Destination Comparison
Reykjavik vs Akureyri for Northern Lights
Iceland's capital versus its charming northern second city — Akureyri sits much further north with darker skies and far less urban light pollution. Both are excellent bases for Iceland's aurora season, but they offer very different experiences of the country.
✦7/10
Aurora Score
✓✦8/10
$200/day
Daily Budget
✓$160/day
Easy ✈️
Accessibility
Easy ✈️
Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Best Months
Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
19h
Dark Hours (Winter)
✓21h
Subarctic
Region
Subarctic
18 types
Activities
✓19 types
Our Verdict
Akureyri wins on aurora probability thanks to its northern location and darker surroundings; Reykjavik wins on international flight connections and big-city amenities.
Choose Reykjavik if:
Larger city, international direct flights, more restaurants and culture, Golden Circle day trips, easier onward travel
Choose Akureyri if:
Further north with less light pollution, closer to Lake Mývatn, better aurora probability, charming small-city atmosphere
Iceland
Reykjavik
First-time arctic travellers who want to combine northern lights with Iceland's unique landscapes
Iceland
Akureyri
Iceland returnees and aurora chasers who want higher latitude and fewer crowds than Reykjavik