Vårgårda

Sweden's Baltic Sea island of Gotland remains one of Europe's best-kept golfing secrets, combining world-class courses with medieval history that few international golfers have discovered. While Swedes have treasured this summer retreat for over a century - attracting legends like filmmaker Ingmar Bergman and Prime Minister Olof Palme - visitors from beyond Scandinavia rarely experience its unique blend of exceptional golf and UNESCO World Heritage charm. Gotland appeals to discerning golfers for three compelling reasons: those seeking something genuinely different after playing traditional destinations, travellers with non-golfing companions who want cultural immersion beyond resort amenities, and budget-conscious players attracted to exceptional value. Sweden's highest-ranked golf course costs approximately £120 (€145/$155) at peak rates - remarkable value for golf worth travelling for in one of Europe's most historically significant settings. Why Choose Gotland, Sweden for Golf? Sweden's highest-ranked golf course is at Visby Golf Club Four distinctly different courses within an hour's drive of each other UNESCO World Heritage walled city and over 90 medieval churches on the island Authentic Swedish island culture without the crowds (except for a few week a year!) Exceptional value compared to other European destinations Sweden's Best Golf Course and Island Gems Visby Golf Club dominates Gotland's golf scene with 27 exceptional holes at Kronholmen. This world-class layout sits dramatically beside the Baltic Sea, crafted by successive architects including Sköld, Nordwall, and Fulke/Mednickson into what many consider Sweden's finest golf course. The course gained international recognition through No Laying Up's Scandinavian Tourist Sauce video series, showcasing its spectacular coastal setting. Green fees are approximately £120 (€145/$155) at peak rates, representing exceptional value for golf worth travelling for. När Golf Club delivers authentic golf, typical of the island's unique landscape. This course mixes holes winding through the coastal pine forest with more open ones exposed to the elements. The exceptional drainage provided by the limestone base, combined with limited irrigation, often creates firm, fast conditions that transform the experience into genuine links-style golf. When winds blow across this relatively short layout, golfers face a delightful challenge that captures the authentic island character. Green fees approximately £50 (€60/$65). Slite Golf Club challenges players with pure fescue fairways and greens that deliver lightning-fast conditions during dry spells. The limestone foundation ensures excellent drainage, whilst water conservation means limited irrigation beyond the greens. This creates playing surfaces reminiscent of British links golf from decades past, with balls rolling considerable distances on bone-hard fairways. The modern bunkering and heathland-parkland setting provides visual appeal alongside the technical challenge. Green fees approximately £55 (€65/$70). Gumbalde Resort offers parkland golf designed by Pierre Fulke, the 2002 Ryder Cup team member who has become renowned for golf course architecture locally. This tree-lined layout features taller pines and deciduous trees throughout most holes, providing more traditional resort amenities, including on-site accommodation that makes it suitable for golfers preferring comprehensive facilities outside Visby. While less distinctive than the island's other courses, Gumbalde delivers quality golf in a greener, more manicured setting. Green fees approximately £60 (€70/$75). Sample Itinerary: 4-Day Gotland Golf Adventure Day 1: Arrival and Visby Exploration Arrive via 45-minute flight from Stockholm Arlanda or 3.5-hour ferry from Nynäshamn with vehicle. Collect a rental car if flying and settle into Visby accommodation within the medieval walled city. Explore UNESCO World Heritage centre, walk cobblestone streets past 13th-century architecture, and enjoy a traditional Swedish dinner at a historic restaurant. Day 2: Great Golf at Visby Morning round at Visby Golf Club's dramatic Baltic Sea setting. Experience Sweden's highest-ranked course with its world-class design and international recognition. Afternoon exploring medieval churches scattered across the island or relaxing in Visby's atmospheric centre with its intact city walls. Day 3: Authentic Island Golf Play När Golf Club for a genuine limestone country golf experience, followed by an afternoon round at Gumbalde Resort's parkland layout - these two courses sit within 20 minutes of each other, making them ideal to combine in a single day. This pairing offers distinctly different golf experiences whilst providing non-golfing companions access to resort amenities including relaxation facilities, padel