Every disc golf course in Iceland, on one map

New to folf? Start here

Folf (or disc golf) is like golf, except you throw a disc instead of hitting a ball. The goal is simple: land the disc in the basket in as few throws as possible. Iceland has over 90 free courses you can play year-round.

courses
93

courses

regions
8

regions

year-round
22

year-round

What do you need to start?

To start playing folf you really only need one disc, but we recommend three: a putter for short shots, a midrange for medium-length throws, and a driver for longer tee shots. Dress for the weather and pick comfortable shoes, as Icelandic weather can change fast.

Disc types

As in most sports, the equipment has evolved over the years and many companies make discs for disc golf. Different discs suit different conditions, for example when there are obstacles in the throwing line or in strong wind. Broadly, discs split into three categories: putters, midranges, and drivers.

Putters are the slowest discs but the most accurate. You can hit the basket from short range with great accuracy because they fly straight, i.e. they don't curve left or right unless the disc is tilted.

Midranges are used for most mid-range shots where accuracy matters more than distance. These discs also work well for beginners and are ideal if a player only owns one disc.

Drivers are for the longest shots, and they offer the biggest selection of any disc category. You can get discs that curve hard to the right, others that curve hard to the left, and discs that fly very straight. The longest discs can fly 150-200 metres in the hands of experienced throwers.

Adapted from the What is folf? article on folf.is.

Where to get discs

Discs and gear are available all over the country, including sports shops in Reykjavík, Akureyri and elsewhere, as well as online. Specialist folf shops have the biggest selection, such as Frisbígolfbúðin, Folfdiskar and Folfarinn, and starter sets are sold at Elko among other places. Don't overthink it, grab a starter set and give it a go!

Rules

Disc golf is played much like traditional golf, but with frisbee discs. The goal is to throw the disc into the basket in as few throws as possible, and whoever needs the fewest throws wins. The second throw is taken from where the disc landed after the first, and the player furthest from the basket throws first.

Consideration is a big part of the game. It's fair that your opponent gets to throw without being disturbed, because you'd want the same. Don't take a throw until you're sure the flight and landing of your disc won't disturb the other players.

Tee throws must take place on or behind the tee line. Don't throw until the players in front of you are out of range. The opening throws are taken in a pre-set order, and after that the order follows the score from the previous hole; the player with the fewest throws tees off first.

Discs should always be left where they lie and not picked up until the throw is taken. It takes practice to position your feet correctly when you throw. The foot you put your weight on during the throw must be as close to the lie as possible. It must never cross the throwing line and no more than 30 cm behind it or to either side. The other foot can be anywhere, as long as it isn't closer to the basket than the throwing line.

You're allowed to follow through by stepping over the throwing line after the throw, except when putting, i.e. within 10 metres of the basket. You're not allowed to fall forward to keep your balance on a putt.

If the disc gets stuck in a tree or bush more than 2 metres up, the disc is moved and placed on the ground exactly below where it was stuck, and thrown from there. If the disc lands somewhere it can't be thrown from, it's moved out of that situation (though never closer to the basket) and one penalty stroke is added to the scorecard.

Adapted from the folf.is rules.

On the course

Wait for the group ahead to finish the hole before you throw. Pick up your trash and respect the surroundings, as almost every course in Iceland is in a public park. Where a hole crosses a path or playground, yield to walkers, children and dogs. If you tear up a divot, put it back in place, and respect "closed for nesting" signs in the spring.

First courses to try

Klambratún in central Reykjavík is the most popular course in the country and a great place to learn. Fossvogsdalur and Laugardalur are likewise fun and beginner-friendly. When you feel ready for the next step, the 18-hole courses at Grafarholt, Gufunes and Selfoss are the next stop.