Destination Comparison
Húsavík vs Reykjavik for Northern Lights
Iceland's whale watching capital in the north versus the capital city — Húsavík sits much further north with darker skies and better aurora probability while also offering the country's best whale watching. Reykjavik is the easy, internationally connected option.
✓✦8/10
Aurora Score
✦7/10
✓$150/day
Daily Budget
$200/day
Moderate 🛤️
Accessibility
✓Easy ✈️
Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Best Months
Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
✓22h
Dark Hours (Winter)
19h
Subarctic
Region
Subarctic
17 types
Activities
✓18 types
Our Verdict
Húsavík wins on aurora probability and the unique combination with world-class whale watching; Reykjavik wins on accessibility and daytime activities variety.
Choose Húsavík if:
Larger city, more international flights, Golden Circle day trips, geothermal pools, diverse activities and nightlife
Choose Reykjavik if:
Best whale watching in Iceland, further north with darker skies, charming small-town feel, Lake Mývatn and Dettifoss nearby
Iceland
Húsavík
Wildlife lovers wanting whale watching in combination with excellent aurora viewing
Iceland
Reykjavik
First-time arctic travellers who want to combine northern lights with Iceland's unique landscapes