The two most popular northern lights destinations compared head-to-head — aurora scores, costs, flights, activities, scenery, and which is better for different types of traveller.

Iceland vs Norway for Northern Lights: Which Should You Choose?

Iceland and Norway are the two most popular northern lights destinations in the world. Both offer spectacular aurora viewing, incredible landscapes, and world-class activities. But they're surprisingly different experiences.

Here's an honest, data-driven comparison to help you choose.

Quick Verdict

Choose Iceland if: You want geothermal hot springs + aurora, prefer a road trip, have a shorter trip (3–5 days), or are flying from the US East Coast.

Choose Norway if: Aurora is your #1 priority, you want whale watching + northern lights, prefer a city base with tours, or want the highest aurora probability.

Aurora Probability

	Iceland	Norway
Top aurora score	8/10 (Akureyri, Mývatn)	10/10 (Svalbard)
Main hub score	7/10 (Reykjavik)	9/10 (Tromsø)
Latitude range	63–66°N	67–78°N
Cloud cover	Higher (oceanic climate)	Lower (especially Alta)

Winner: Norway. Northern Norway sits directly under the auroral oval. Tromsø (69.6°N) scores 9/10 versus Reykjavik's 7/10. Norway's northern coast also benefits from clearer skies — Alta's continental climate gives it some of Europe's best clear-sky statistics.

Iceland's oceanic climate means more cloud cover, and Reykjavik's latitude (64°N) puts it at the southern edge of the auroral zone. You need a stronger geomagnetic storm to see the aurora in Reykjavik than in Tromsø.

Costs Compared

Category	Iceland	Norway
Flights (from UK)	£100–300	£150–400
Hotel (mid-range)	£120–200/night	£100–180/night
Northern lights tour	£60–100	£100–180
Daily food	£40–70	£40–70
Car rental	£40–60/day	£50–80/day
Daily total (mid-range)	£170–250	£180–280

Winner: Iceland (slightly). Cheaper flights from the UK/US and slightly cheaper tours. Accommodation is comparable. Food costs are similar — both are expensive.

Getting There

Iceland: Direct flights from London (3h), NYC (5h), Boston (5h), many European cities. Reykjavik is a hub for transatlantic routes. Easy.

Norway (Tromsø): Direct from London (3.5h), or via Oslo/Stockholm. Fewer direct routes from the US (typically via Oslo, 10–12h total).

Winner: Iceland for US travellers, tied for Europeans.

Scenery & Landscape

Iceland: Volcanic landscapes, geothermal areas, glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches. Otherworldly. The Golden Circle, Ring Road, and Snæfellsnes peninsula offer diverse scenery within short drives.

Norway: Fjords, snow-capped mountains, fishing villages, Arctic coastline. Classic Nordic beauty. Lofoten's jagged peaks and colourful villages are possibly the most photogenic aurora foreground in the world.

Winner: Personal preference. Iceland is more dramatic and otherworldly. Norway is more classically beautiful and photogenic for aurora photography.

Activities Beyond Aurora

Activity	Iceland	Norway
Hot springs/geothermal	✅ Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, wild springs	❌
Whale watching	✅ (Húsavík)	✅ (Tromsø, Nov–Jan)
Glacier hiking	✅ (Sólheimajökull, Vatnajökull)	Limited
Ice caves	✅ (Vatnajökull)	❌
Husky sledding	✅	✅
Snowmobile	✅ (on glaciers)	✅
Snorkelling/diving	✅ (Silfra fissure)	❌
Polar bears	❌	✅ (Svalbard)
Reindeer/Sámi culture	❌	✅
Road trip potential	✅✅ (Ring Road)	✅ (Lofoten, coastal route)

Winner: Iceland for activity diversity. Norway for cultural experiences and wildlife.

Best Time to Visit

Both share the same aurora season: September to March.

Iceland: October–February for aurora. June–August for midnight sun. September and March for shoulder season value.
Norway: October–March for aurora. November–January for whale watching in Tromsø. Polar night (Nov–Jan) in Tromsø and points north.

Weather & Temperature

Month	Iceland (Reykjavik)	Norway (Tromsø)
October	2–7°C	0–5°C
November	-1–4°C	-2–2°C
December	-2–3°C	-4–0°C
January	-3–2°C	-4–-1°C
February	-2–3°C	-4–0°C

Iceland is slightly milder but windier. Norway (Tromsø) is slightly colder but more sheltered. Neither is extreme compared to inland destinations like Yellowknife (-25°C).

The Verdict: Who Should Go Where?

Choose Iceland if you...

Want a road trip adventure (Ring Road is incredible)
Love geothermal hot springs (Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon)
Are flying from the US East Coast (5h direct)
Want to combine aurora with glacier hiking and ice caves
Have 3–5 days (compact island = less travel time)
This is your first trip to the region

Choose Norway if you...

Want the highest possible aurora probability
Dream of aurora over fjords and fishing villages
Want whale watching + northern lights (Tromsø, Nov–Jan)
Are interested in Sámi indigenous culture
Want a city base with restaurants and nightlife (Tromsø)
Are a serious aurora photographer (Lofoten is unmatched)
Want the most extreme option (Svalbard)

Choose Both (The Ultimate Trip)

Fly London → Reykjavik (3 nights) → fly to Tromsø (3 nights) → home. Budget about £2,500–3,500 for a mid-range 6-night trip covering both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Iceland or Norway better for a first northern lights trip?

Iceland if you want a well-rounded adventure holiday with aurora as one element. Norway (Tromsø) if aurora is your primary goal — the probability is significantly higher.

Which is cheaper overall?

Iceland is slightly cheaper for flights and tours. Accommodation and food are comparable. Norway is slightly more expensive but offers higher aurora probability — better "value per aurora sighting."

Can I do both in one trip?

Yes. Icelandair and SAS fly Reykjavik–Tromsø (2h). A 6–7 night combined trip is very doable.

Which has better weather for aurora viewing?

Norway (Alta specifically) has the best clear-sky statistics. Iceland's oceanic climate means more cloud cover, but tours will drive to clear spots.

Compare specific destinations head-to-head with our comparison pages →

Iceland vs Norway for Northern Lights: Which Should You Choose in 2026?