Destination Comparison
Iceland vs Sweden for Northern Lights
Iceland's accessible aurora scene compared to Sweden's Abisko — statistically one of the best aurora viewing spots on Earth.
✦7/10
Aurora Score
✓✦9/10
$200/day
Daily Budget
✓$155/day
Easy ✈️
Accessibility
Easy ✈️
Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Best Months
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
19h
Dark Hours (Winter)
✓20h
Subarctic
Region
Arctic
✓18 types
Activities
17 types
Our Verdict
Abisko has the highest clear-sky success rate in Scandinavia thanks to its unique microclimate. Iceland offers far more to do beyond aurora hunting. For dedicated aurora trips, Abisko wins; for a broader adventure, Iceland.
Choose Reykjavik if:
Diverse landscapes, Golden Circle, geothermal bathing, easier direct flights from US/UK
Choose Abisko if:
Highest clear-sky probability, Aurora Sky Station, ICEHOTEL nearby, quieter and more focused
Iceland
Reykjavik
First-time arctic travellers who want to combine northern lights with Iceland's unique landscapes
Sweden
Abisko
Aurora purists who want scientifically the clearest skies on Earth for northern lights viewing