In de Bargen 59,
nr Blankenese, Hamburg D-22587
Office
+49 (0)40 812 177Pro shop
+49 (0)40 812 177Fax
+49 (0)40 817 315Website
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Stephan Blume, Matthias Boje et al (PGA, Golf Professionals).The Course:
18 holes. Tree-lined heathland. Gently undulating terrain - a few slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Undulating terrain - several slopes to climb.
Designer:
Original design at this location by Harry Colt of English design firm Colt, Alison & Morrison (1928). Revamped in 1960s by Germany's most renowned golf course architect, Dr Bernhard Limburger (known as "Limmy").
53.571746
9.773444
4 km NW of Blankenese / 15 km W of Hamburg.
Hamburger Golf-Club - Falkenstein is home to a classic and very traditional golf course, which many would argue is among the top three "heathland" courses in continental Europe, together with Morfontaine outside Paris, and Utrecht "De Pan" in the Netherlands. Typically it is rated the No.1 layout in Germany, and deservedly so.
Falkenstein is located on the edge of a large area of natural woodland, just a kilometre from the banks of the River Elbe. This revered tree-lined heathland course, laid out in two nine-hole loops, contains a wealth of wonderfully crafted, memorable and challenging holes. There's plenty of heather on show here, bordering the predominantly tree-lined fairways, with Scots pine also much in evidence. The abundance of heather ("heide" in German), provides edging for several of the bunkers, while also creating one or two longish carries from the tee.
The mix of doglegging and straightaway holes attractively lace their way through quiet woodland avenues, inexorably heading to well-bunkered and subtly sloping greens. There's a few blind drives in the mix, and many holes play down from elevated tees and back up to elevated greens. Falkenstein is a truly great course that wouldn't be remotely out of place sitting alongside the very best of England's Surrey-Berkshire heathland elite.
Pick of the holes: the opening par-4 1st is an excellent scene-setter for what's to come. Played from an elevated tee, the hole gently sweeps right-to-left past fairway bunkers, and then to a large elevated green. The par-5 17th also gently doglegs right-to-left; a good drive provides the chance to cross a wide expanse of heather with your second shot, as you journey downhill to the green.
Visitors welcome on weekdays; only with a member at weekends.
Must book in advance. Proof of handicap required. Maximum handicap: 36 men & women.
Contact club for full details, discounts, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2023].
Soft spikes preferred. Players generally walk this course. Golf carts available for hire.
Good
Hamburger Golf-Club - Falkenstein has hosted numerous top level tournaments including several German Open Championships (see our Tournaments section >by Venue >Falkenstein). This is where a 24-year-old Bernhard Langer won his first German Open Championship in 1981, becoming the first German to do so since the founding of the tournament in 1911. Langer went on to win a total of five German Opens, the fourth oldest national open championship in Europe behind the British (1860), French (1906) and Belgian (1910).
Germany's No.1 course (Golf World, 2022).
Continental Europe's 9th best course (Golf World, 2025).
Sony Open in Hawaii: played at Waialae Country Club near Honolulu, the Sony Open takes over the spotlight from The Sentry as the PGA Tour’s calendar-year opening event (Jan 15-18). The Sentry (not being played in 2026) was formerly known as the Tournament of Champions, with a field typically restricted to golfers who won a PGA Tour event in the previous calendar year.
Dubai Desert Classic: the DP World Tour’s first Rolex Series event of 2026, is contested for the 37th time (Jan 22-25). First won by Englishman Mark James in 1989, it now boasts a four-time winner, Rory McIlroy. Played on the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course, this once desert-surrounded course is the long-time flagship for Golf in Dubai.
Our visit last month included two rounds at Golf de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
It offers two superb layouts: Le Vineuil, a five-star championship course with a rich history, and Longères, an excellent four-star course that provides a strong and enjoyable test.
The wider Paris region offers plenty more. Courses such as Fontainebleau, Golf de Saint-Germain, and several other top-rated layouts make this area one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations, offering a mix of woodland, heathland, and parkland designs.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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