Destination Comparison
Reykjavik vs Fairbanks for Northern Lights
Europe's most popular aurora city versus North America's aurora capital — two very different destinations that frequently appear in the same search. Reykjavik is easily accessible from both sides of the Atlantic; Fairbanks is America's premier dedicated northern lights base.
✦7/10
Aurora Score
✓✦9/10
$200/day
Daily Budget
✓$160/day
Easy ✈️
Accessibility
Easy ✈️
Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Best Months
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
19h
Dark Hours (Winter)
✓20h
Subarctic
Region
Subarctic
✓18 types
Activities
17 types
Our Verdict
Fairbanks wins on aurora reliability and sky darkness; Reykjavik wins on accessibility from Europe and daytime activities — choose based on which continent you're flying from.
Choose Reykjavik if:
More accessible from Europe, volcanic landscapes, Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, vibrant city culture, whale watching included
Choose Fairbanks if:
Higher aurora score, darker interior skies, Chena Hot Springs, more consistently clear nights, better for North American travellers
Iceland
Reykjavik
First-time arctic travellers who want to combine northern lights with Iceland's unique landscapes
Alaska (USA)
Fairbanks
Aurora chasers from North America and Asia wanting the continent's most reliable viewing with hot spring soaks