Destination Comparison
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?
✦7/10
Aurora Score
✓✦9/10
$200/day
Daily Budget
✓$180/day
Easy ✈️
Accessibility
Easy ✈️
Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Best Months
Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
19h
Dark Hours (Winter)
✓Polar night (24h)
Subarctic
Region
Arctic
7 types
Activities
7 types
Our Verdict
Norway wins on aurora reliability; Iceland wins on accessibility from USA and unique landscape diversity
Choose Reykjavik if:
American travellers, those wanting geothermal experiences and midnight sun
Choose Tromsø if:
Europeans wanting maximum aurora nights, whale watching, and city comforts
Iceland
Reykjavik
First-time arctic travellers who want to combine northern lights with Iceland's unique landscapes
Norway
Tromsø
First-time aurora hunters wanting easy access, city comforts, and world-class guiding