courts, and proximity to churches or Bronze Age archaeological sites. Day 4: Resort Golf and Departure Morning round at Gumbalde Golf & Country Club's Pierre Fulke-designed parkland layout. Afternoon departure via ferry or flight, timing dependent on travel arrangements and preferred schedule flexibility. *If you want the trip to build and finish with the very best of Swedish golf, swap the days and finish at Visby. Gotland Travel Logistics Transportation Strategy Flying from Stockholm Arlanda provides the most efficient access with 45-minute flights to Visby Airport. Car rental becomes essential for accessing golf courses effectively, as public transport proves inadequate. Ferry travel from Nynäshamn takes 3.5 hours and accommodates all kinds of vehicles, popular with golfers in the Stockholm region who prefer driving their own cars. Ferry connections also operate from Oskarshamn for southern approaches, but international travellers contemplating taking their own car to Gotland should remember that Oskarshamn is still a solid four-hour drive from the Danish border at the Öresund bridge between Malmö and Copenhagen. Weather and Seasonal Planning Gotland's golf courses tend to be open with ordinary greens from early April to the end of October, perhaps early November as Gotland's Baltic Sea location creates moderate temperatures with changeable coastal conditions. Restrictions on water usage during the peak summer season mean many courses will play firm and fast, particularly when extended dry spells create bone-hard fairways reminiscent of British links from previous decades. August and September provide optimal conditions when summer crowds diminish, but the weather remains excellent. The shallow Baltic Sea stays swimmable (16-19°C) through September, whilst course conditions are likely to be very close to their best. June offers maximum daylight hours, but expect colder winds and water temperatures. Local Golf Culture and Expectations Swedish golf is both relaxed and sporty: expect walking most courses as golf carts are not standard but can sometimes be reserved also without a medical certificate. Where to Stay for Gotland Golf Historic Visby Centre Accommodation Staying within the medieval walled city provides unmatched cultural immersion with easy access to restaurants, bars, and historical attractions. Book well in advance during peak summer, particularly avoiding three critical weeks: Week 26 (Almedalen Political Week when Swedish politicians descend), Week 29 (Stockholm party week), and Week 32 (Medieval Week costume festivities). These periods transform the normally peaceful island into crowded destinations with inflated prices and limited availability. Local property owners often finance entire annual budgets by renting during these weeks, indicating premium pricing and limited availability. Resort Accommodation Options Gumbalde Golf & Country Club offers on-site accommodation for golfers preferring resort convenience with course access. This suits visitors focusing primarily on golf whilst maintaining quality standards and proximity to multiple courses, particularly När. Authentic Island Experiences Local guesthouses and bed-and-breakfast options throughout the island provide genuine Swedish hospitality and value. With 61,000 permanent residents and over 10,000 summer houses, accommodation ranges from traditional to contemporary, though booking remains essential during peak periods. Budget-Conscious Alternatives Summer camping and cabin rentals suit cost-conscious golfers, though popularity demands early reservations. Many include kitchen facilities enabling self-catering, which significantly reduces meal costs during the expensive summer season. Gotland's Culinary Scene and Local Specialities Restaurant Planning Reality and Top Dining Experiences Gotland's dining scene requires serious planning, particularly for premium establishments that have elevated the island into a Swedish culinary destination. Krakas Krog represents excellent gastronomy for serious gourmets. Owner Ulrika Karlsson maintains a wine list like few others, making this the destination for premium dining experiences. The restaurant is over 30 minutes' drive from Visby, so book accommodation on-site or arrange taxi transport for the return journey to also enjoy the wines complementing the multi-course tasting menu. Sweden's 0.02% drink/driving limit is stricter than most. Bakfickan specialises in seafood within central Visby's historic setting. With only 30 seats, advance reservations prove essential - even off-peak periods might see complete availability exhausted days or even weeks ahead. Surfers offers classical Asian fusion cuisine in central Visby with good atmosphere and decent food that won't strain budgets. The combination of location, quality, and value makes this