Sweden – where variety is the spice of golfing life!
We take a look at some of the best courses around the city of Malmö
Swedish courses feature prominently in our European Top 100, with a dozen listed in the current version of that particular continental ranking chart. Jan Nordstrom, our Nordic correspondent, was keen to show us what golf was like in the south of the country, so last month three of our UK-based team joined him for a week’s golfing excursion around the city of Malmö, sampling some of the better courses in that area.
was where the Top 100 Team started the nine course tour and it was the perfect place to begin a visit to the Skåne region as it lies only half an hour’s drive south of the Öresund Bridge, which we drove across from Denmark, having flown into Copenhagen airport from the UK. There are twenty-seven seaside holes in play here, the original (19-27) course dating back to the 1930s, and the newer (1-18) course that attracts most visitors.
Of course, we tackled all twenty-seven holes at Ljunghusen, acclimatising to local conditions on the unique maritime heath of the Falsterbo Peninsula as this would set us up nicely for a full 36-hole links experience the following day – but before we departed, we caught sight of the first bathers we’d ever seen on a golf course; a couple of elderly ladies in white full-length dressing robes who’d just been for a dip in the sea and were crossing the course to head home on their bicycles!
The course at Falsterbo dates back more than a century, occupying a very special geographical location right at the southwestern tip of Sweden, where the Öresund Strait meets the Baltic Sea. Such are the vast numbers of twitchers who come to spot migrating birds every September, the golf club has to employ marshals to steer them safely across the fairways to the best vantage points on the coastline .
Close neighbour Flommen was next up the same afternoon, where Georg Kittel, long time member and club historian, very kindly spared the time to accompany our 4-ball during our round, pointing out various little features around the course that we might otherwise have missed without his helpful little insights. More a seaside layout than a true links, Flommen was nonetheless a delightful course to experience .
Following the coastal exploits of the first two days, it was time to move inland, to the east of Malmö at the stunning new 45-hole PGA of Sweden National golf complex. The 18-hole Lakes course was shut for renovation work so we tackled the Links course instead. You’re almost guaranteed to play a top track if it’s been designed by Kyle Phillips and this layout was no exception. It’s been constructed to a very high spec, using fescue grasses throughout to enhance its “inland links” credentials.
There’s no doubt professional tournaments will come the way of both PGA layouts in years to come but a course that’s already come under the international spotlight in 2003 is the Masters course at Barsebäck Golf & Country Club, which is situated around 30 kilometres to the north of Malmö. It’s here that Catrin Nilsmark captained Europe to a Solheim Cup victory against the USA in 2003 and the course is rather uniquely laid out across three contrasting parkland/seaside/woodland landforms.
Next day, we drove 120 kilometres north into the province of Halland to visit another Solheim Cup venue at Halmstad, where the club hosted the biennial series of matches in 2007, with Europe losing by four points in a keenly fought contest. Like the Barsebäck resort, there’s two 18-hole courses in play at Tylösand, as the locals call it, and we played the impressive Norra (North) course at this outstanding golf club.
An hour’s drive south, on the other side of Laholm Bay, another 36-hole facility was next up on the golfing agenda at Båstad Golfklubb, whose original 18-hole Gamla course was constructed by Fred Hawtree and J.H. Taylor back in the early 1930s. Martin Hawtree, Fred’s grandson, recently built a couple of new holes on this course and it was interesting to compare the new against the old on this heavily contoured layout.
And so to the final day of the Top 100 whistle stop visit to the south of Sweden, starting at yet another multi-course venue just outside Helsingborg, the TC course at Vasatorp. One of three 18-hole layouts at a very modern facility, the TC was awarded “Best course in Sweden” last year by the “World Golf Awards”. Industry insiders realise how misleading those titles can be and so it proved here, though the course did have its moments with a number of very good holes interspersing the not so good.
In the afternoon, we reached the climax of the trip and a game at the old 9-hole Viken layout at Helsingborgs Golfklubb, where golf – mainly of the hickory variety – has been played since 1924. It was a real pleasure to meet up with a very good friend, respected journalist Johan Lindeberg, who showed us around the old wooden clubhouse and told us a bit about the club’s history before joining us out on the links.
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After several days of playing a variety of championship courses, it was an absolute joy to get back to basics on the banks of the Öresund in the company of a man who truly embodies the spirit of golf in that part of the world.
The south of Sweden is probably not high on the hit list of many golfers seeking to play abroad – especially with established Mediterranean destinations like the Algarve, the Balearic Islands and the Spanish Costas offering year-round sunny skies – but for those seeking good quality, affordable golf that might be regarded as a little off-piste then you’ll not find many places better than here.
