Comparison · Reykjavík vs Tromsø · Iceland / Norway
Reykjavík vs Tromsø
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Olga Ernst, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Choose Reykjavík for Northern lights, Midnight sun and lower day-to-day costs; choose Tromsø for Northern lights and Midnight sun. Reykjavík is generally less expensive, and the two are about 1,845 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,845 km
- Less expensive
- Reykjavík
- Best time for Reykjavík
- June–September
- Best time for Tromsø
- January–March and June–July
Side by side
| Reykjavík | Tromsø | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Iceland | Norway |
| Known for | Northern lights, Midnight sun and Hallgrímskirkja | Northern lights, Midnight sun and Polar night |
| Best time to visit | June–September | January–March and June–July |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $220–$400 | $280–$450 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 14°C (57°F) | July, 15°C (59°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 3°C (37°F) | January, -1°C (30°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 4 |
| Beaches | Nauthólsvík geothermal beach | Telegrafbukta |
| Airports | KEF, RKV | TOS |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Reykjavík for…
Northern lights, Midnight sun and lower day-to-day costs. 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…
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Choose Tromsø for…
Northern lights and Midnight sun. Tromsø sits on the island of Tromsøya about 350 km north of the Arctic Circle, ringed by snowy mountains and fjords, and is the largest city in northern Norway. From about September to early April it is one of the most popular bases in the world for chasing…
Top sights compared
| # | Reykjavík | Tromsø |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hallgrímskirkja | Northern lights tours |
| 2 | Harpa Concert Hall | Arctic Cathedral |
| 3 | Sun Voyager | Fjellheisen cable car |
| 4 | National Museum of Iceland | Sherpa steps |
| 5 | Perlan | Polaria |
Food compared
| Reykjavík | Tromsø |
|---|---|
| Icelandic lamb soup | Arctic char |
| Fish stew | Skrei and mølje |
| Icelandic hot dog | King crab |
| Skyr | Sautéed reindeer |
Which is cheaper?
Reykjavík is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $220–$400 per person there, against $280–$450 in Tromsø (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Reykjavík on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,845 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 10 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Reykjavík or Tromsø cheaper?
Reykjavík is usually less expensive: about $220–$400 a day mid-range against $280–$450 (estimates).
+Is Reykjavík or Tromsø better for a first trip?
Pick Reykjavík for Northern lights, Midnight sun and lower day-to-day costs, or Tromsø for Northern lights and Midnight sun.
+How far is Reykjavík from Tromsø?
About 1,845 km in a straight line.