Destination Comparison
Murmansk vs Tromsø for Northern Lights
Russia's Arctic port city versus Norway's aurora capital — both sit well above the Arctic Circle at similar latitudes with strong aurora potential. Travel restrictions have made Murmansk far less accessible to most Western visitors in recent years.
✦9/10
Aurora Score
✦9/10
✓$80/day
Daily Budget
$180/day
Moderate 🛤️
Accessibility
✓Easy ✈️
Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Best Months
Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
✓Polar night (24h)
Dark Hours (Winter)
Polar night (24h)
Arctic
Region
Arctic
15 types
Activities
✓21 types
Our Verdict
Tromsø is the clear choice for international visitors due to easy access and world-class infrastructure; Murmansk appeals to those specifically seeking Russia's unique Arctic industrial and Soviet heritage.
Choose Murmansk if:
Easy international access, whale watching, extensive English-language tours, world-class aurora infrastructure year-round
Choose Tromsø if:
Vast Russian Arctic atmosphere, nuclear icebreaker tours, Soviet industrial heritage, very different cultural experience
Russia
Murmansk
Budget travellers and Russia enthusiasts wanting maximum aurora intensity at minimum cost — when access is possible
Norway
Tromsø
First-time aurora hunters wanting easy access, city comforts, and world-class guiding