popular among visitors seeking reliable dining without premium pricing. Värdshuset Lindgården serves classical Swedish cuisine in traditional settings on Strandgatan, central Visby's busiest street. This suits international visitors seeking authentic Swedish culinary experiences. Lilla Bjers Gårdskrog provides an excellent alternative when Krakas proves unavailable. Located just south of Visby, this establishment delivers quality gastronomy with easier accessibility than some remote locations. Visby's Historic Restaurant Scene Medieval city centre offers diverse dining from casual to upscale establishments, many occupying historic buildings that enhance the atmospheric experience. Summer outdoor dining takes advantage of extended daylight hours when evening light continues well past traditional dinner times, up until 11 pm in June! Local Specialities and Must-Try Dessert Try Gotlandic lamb, renowned throughout Sweden for its distinctive flavour developed from the island's limestone-rich pastures. Local dairy products, particularly artisanal cheeses, reflect centuries of agricultural heritage. Fresh Baltic Sea fish features prominently in most restaurant menus. No visit to Gotland is complete without experiencing saffranspannkaka (saffron pancake), the island's signature dessert that has become a beloved tourism symbol. This golden, custard-like creation combines rice pudding with saffron, almonds, eggs, and cream, then gets baked into a soft, indulgent pancake. Traditionally served cold or at room temperature with whipped cream and dewberry jam (salmbärssylt), this medieval-rooted delicacy represents Gotland's Hanseatic League prosperity when exotic spices like saffron reached the island through Baltic trade routes. The dish originally appeared at Christmas using leftover rice porridge, but evolved into a festive staple for weddings, anniversaries, and special occasions throughout the 19th century. As well, Toast Skagen at Visby Golf Club comes highly recommended! Booking Golf on Gotland Advance Reservation Requirements Visby Golf Club requires booking, particularly during peak summer months from midsummer (20 June) through mid-August when Swedish school holidays create maximum demand. International visitors should secure tee times at least two weeks ahead during high season, with flexibility proving essential. Seasonal Availability Patterns Gotland experiences dramatic seasonal variation with intense crowds from midsummer until mid-August when Swedes return to work and school schedules. Golf courses operate optimally during shoulder seasons when conditions excel but demand moderates, creating ideal circumstances for international visitors. Local Booking Insights Most tourist information sites are available only in Swedish, limiting international planning resources. Visby Golf Club and Gumbalde Resort maintain English-language versions of their websites, indicating their international orientation, whilst smaller courses cater primarily to domestic Swedish markets. Activities Beyond Golf - Living Medieval Museum UNESCO World Heritage Exploration Gotland functions as an open-air medieval museum with Visby's intact walled city representing one of Europe's best-preserved medieval centres. Historical Context and Significance The Hanseatic League connected mainly Low German merchants from Bruges to Lübeck to St. Petersburg in a medieval European trading union. Gotland's strategic location made it a required stop and major trading hub, generating enormous wealth reflected in the elaborate church construction that characterises the island today. When shipping technology advanced and trade routes bypassed Gotland, combined with plague and climate changes, the island became "dirt poor" almost overnight. This economic decline preserved over 90 medieval churches dating from 1100 to 1350, creating an unparalleled concentration of religious architecture spanning two and a half centuries. Compact Cultural Experiences Despite covering a similar area to Majorca, Gotland hosts only 61,000 permanent residents compared to Majorca's 1 million population. This creates manageable cultural exploration without overwhelming crowds outside peak Swedish holiday periods. Cinema enthusiasts can visit the Bergman Center on nearby Fårö island, reached by a short ferry, where Ingmar Bergman spent summers and assembled memorabilia from his career. Tarkovsky filmed "The Sacrifice" near När Golf Club, winning international awards, showcasing Gotland's distinctive landscape. Insider Local Knowledge Critical Timing Avoidance Three specific weeks transform peaceful Gotland into crowded, expensive destinations requiring strategic avoidance: Week 26 brings Almedalen Political Week, when Swedish politicians, ministers, and media create Westminster-style networking chaos with most upscale