Tyrifjord Golf Club: Fjord Golf with a Rich History

A little over an hour northwest of Oslo, tucked away in Krokkleiva, Norway, lies a golf course of unparalleled charm: The Tyrifjord Golf Club is situated on its own small island in the fjord, connected to the mainland only by a narrow bridge. The course offers a quintessentially Scandinavian natural experience, featuring dense coniferous forest, gentle to steep elevation changes, and a palpable sense of being near the water.

As a par-72 course with total lengths ranging from 4,799 to 5,636 meters, the course demands less brute driving power than it does smart tactics and precise course management. Typically played on foot, the round is a truly magical experience, especially during the summer months when the days are long. Four-legged companions are also warmly welcomed here, as evidenced not least by the dedicated dog watering station in front of the clubhouse.

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Front Nine: Richteiche and Viking Harbor

The first nine holes combine golfing challenges with historical highlights. After a tactical start, the par-5 on hole 5—up to 476 meters long—captivates with fantastic views: At the edge of the slope, a mighty oak tree, which once served as a historic “Richteiche,” marks the reference point for the shot toward the lower-lying Fairway.

A visual gem follows on Hole 6: This par-3, up to 131 meters long, leads to a challenging, undulating peninsula green right on the fjord shore, behind which a Viking harbor once stood. The immediately following dogleg on the seventh hole is considered the most challenging hole of the entire round. Here, players must overcome a dip from elevated tees and avoid Bunkers at the bend before hitting toward the green, which passes by a hollowed-out oak tree. The first half of the round is rounded off by the course’s longest hole, a 518-meter Par-5 with a view of the clubhouse terrace.

Back Nine: S-curves, a waterfall, and the fjord green on the 15th

On the back nine, the waters of the fjord come into the players’ view even more impressively. As early as the 10th hole, players must carry a stream before the 439-meter-long Par-5 on the 11th hole—the second-most difficult hole of the round—winds uphill in an S-shape, offering spectacular panoramic views of the fjord landscape. On hole 13, the longest Par-3 of the round at up to 162 meters, a elevated tee calls for a low shot down onto a three-tiered green.

The visual and strategic highlight, however, is the 15th hole: this 364-meter-long Par-4 runs downhill toward the fjord. Here, a solitary tree blocks shots that veer too far to the right, while the approach shot must be placed precisely onto a two-tiered green situated right on the water’s edge. Next comes Hole 16, a 431-meter-long Par-5 running parallel to the shore, which even offers bold long hitters with a precise Draw a chance to reach the green with their second shot. The finale is Hole 18, a short 318-meter Par-4 that runs downhill toward the clubhouse.

Enjoyment at the Clubhouse and History at the Hotel Kleivstua

In addition to its outstanding condition, the course impresses with excellent service and a dining experience that offers an unusual yet delightful mix of German draft beer, Indian specialties, and tasty burgers.

Anyone traveling through Norway’s capital region should definitely plan a visit to this island course—perfectly combined with an overnight stay at the Hotel Kleivstua, just ten minutes away. This historic hotel has been brought up to the highest modern standards and not only offers rooms with typical Norwegian charm but also places great emphasis on sustainability, which is reflected in its excellent, regionally inspired cuisine.