Destination Comparison
Tromsø vs Rovaniemi
Norway's Arctic capital versus Finland's Santa Claus hometown — both iconic aurora destinations but very different in character.
✓✦9/10
Aurora Score
✦7/10
$180/day
Daily Budget
✓$130/day
Easy ✈️
Accessibility
Easy ✈️
Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Best Months
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
✓Polar night (24h)
Dark Hours (Winter)
21h
Arctic
Region
Arctic
7 types
Activities
7 types
Our Verdict
Tromsø wins for aurora reliability and activities; Rovaniemi wins for unique atmosphere and glass igloos
Choose Tromsø if:
Aurora chasers, whale watchers, and those who want a vibrant city base
Choose Rovaniemi if:
Families, couples wanting glass igloo stays, and those seeking Finnish Lapland magic
Norway
Tromsø
First-time aurora hunters wanting easy access, city comforts, and world-class guiding
Finland
Rovaniemi
Families and couples wanting the full Finnish Lapland winter magic with glass igloo stays