Kongsvinger Golfklubb: A tee-riffic forest fairway escape

By Celina Tran | Photos: Kongsvinger Golfklubb

Are you an avid golfer searching for the perfect holiday destination? Or perhaps you are new to the game and ready to pick up a club for the first time? Combine sport and stunning scenery with a trip to Norway, where Kongsvinger Golfklubb offers a peaceful escape from city noise and busy deadlines

Deep in the forests of Eastern Norway, just ten minutes from the centre of Kongsvinger, lies one of Scandinavia’s most distinctive forest golf courses. Already on the drive to Liermoen, the forested area where the 18-hole course is set, you will feel a shift in pace. Here, the road narrows, the air sharpens, and the scent of pine becomes unmistakable. Upon arrival, you will find that the course offers far more than a round of golf, it offers a true nature break from the hustle and bustle.

Where nature shapes the game

The golf club was founded in 1989, originally operating a nine-hole course by Sigernessjøen Camping. In 2005, the crew opened the current 18-hole championship course at Liermoen, a scenic forest and multi-use area just outside town, and in 2012, Kongsvinger Golfklubb finally adopted its present name. “Today, we have around 1,100 members and it’s the largest sports club in the municipality,” says general manager Daniel Larsson.

The course itself has earned a reputation as one of the finest forest layouts in the Nordic region, having been voted Norway’s best golf club. And no wonder; the course itself feels sculpted rather than constructed, with fairways winding naturally between pine-lined corridors that shield players from urban noise.

Kongsvinger Golfklubb: A tee-riffic forest fairway escape

Here, morning rounds can unfold beneath a veil of mist rising between the trees. By afternoon, you might spot shafts of sunlight filtering through the canopy, illuminating bright strips of fairway against darker woodland. In autumn, the forest floor glows with copper and gold, creating a dramatic backdrop for every swing.

“Our vision is to offer what we call golfing joy in the forest,” says Larsson. “It’s where the silence and nature combine with the course to give you the very best experience, as well as a break from the busy everyday life outside.”

Indeed, it is not unusual to hear the distant tapping of a woodpecker as you line up a putt. The city feels far away, even though it is only minutes from the clubhouse.

Kongsvinger Golfklubb: A tee-riffic forest fairway escape

A destination beyond the fairways

At the heart of the golf club lie a clear set of values: inclusivity, ambitiousness and respect. These principles guide daily operations and shape the atmosphere that members and visitors encounter, explains Larsson. “We’re a club for everyone, no matter your age or skill level,” he says.

The club offers comprehensive practice areas, professional coaching and a well-stocked pro shop. Beginners can take their first swings in a supportive environment, while experienced golfers find a course that consistently tests and refines their game. Besides the main and practice court, there is free equipment rental, changing rooms and shower facilities, as well as a well-equipped shop.

The club’s facilities also support its focus on the social side of the sport. The clubhouse, which is located in the multi-purpose building on site, is operated by the club itself. Here, guests may grab a coffee in between rounds or end their games with a well-deserved lunch at the restaurant run by the on-site chef.

The clubhouse terrace, affectionately referred to as the 19th hole, is also a natural gathering point. With full licensing rights, summer guests might choose to enjoy long evenings under the Nordic sunset.

“To cater for all visitors, we also work with different local hospitality spots to offer different types of accommodations. There’s everything from the historical hotels near Kongsvinger Fortress, to traditional cabins in the forests, or even camping sites if you’re driving through with your camper van,” says Larsson.

And if you are only briefly in Norway, not to worry. Oslo Airport is only about an hour’s drive away, giving you the chance to turn a long layover into a fun experience with some of the area’s best sights included. “Whether you’re a new golfer or a professional, everyone’s more than welcome to Kongsvinger Golfklubb,” Larsson concludes.

Kongsvinger Golfklubb: A tee-riffic forest fairway escape