Comparison · Copenhagen vs Reykjavík · Denmark / Iceland
Copenhagen vs Reykjavík
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Moahim, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Copenhagen for Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn and free sights; choose Reykjavík for Northern lights and Midnight sun. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 2,107 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 2,107 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Copenhagen
- May–September
- Best time for Reykjavík
- June–September
Side by side
| Copenhagen | Reykjavík | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Denmark | Iceland |
| Known for | Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn and Cycling | Northern lights, Midnight sun and Hallgrímskirkja |
| Best time to visit | May–September | June–September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $240–$420 | $220–$400 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 22°C (72°F) | July, 14°C (57°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 3°C (37°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 5 |
| Beaches | Amager Strandpark | Nauthólsvík geothermal beach |
| Airports | CPH | KEF, RKV |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Copenhagen for…
Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn and free sights. Copenhagen is a flat, compact harbour city where cycling is the normal way to get around and the harbour water is clean enough to swim in. The medieval centre, with Strøget and the Round Tower, sits between Tivoli Gardens and the painted townhouses of…
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Choose Reykjavík for…
Northern lights and Midnight sun. Reykjavík is the world's northernmost capital and home to about a third of Iceland's population, but its centre is small enough to walk across in 20 minutes, from Hallgrímskirkja church down Skólavörðustígur and Laugavegur to the Old Harbour and Harpa…
Top sights compared
| # | Copenhagen | Reykjavík |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tivoli Gardens | Hallgrímskirkja |
| 2 | Nyhavn | Harpa Concert Hall |
| 3 | Rosenborg Castle | Sun Voyager |
| 4 | Christiansborg Palace | National Museum of Iceland |
| 5 | Amalienborg | Perlan |
Food compared
| Copenhagen | Reykjavík |
|---|---|
| Smørrebrød | Icelandic lamb soup |
| Danish pastries | Fish stew |
| Danish hot dog | Icelandic hot dog |
| Stegt flæsk med persillesovs | Skyr |
Which is cheaper?
Copenhagen and Reykjavík cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $240–$420 in Copenhagen and $220–$400 in Reykjavík (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Reykjavík on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 2,107 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 10 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Copenhagen or Reykjavík cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $240–$420 in Copenhagen and $220–$400 in Reykjavík (estimates).
+Is Copenhagen or Reykjavík better for a first trip?
Pick Copenhagen for Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn and free sights, or Reykjavík for Northern lights and Midnight sun.
+How far is Copenhagen from Reykjavík?
About 2,107 km in a straight line.