Northern Lights Showdown: Why Norway Outshines Iceland!

Are you planning a trip to the North and wondering which country to choose between Iceland or Norway to witness the magical Northern Lights spectacle?

Introduction

The Northern Lights is without a doubt a natural phenomenon that everyone should experience in their lifetime. The dancing green, pink and purple colors illuminating the Arctic sky is a sight to behold. Iceland and Norway are known for their stunning landscapes, glaciers, and fjords. Also, both countries are regarded as the best places to witness the Northern Lights. However, which one is better than the other?

Location

Iceland

Iceland, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, is a volcanic island country renowned for its glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, and hot springs. It is also known as the “Land of Fire and Ice,” with an area of around 103,000 km². However, due to its location, Iceland can experience unpredictable weather, which can impact your Northern Lights sightings. Nonetheless, it has many accessible spots for Northern Lights viewing, such as Reykjavik, Vik, and the Golden Circle.

Norway

Norway, located in Northern Europe, borders Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Known for its picturesque fjords, mountains, and glaciers, Norway’s landscape is breathtaking. It’s also considered one of the most expensive countries in the world, and the weather can be unpredictable, which can sometimes interfere with Northern Lights sightings. However, Norway has many Northern Lights viewing spots, such as Tromso, Lofoten Islands, and Finnmark.

Frequency

Iceland

When it comes to frequency, Iceland experiences more Northern Lights activity than Norway due to its location. The Northern Lights season in Iceland starts from September until April, with dark skies being the primary factor for visibility.

Norway

Norway has an excellent probability of Northern Lights sightings, but not as frequent as Iceland. The Northern Lights season in Norway typically runs from September to March with a higher probability between October and November and from February to March.

Accessibility

Iceland

Iceland is known to be a more accessible country for tourists to navigate. Also, major cities like Reykjavik have a variety of bus and tour options for travelers.

Norway

Norway can be more challenging to navigate for tourists, as some of the Northern Lights viewing locations require additional transportation such as a rental car or a ferry. However, organized tours are also available.

Conclusion

Both Iceland and Norway have their pros and cons for Northern Lights viewing. Given the unpredictability of weather, choosing the perfect destination to see the Northern Lights can be hectic. However, with proper planning, research, and a little bit of luck, your dream Northern Lights experience can come to life.