establishments booked. Week 29 attracts Stockholm's party crowd. Week 32 hosts Medieval Week with costume enthusiasts recreating historical periods in central Visby. Optimal Playing Conditions Courses reach peak condition during August-September when summer crowds diminish but weather remains excellent. The contrast with July couldn't be starker. Gotland experiences one of Sweden's most intense seasonal transformations, where the island becomes overwhelmed and chaotic during six weeks of peak summer. Water conservation due to limestone geology and limited surface water creates firm, fast playing conditions reminiscent of traditional British links golf before widespread irrigation installation. Extended dry spells produce "bone-hard fairways" where balls roll extensively, creating playing experiences unavailable at modern irrigated courses. This authentic character particularly appeals to golfers seeking traditional conditions increasingly rare elsewhere. Transportation and Access Reality Rental cars prove virtually essential for efficient golf course access and island exploration. Public transportation exists but inadequately serves golfers wanting to play multiple courses or explore comprehensively. Everything golf-related remains within an hour's drive, but that hour becomes crucial for maximising limited holiday time. Budget Planning and Travel Value Golf Course Value Assessment Visby Golf Club at approximately £120 (€145/$155) represents exceptional value for golf of international calibre. Supporting courses at £50-60 (€60-70/$65-80) provide an excellent variety without premium pricing, enabling comprehensive island golf exploration within reasonable budgets. Strategic Money-Saving Approaches Shoulder season visits (June or September) offer better accommodation rates, course availability, and optimal playing conditions. Self-catering accommodation significantly reduces dining costs during expensive summer periods. Additional Cost Considerations and Transportation Ferry transport costs approximately £40-60 (€50-70/$55-80) per person each way from the Stockholm area, plus vehicle charges if driving. Flight connections add similar costs but save considerable time. Car rental is essential. Gotland represents one of Europe's most authentic golf destinations, combining Sweden's finest golf course with genuine medieval history and local culture that remains largely undiscovered by international visitors. The island's isolation has preserved both its historical character and natural golf experiences that create unforgettable Baltic Sea adventures. For golfers seeking quality courses, cultural immersion, and escape from overcrowded destinations, Gotland delivers exceptional value whilst maintaining distinctly Swedish authenticity that defines truly memorable golf travel.

In this episode of 'Top100 Clubhouse' James is joined by Frode Hov, the driving force behind the sensational Lofoten Links in Norway. They discuss what makes Lofoten such a special place, and why it's a must visit for any golf course lover! Next, James chats to Swedish pro golfer Per G. Nyman about his time competing on the European Tour and Challenge Tour, and and how he then made the move from pro golf to golf course management, he's currenting managing Växjö Golf Club in Sweden. Previous Episode - Don't Miss Out! In the previous episode of 'The Clubhouse' James is joined by a Scottish golf architecture legend; David McLay Kidd. The Glasgow-born Kidd founded DMK Golf Design in 2000, and ultimately went on to design incredible (but sometimes divisive) courses such as Bandon Dunes, St. Andrews (Castle) & Gamble Sands in Washington State. In this interview James talks to him about his life in golf, and how he approaches/thinks about course design. What Are The Top 100 Clubhouse Podcasts About? Top 100 Clubhouse is the ultimate podcast for golf enthusiasts! Join us as we delve deep into the minds of fascinating individuals from every corner of the golfing world. From players to course designers, caddies to golf historians, we'll leave no stone unturned in our quest to share unique insights and experiences with the Top100 Community. Together we'll explore the stunning courses and breathtaking landscapes, enjoying the unforgettable stories that bring the game of golf to life. How Do I Listen To The Latest Top 100 Clubhouse Podcast? You can download and listen on the following links. Listen now, wherever you download your podcast! Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcast  Podtail We Need Your Feedback? The Next Podcast Interview? Top 100 members can share their views on who should join the next Top 100 Clubhouse podcast show? If you have an idea who you would like to hear, why not drop our Top 100 Clubhouse host James Henderson an email on james@top100golfcourses.com Happy Listening!