Jim McCann
Editor
Top 100 Golf Courses
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
Great Golf Resorts in Northern Europe Our last resort golf article focused on countries in central Europe and this time we move further north to examine a selection of golf facilities located in mainly Nordic and Baltic countries. Our journey starts near Oslo in Norway, moves south to Malmö in Sweden then across the Samsø Bælt by ferry to Aarhus in Denmark. We then traverse a thousand kilometres through northern Germany into Poland and the northern port of Gdańsk. From there, we head further east towards Vilnius in Lithuania before veering north through Riga in Latvia and the Estonian island of Saaremaa before another ferry trip across the Gulf of Finland and our final destination to the north of Helsinki. Norway – Miklagard We start at Miklagard Golf, one of 33 European golf facilities in the IMG Prestige network. For twenty years the club has operated a Robert Trent Jones II-designed course and this layout was purposefully built on a grand large scale to host elite golfing events, staging three editions of the Norwegian Challenge tournament between 2007 and 2017. Five years ago, a new hotel and spa was built on the former practice area, resulting in the remodelling of the opening hole and the construction of five new holes. The hotel, which trades under the name Lily Country Club, boasts 486 guest rooms, along with four restaurants and bars, conveniently situated close to Gardermoen international airport. Sweden – PGA Sweden National Designed by Kyle Phillips, the 45-hole golf complex at PGA Sweden National comprises two 18-hole courses, the Links and the Lakes, along with a 9-hole par three layout. First opened for play fourteen years ago, the facility presented a couple of editions of the Nordea Masters in 2014/15 and the season-ending Swedish Tour Final has been played here the last two years. On the top floors of the clubhouse, there are sixteen fully furnished suites for golfers who wish to stay and play at what effectively is a boutique hotel. The accommodation has inspiring views across the playing fields and the Skåne landscape beyond and it’s well worth taking advantage of a package deal to be able to wake up right at the first tee! Denmark – Lübker The 36-hole Lübker Golf & Spa Resort is home to another Robert Trent Jones II-designed layout, consisting of three championship-standard 9-hole circuits (named Sand, Sky and Forest) and a shorter Pay & Play course where absolute beginners are welcome to literally come in off the street and tee it up without any formal golfing qualification. Accommodation incorporates 27 apartments (which can sleep up to 4 golfers) next to the clubhouse, along with 19 holiday houses for rental that are dotted around the property, with each of these buildings capable of sleeping 4 to 6 people. Lübker Square is the resort’s wellness oasis and it includes indoor and outdoor spa facilities, subtropical baths and a gymnasium. Poland – Sand Valley The 18-hole layout at the Sand Valley Golf Resort opened its doors to visiting golfers in 2009, several years after building work first began on the site. The original construction company was replaced and American architect Tony Ristola brought in to oversee the efforts of new local contractors who eventually delivered a rather unique “inland links” style of course for the Finnish owner. On-site accommodation is described as “Scandinavian in design and American in spirit” with 18 villas (77 beds) and 12 suites and apartments (17 beds) positioned close to the clubhouse – villas are equipped with saunas and designer kitchens and larger buildings come complete with their own private swimming pool. Lithuania – V Golf Club Located half an hour’s drive north of Vilnius, the 18-hole layout at the V Golf Club held the European Men’s and Ladies’ Team Shield tournaments in 2019. Jon Hunt from PGA Design laid out the course fourteen years ago, when he expanded the original very modest golf facility of three short holes and a driving range into a modern setup which is now able to hold international golf events. The hotel at the adjacent Vilnius Grand Resort has 240 rooms, complemented by a spa and wellness centre (with pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and a variety of water massage experiences). There are also basketball and tennis courts, a lake for fishing and during the summer season guests can visit the private beach. Latvia – Jurmala Fashioned by Dirk Bouts from Nicklaus Design, the Championship 18-hole layout and 9-hole par three academy course at Jurmala Golf Club & Hotel in Riga debuted in 2018. Like V Golf Club, Jurmala staged the same two EGA team competitions in 2021, confirming its tournament-hosting capabilities. It’s hard to believe with the quality of this new design that a rather ordinary course once occupied the same site. The on-site boutique hotel features 17 double/twin rooms (extending to 18 square metres) and 2 suites that are more than double the size of the standard rooms. All rooms are air conditioned, with stay and play guests also having the use of the sauna. Meals can be taken in the clubhouse restaurant (with seating for 70) or by ordering room service. Estonia – Saare Saaremaa in Saare County is the largest island in Estonia, requiring visitors to take the ferry across the Suur Strait then drive across a causeway from the island of Muhu to reach it. Saaremaa Golf & Country Club is the island’s golfing jewel, designed by Lassi Pekka Tilander in 2008, with holes set out as two returning nines and water coming into play more often than not during a round here. The club collaborates with several hotels – namely the Arensburg Boutique Hotel & Spa, Georg Ots Spa Hotel, Johan Spa Hotell and Grand Rose Spa Hotel – to offer 5-day or 7-day golf packages, allowing visitors unlimited golf, breakfast at the hotel and use of the club sauna while residing at these spa hotels in nearby Kuressaare. Finland – Linna One of a select group of 18 European golf facilities in the worldwide European Tour Destinations portfolio, Linna Golf is an early new millennium production from Tim Lobb when he was working with European Golf Design. With holes routed through mature woodland next to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Katumajärvi, the course was a popular venue for professionals competing in the inaugural European Tour Properties Senior Classic in the summer of 2017. Positioned only a short 5-minute walk from the clubhouse, the Hotel Vanajanlinna provides luxurious accommodation in a historic manor house setting from the early 1900s. The main building contains 34 guest rooms, restaurant and event rooms, all decorated in the style of the original Manor. Additional boarding options are available at the Grand Suites, Club Suites and Vanajanlinna Villas which are situated even closer to the course. 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
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.
