Destination Comparison
Lofoten vs Tromsø
Norway's most photogenic islands versus the Arctic capital — which is better for northern lights photography?
✦8/10
Aurora Score
✓✦9/10
✓$170/day
Daily Budget
$180/day
Moderate 🛤️
Accessibility
✓Easy ✈️
Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Best Months
Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
18h
Dark Hours (Winter)
✓Polar night (24h)
Arctic
Region
Arctic
19 types
Activities
✓21 types
Our Verdict
Lofoten wins for aurora photography and dramatic landscapes; Tromsø wins for aurora reliability and activities breadth
Choose Lofoten Islands if:
Photographers wanting the iconic fjord reflection shots and dramatic mountain backdrops
Choose Tromsø if:
Non-photographers and activity-focused travellers wanting maximum aurora sighting chances
Norway
Lofoten Islands
Aurora photographers seeking the world's most dramatic reflections and landscapes
Norway
Tromsø
First-time aurora hunters wanting easy access, city comforts, and world-class guiding