Comparison · Oslo vs Reykjavík · Norway / Iceland
Oslo 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: Orjanarvola, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Oslo for Oslo Opera House, Edvard Munch, free sights and a short break; choose Reykjavík for Northern lights and Midnight sun. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 1,747 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,747 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Oslo
- May–September
- Best time for Reykjavík
- June–September
Side by side
| Oslo | Reykjavík | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Norway | Iceland |
| Known for | Oslo Opera House, Edvard Munch and Vigeland sculptures | Northern lights, Midnight sun and Hallgrímskirkja |
| Best time to visit | May–September | June–September |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $250–$400 | $220–$400 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 22°C (72°F) | July, 14°C (57°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 0°C (32°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 10 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | Huk | Nauthólsvík geothermal beach |
| Airports | OSL, TRF | KEF, RKV |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Oslo for…
Oslo Opera House, Edvard Munch, free sights and a short break. Oslo sits at the head of the Oslofjord, with a compact centre running from the Central Station along Karl Johans gate to the Royal Palace. The waterfront has been rebuilt over the past two decades: the marble Opera House, the MUNCH museum and the Deichman…
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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
| # | Oslo | Reykjavík |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oslo Opera House | Hallgrímskirkja |
| 2 | MUNCH | Harpa Concert Hall |
| 3 | National Museum | Sun Voyager |
| 4 | Vigeland Park | National Museum of Iceland |
| 5 | Akershus Fortress | Perlan |
Food compared
| Oslo | Reykjavík |
|---|---|
| Brown cheese | Icelandic lamb soup |
| Norwegian waffles | Fish stew |
| Fish soup | Icelandic hot dog |
| Shrimp sandwich | Skyr |
Which is cheaper?
Oslo and Reykjavík cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $250–$400 in Oslo and $220–$400 in Reykjavík (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Reykjavík on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,747 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 9 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Oslo or Reykjavík cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $250–$400 in Oslo and $220–$400 in Reykjavík (estimates).
+Is Oslo or Reykjavík better for a first trip?
Pick Oslo for Oslo Opera House, Edvard Munch, free sights and a short break, or Reykjavík for Northern lights and Midnight sun.
+How far is Oslo from Reykjavík?
About 1,747 km in a straight line.