Compare Destinations

Side-by-side comparisons of the world's best polar destinations. Aurora scores, daily budgets, weather, activities, and our honest verdict on which is better for your trip.

28 comparisons

🌍 Country Comparisons

The big decisions — which country should you visit for the northern lights?

Iceland vs Norway for Northern Lights

The two most popular aurora destinations — Iceland's volcanic landscapes versus Norway's Arctic coast. Which is right for you?

Norway wins on aurora reliability; Iceland wins on accessibility from USA and unique landscape diversity.

Iceland vs Finland for Northern Lights

Two of Europe's top aurora destinations compared — Iceland's dramatic volcanic landscapes against Finland's serene Lapland wilderness and glass igloos.

Finland offers higher aurora success rates thanks to clearer skies in Lapland.

Norway vs Finland for Northern Lights

Comparing Scandinavia's two aurora powerhouses — Norway's fjord-side displays versus Finland's forest-backed lights and unique accommodation.

Norway (especially Tromsø) has a slight edge in aurora score and coastal scenery.

Iceland vs Sweden for Northern Lights

Iceland's accessible aurora scene compared to Sweden's Abisko — statistically one of the best aurora viewing spots on Earth.

Abisko has the highest clear-sky success rate in Scandinavia thanks to its unique microclimate.

Alaska vs Iceland for Northern Lights

North America's aurora capital Fairbanks versus Europe's most popular aurora destination. Two very different experiences.

Fairbanks has better aurora statistics (higher latitude, more clear nights) but Iceland is easier to reach from Europe and offers more diverse daytime activities.

Alaska vs Norway for Northern Lights

The top aurora destinations on each side of the Atlantic — Fairbanks' dark interior skies versus Tromsø's fjord-side magic.

Both score 9/10 for aurora.

Norway vs Sweden for Northern Lights

Tromsø's coastal aurora experience compared to Abisko's legendary clear skies — two Scandinavian neighbours, two very different vibes.

Abisko has statistically more clear nights.

Finland vs Sweden for Northern Lights

Finnish Lapland's family-friendly aurora capital versus Swedish Lapland's adventure hub near the ICEHOTEL and Abisko.

Rovaniemi is more family-oriented (Santa Claus Village, glass igloos).

Canada vs Iceland for Northern Lights

Yellowknife's aurora oval location versus Iceland's volcanic aurora playground — North America vs Europe's best.

Yellowknife sits directly under the auroral oval with exceptional clear-sky rates.

📍 Destination Comparisons

Narrowed it down to a region? Compare specific cities and destinations.

Tromsø vs Rovaniemi

Norway's Arctic capital versus Finland's Santa Claus hometown — both iconic aurora destinations but very different in character.

Tromsø wins for aurora reliability and activities; Rovaniemi wins for unique atmosphere and glass igloos.

Tromsø vs Abisko

Norway's most popular aurora city versus Sweden's scientifically proven clearest-sky location. A classic debate among aurora chasers.

Abisko wins on clear sky statistics; Tromsø wins on activities, accommodation choice, and overall experience.

Yellowknife vs Fairbanks

North America's two premier aurora destinations — Canada's Aurora Capital versus Alaska's interior powerhouse.

Both are excellent; Yellowknife wins slightly on aurora statistics, Fairbanks wins on hot springs and Japanese visitor infrastructure.

Svalbard vs Tromsø

The ultimate Arctic upgrade — is Svalbard worth the extra cost and effort versus the more accessible Tromsø?

Svalbard wins on aurora intensity and Arctic wilderness; Tromsø wins on value, activities, and overall accessibility.

Rovaniemi vs Levi

Finland's two most popular Lapland destinations — the Arctic Circle city with Santa Claus versus the premier ski resort.

Rovaniemi wins for glass igloos and family Christmas magic; Levi wins for skiers and winter sports enthusiasts.

Ushuaia vs Antarctica Peninsula

Is it worth crossing the Drake Passage to reach Antarctica, or is Ushuaia alone enough of an adventure?

If budget allows, Antarctica is a transformative experience impossible to replicate elsewhere; Ushuaia is a destination in itself for Patagonia lovers.

Kiruna vs Abisko

Sweden's Arctic hub city versus the world's clearest aurora viewing location — both in Swedish Lapland, just 90 minutes apart.

Abisko wins on aurora purity; Kiruna wins as a base with airport access, the Icehotel, and broader infrastructure.

Alta vs Tromsø

Alta claims 'Aurora Capital of Norway' status while Tromsø gets the tourist footfall — which delivers the better experience?

Alta wins on clear skies and aurora statistics; Tromsø wins on infrastructure, activities, and overall travel experience.

Lofoten vs Tromsø

Norway's most photogenic islands versus the Arctic capital — which is better for northern lights photography?

Lofoten wins for aurora photography and dramatic landscapes; Tromsø wins for aurora reliability and activities breadth.

Mývatn vs Reykjavik

Iceland's most dramatic volcanic region versus the accessible capital — which gives the better aurora experience in Iceland?

Mývatn wins on aurora reliability (inland, less cloud), geothermal bathing, and volcanic drama; Reykjavik wins on accessibility, city life, and international connections.

Lyngen vs Tromsø

The wilder, quieter Lyngen Alps versus Norway's aurora capital — both at the same latitude, very different in character.

Lyngen wins for mountain scenery, powder skiing, and wilderness photography; Tromsø wins for activities breadth, whale watching, and urban comforts.

Shetland vs Orkney

Britain's two northernmost island groups — both offer aurora, wildlife, and dramatic scenery, but with very different characters.

Shetland wins on aurora frequency and Norse character; Orkney wins on Neolithic monuments and easier access.

Ilulissat vs Svalbard

Two of the Arctic's most spectacular destinations — Greenland's icefjord city versus Norway's polar wilderness archipelago.

Both are bucket-list Arctic experiences; Ilulissat wins for icebergs and aurora photography; Svalbard wins for polar bears, glaciers, and expedition feel.

Banff vs Yellowknife

Canada's most famous mountain destination versus its Aurora Capital — very different aurora probabilities, very different experiences.

Yellowknife wins decisively on aurora reliability (aurora score 9 vs 4); Banff wins on skiing, mountain scenery, and overall tourism infrastructure.

Dawson City vs Whitehorse

Two Yukon aurora destinations — the historic Gold Rush town versus the Yukon capital. Both offer outstanding aurora but very different town character.

Dawson City wins on character, history, and quirky atmosphere; Whitehorse wins on accessibility, tour operator choice, and accommodation range.

Kangerlussuaq vs Abisko

The world's two best clear-sky aurora locations — Greenland's ice cap gateway versus Sweden's microclimate marvel. Both claim the world's clearest aurora skies.

Both are statistically exceptional; Kangerlussuaq wins on remoteness and ice cap access; Abisko wins on infrastructure, activities, and overall value.

Rovaniemi vs Inari for Northern Lights

Finland's aurora capital on the Arctic Circle versus the remote Sámi heartland 300km further north.

Inari has significantly better aurora viewing — darker skies, higher latitude, less light pollution.

Reykjavik vs Tromsø for Northern Lights

The two most popular city-based aurora destinations in the world. Which delivers better?

Tromsø has the higher aurora score (9 vs 7) and darker skies.

Fairbanks vs Anchorage for Northern Lights

Alaska's interior aurora capital versus its biggest city — a 6-hour drive apart but worlds away in aurora viewing.

Fairbanks wins decisively for aurora (score 9 vs 6).