Destination Comparison
Alaska vs Iceland for Northern Lights
North America's aurora capital Fairbanks versus Europe's most popular aurora destination. Two very different experiences.
✓✦9/10
Aurora Score
✦7/10
✓$160/day
Daily Budget
$200/day
Easy ✈️
Accessibility
Easy ✈️
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Best Months
Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
✓20h
Dark Hours (Winter)
19h
Subarctic
Region
Subarctic
17 types
Activities
✓18 types
Our Verdict
Fairbanks has better aurora statistics (higher latitude, more clear nights) but Iceland is easier to reach from Europe and offers more diverse daytime activities. Fairbanks for serious aurora hunters; Iceland for a complete holiday.
Choose Fairbanks if:
Higher aurora score, clear interior skies, Chena Hot Springs, Denali access, less light pollution
Choose Reykjavik if:
Easier European access, volcanic landscapes, Blue Lagoon, whale watching, vibrant food scene
Alaska (USA)
Fairbanks
Aurora chasers from North America and Asia wanting the continent's most reliable viewing with hot spring soaks
Iceland
Reykjavik
First-time arctic travellers who want to combine northern lights with Iceland's unique landscapes