Further golf resorts in North, Central and Southeast Europe When we embarked on our resort golf write ups fifteen months ago, the original intent was to cover all the usual sun-kissed suspects such as Portugal and Spain then maybe France and Italy. Well, we’ve written about all of those places but we then decided to venture a little further afield to even hotter spots like Cyprus, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey. Back in mainland Europe, we’ve also reported on resorts in the likes of the Nordic nations and Germany. Now, with the 20th edition of this resort golf feature, we’re concluding with a round-up across nine different countries in North, Central and Southeast Europe, starting off in Norway then working our way south to end up in Bulgaria. Norway – Losby Located 20 kilometres east of Oslo city centre, Losby Golfklubb lies on the edge of a densely forested area, with the Østmork 18-hole course the championship layout at an impressive 27-hole facility. Designed by Swedish architect Peter Nordwall in the late 1990s, the course hosted the third edition of the short-lived SAS Masters tournament on the Ladies European Tour in 2007, with home favourite Suzann Pederson winning by nine shots from nearest competitor Nikki Garrett. The on-site Losby Gods hotel has 70 guest rooms, comprising 45 standard rooms (30 with a double bed and 15 with two single beds), 20 deluxe rooms (with balcony views), four suites on two levels and the special Haakon Suite which is the only room in the old part of the original hotel dating back to 1850. Traditional Nordic cuisine is served in a restaurant that’s divided into four separate dining areas, each of which is decorated in a manor house style. Sweden – Barsebäck A 6-hour drive south of Oslo will bring you to Barsebäck Golf Resort on the southwest coast of Sweden, featuring two 18-hole layouts: the Ocean course (formerly called Masters) and the Pine (previously named Donald Steel). The club has hosted many top amateur and professional competitions in the modern era, with the pick of these probably the Solheim Cup matches for Team Europe against the United States in 2003, when Swede Catrin Nilsmark led the home side to a 17½-10½ victory against their transatlantic opponents. The recently renovated hotel at Barsebäck offers 18 standard double rooms on the first floor and 18 deluxe double rooms on the second floor. All of these air-conditioned rooms are furnished with a comfortable seating area for relaxation and a work area with a desk. There are also a number of 2-bedroom villas available which have a kitchen, dining room and separate living area. Denmark – HimmerLand The HimmerLand resort is positioned 470 kilometres northwest of Barsebäck, near the city of Aalborg on Denmark’s Jutland peninsula. The Old course opened in the late 1970s, with the New course arriving in the early 1990s. Redesigned by Philip Christian Spogárd and Michiel Van Der Vaart a decade ago, the New course has staged seven of the eight editions of the DP World Tour’s Made in Himmerland tournament since it was introduced on the men’s professional circuit in 2014. In 2020, the previously named Himmerland Golf & Spa Resort changed its name to HimmerLand and it expanded its activity options by opening a sports hall to offer guests tennis, football, bowling and padel facilities. A new spa area was also opened and a hotel wing was brought into operation, bringing the total number of guest rooms up to 86. Poland – Modry Las Modry Las Golf Resort is situated in northwest Poland and this 27-hole facility also now carries the prestigious PGA National Poland designation. Designed by Gary Player, the main 18-hole Modry Las course is laid out next to Raduń Lake, with the opening three holes and the 18th hole routed beside the lake shores. Be sure to also play the lovely 9-hole Orli Las short course when you visit here. The accommodation options at Modry Las include eleven double rooms in the new clubhouse (inaugurated in the summer of 2020), together with six 1-bedroom Garden Suites and three Woodland Cottages (each with two double bedrooms) which nestle in woodland between the par four 8th and par five 16th holes. Additional cottages are currently being built. Czech Republic – Panorama