining costs separately.
How much time should I allow?
Budget five to six hours for check-in, preparation, and an 18-hole round. Two or three nights give you more flexibility around wind, rain, and other island activities.
Is it suitable for families and visitors with limited mobility?
Families can combine lodge stays with beach time and separately booked horse riding. Visitors with limited mobility should discuss their exact room and course-access requirements before paying, because the outdoor terrain is uneven.
When planning your Lofoten Islands travel guide or browsing verified hotels in Lofoten Islands, pair this stop with standout local spots including Makalaus, Gallery Lofoten, Låven, and FURU Café (11.0 km away).
