KERTEMINDE, Denmark — In this serene town, located on the Danish island of Funen, lies a destination that has rapidly ascended to the pinnacle of European golf. Great Northern is not merely a resort; it is a manifestation of Scandinavian precision and a world-class architectural feat. Since its opening in 2017, it has become a bucket-list destination for those seeking the perfect blend of athletic challenge and refined luxury.
A Legacy of Quality: The Lego Connection
The resort’s extraordinary attention to detail is no coincidence. Great Northern is the passion project of Thomas Kirk Kristiansen, a fourth-generation member of the family behind the global Lego empire. Just as the Lego motto — Det bedste er ikke for godt (“Only the best is good enough”) — has defined the world’s most famous toy brand for decades, it serves as the foundation for Great Northern.
Kristiansen, an avid golfer, envisioned a sanctuary in his hometown that would meet the highest international standards. The investment through the family’s holding company, Kirkbi, is evident in every corner of the property, from the meticulously shaped fairways to the custom-designed furniture in the clubhouse. Golfers might be surprised by the frequent visibility of the venue’s logo: Even sprinkler heads on the courses display Great Northern’s iconic logo rather than that of the irrigation company.
The centerpiece of the resort is the 18-hole Championship Course, a collaboration with the legendary Jack Nicklaus and his team at Nicklaus Design. The sheer scale of the construction is breathtaking: More than 3.4 million tons of sand were moved to shape the undulating landscape. The result is a links-style layout that harmonizes with the wind-swept coastal environment of the Great Belt.
Richard Schnell Jacobsen, commercial manager of Great Northern, explains the philosophy behind the design: “The Great Northern Championship Course is designed to challenge and inspire golfers at every level, combining strategic depth with a natural Scandinavian landscape. Our ambition has always been to create a world-class golf experience that remains enjoyable, fair and memorable for all players — a place you feel the urge to experience once, and then feel compelled to rediscover again and again.”
The course offers strategic flexibility with five numbered tee boxes, ensuring accessibility for all while remaining a beast from the back tees. The round concludes with a dramatic island green at the 18th hole, a true test of nerves that has already become one of the most photographed holes in Northern Europe. Complementing this is the Academy Course, a nine-hole executive course that maintains the same elite maintenance standards, perfect for a quick afternoon round or sharpening one’s short game.
A Sanctuary for All
While the golf is world-class, Great Northern is equally compelling for nongolfers or those seeking a balanced retreat. The architecture of the Great Northern Lodge is a masterclass in Nordic minimalism. The rooms are cleverly integrated into earth mounds, offering total privacy and a tactile connection to the landscape. The resort recently completed a significant expansion to further elevate its hospitality offerings.
“At Great Northern, we aim to offer more than just a golf destination — it is a place for enjoyment and new memories,” Jacobsen says. “With 52 new suites and hotel rooms that opened on June 22, 2026, bringing the total to 67 rooms, along with 4,500 square meters of spa facilities and a distinct focus on gastronomic experiences, guests can enjoy a complete resort experience where relaxation, design and nature come together in a calm and refined setting.”
The 4,500-square-meter spa offers a therapeutic escape with various pools and treatments, while the clubhouse restaurant serves as a culinary landmark, offering high-end gastronomy and specially brewed Great Northern beers in a building recognized for its outstanding Nordic design.
Great Northern delivers an experience that is both grand and intimate. It is a destination where every detail is built to perfection, combining the needs of golf, recreation and personal experiences in a unique way.