A 6-hour drive south from Modry Las takes you to another 27-hole complex at the Panorama Golf Resort near the small market town of Kácov in the Czech Republic, where three 9-hole circuits (Meadow, Forest and River) are set out on a rather hilly property overlooking the Sázava River. There are ten double rooms and four suites in the upper level of the clubhouse and next to this building there are bungalows which offer twelve double rooms and six suites. All rooms come with an outside terrace overlooking the course. The wellness centre has an indoor pool and whirlpool, sauna and steam bath, while the Panorama Restaurant serves Czech cuisine with a modern touch. Slovakia – Tále (Gray Bear) The 27-hole operation at Tále Ski, Golf & Hotel Resort is located in the Low Tetras National Park (a good 2½-hour drive northeast of Bratislava) with an 18-hole championship-standard course called Gray Bear and a 9-hole bi-directional layout named Little Bear. Opened for business in 2002, the golf centre was literally carved out of dense woodland in a mountain valley by American architects Bob Walton and Skip Malek. The 3-star Stupka Hotel extends to 41 guest rooms. comprising apartments, twin rooms, deluxe double rooms, suites and a presidential apartment. The spa and wellness centre includes a saltwater pool, Finnish sauna, two steam saunas and a hot tub. The Koliba Stupka restaurant sits up to 100 people and serves chicken, pork ribs and other typical Slovak dishes grilled in a traditional style on charcoal. Hungary – Old Lake Continuing south towards Budapest, the Old Lake Golf Club & Hotel sits less than an hour’s drive outside the capital, within the former hunting grounds of the noble Eszterházy family. Launched in the late 1990s, this 18-hole layout has hosted several international ladies and senior tournaments under the auspices of the European Senior Golf Association, the European Golf Association and the Ladies European Tour. The 4-star on-site hotel at Old Lake boasts thirty-four air-conditioned guest rooms (29 standard, 5 suites) and the Esterházy Restaurant serves both Hungarian and international food. The Bowling Bar is a great place for groups with a two-lane bowling alley, dart board and billiards table for relaxation. The wellness centre features a jacuzzi, Finnish sauna, steam cabin, fitness room and a couple of massage rooms. Slovenia – Grad Otočec Continue 500 kilometres southwest from Budapest and you’ll arrive at Golf Grad Otočec, which lies halfway between the Slovenian capital Ljubljana and Zagreb in neighbouring Croatia. Howard Swan was the architect behind this project, working with a local student architect, and they set out the course across a hilly, heavily forested landscape above the Krka River. Positioned on an island in the river, 1½ kilometres from the golf club, the 5-star Otočec Castle Hotel has 16 guest rooms available for visiting golfers, consisting of ten double rooms and six suites. The Castle Restaurant is a member of the renowned Chaîne des Rôtisseurs gastronomy association and guests can also enjoy the extensive spa facilities in the nearby 4-star Hotel Šport (which has another 88 rooms). Bulgaria – Pirin Our final destination lies a thousand kilometres to the southeast of Slovenia near the ski resort of Bansko in Bulgaria at Pirin Golf & Country Club. Designed by Gary Johnston of European Golf Design, in conjunction with Ian Woosnam, the main 18-hole layout is laid out around several lakes and a mountain creek which winds its way through the property. Built by the Balkanstoy construction company, it’s a sister course to Lighthouse on the Black Sea. The 5-star Pirin Golf Hotel and Spa contains 62 guest rooms and 9 suites and the apartment complex (spread out over five districts) provides many more one-, two- and three-bedroom self-catering options, along with three luxury chalets for large groups. There are eight restaurants offering a wide choice of cuisine – everything from local dishes to Asian food. The wellness centre has seven pools, thermal and therapeutic zones plus treatment and massage areas. If you have any comment to make on the above article then please use the “WRITE A RESPONSE” link at the bottom of this page. Jim McCann Editor Top 100 Golf Courses