Blog | Golf at Nes Verk: Riverside Bliss near Tvedestrand, Norway

Two kindred spirits bound by wanderlust, you drive along the scenic country roads toward the golfpark up ahead.. The journey unfolds like a literary tale, each cresting hill revealing a new stanza. At journey’s end, your destination appears—Nes Verk Golfpark.

These 18 holes harmoniously intertwine sport and countryside, tracing the land’s supple contours. Here, golf becomes a moving pilgrimage celebrating earth’s abiding grace.

On bright days when the wind tousles the gorse like unruly hair, come wander these hallowed grounds once trod by raiders where bird song now fills the air. Savor communion with nature’s glory before returning to Riverside Bliss refreshed.

“Onward to revelry upon the links!” you proclaim eagerly. A perfect day playing the Green awaits.

The drive makes for the perfect prelude, tuning mind and muscle for the athletic poetry ahead. Your journey unfolds as if following an ancient saga: “Ye shall follow the road o’er hill and vale, past babbling brooks and under bowers green...”

Fingers of light filter through the leafy canopy, dappling the road with verdant splendor. Around each bend, new vistas unfold – rolling emerald hills unfurling like velvet ribbons.

The fairways soon appear, seamlessly stitched into the land’s patchwork terrain—heraldic carpets awaiting your arrival. You glide into the gravel lot, mind calm, body ready. The scenic passage complete, you feel pleasantly transported to a simpler era of knights and squires roaming untamed grasslands.

“Onward to conquest, my fellow golfer!” you proclaim, eager for friendly battle upon the links.

Crossing the clubhouse threshold transports you centuries back to Scotland’s misty greens. Stags peer down with glassy eyes as tartan flags flutter overhead. The pro shop exudes a medieval workshop’s aroma of leather and lubricant.

Outside, a train whistle drifts from the 16th hole. Club bags crinkle amid lively conversation—a soothing backdrop score. On the practice green, men in plus fours stroke putting challenges across the meticulously manicured terrain.

You stride toward the first hole, imagination flickering between reality and daydream. Are those ghosts of businessmen come to play? Will a caddy boy appear offering whisky and cigarettes?

Like Alice down the rabbit hole, the mundane becomes magical upon the fairways. What wonders await around the next dogleg?

"Curiouser and curiouser," you whisper in awe.

Approaching the first tee, your caddy hands you a gleaming wooden peg upon which the number one winks knowingly—a symbolic key turning destiny’s lock. You smile and drive off, your ball tracing a parabola against the azure sky then landing gracefully on the verdant veldt below.

And so begins your odyssey across sacrosanct earth—once thunderous with Viking hordes, now tranquil home to blackbirds and hares.

The front nine unfolds pleasingly—challenging doglegs around glacial ponds, treacherous sand traps poised to swallow the unwary, slick greens eluding those less focused. You match wits with the course, cursing then caressing each hole in turn.

By the back nine, you achieve a zen-like rhythm, conducting each shot like a maestro guiding his orchestra through a complex melody. The land’s contours sing through your muscles in this athletic dance.

Too soon the 18th green approaches. You shake hands with your partner, cheeks flush with exertion, camaraderie, and reluctance for the game to end. One last lingering look across the vivid landscape etched in memory, then onward to the clubhouse for fireside reflection.

Sitting out on the patio soaking up the sunny summer day, you slowly savor an ale’s crisp and grassy notes infused by the earthy scents of the course. Your muscles relax, echoing a hard day's honest work. Fellow travelers recount their battles and triumphs on the links, faces glowing.

You gaze meditatively into the dancing flames, remembering your own highlights—a drive splitting the fairway, a birdie putt kissed in, bunker trouble transformed by an ally’s wisdom.

Such is golf, such is life—we sometimes swing true, sometimes stumble. But camaraderie lights the way when you play the ball as it lies, come what may. Today revealed strengths and faults alike.

You stand restored and ready to return to Riverside Bliss. Nes has worked its magic, transforming you from jaded wayfarer into humble pilgrim. You came for sport but found so much more.

As you bid the course farewell, the Riverside Bliss owners smile and wave from their porch. They've seen guests come and go all day on various excursions. Now some staying in the campsite fire up the grills and break out beer, eagerly awaiting their turn for 18 holes tomorrow morning.

The savory smell of barbecue wafts your way as you drive off, sparking hunger once more. "I hope they leave some leftovers for us golfers!" you yell to your partner with a grin. He laughs knowingly.

At Riverside Bliss, a community spirit binds guests together, on and off the course. Though scattered around the area enjoying personal adventures by day, by dusk all return to share tales and grilled delights under the glowing Nordic skies.

An Ode to the Green: Golfing at Nes During a Stay at Riverside Bliss

Introduction

Scenic Passage to the First Tee

Stepping Through the Looking Glass

Traversing Hallowed Ground

The 19th Hole – A Chance for Contemplation

Tempting Honningmoen: New and Outstanding Local Honey Delight

Off the beaten path

You Need To Know This Place: Interesting Visiting Nes Verk Iron Museum

A Leftover BBQ Delight