It’s hardly a revelation that beholding this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, which paints the night sky with ethereal hues, finds a prominent place on countless travel enthusiasts’ bucket lists.
However, if you find yourself torn between the allure of Iceland and the enchantment of Greenland, allow us to guide you through the ultimate decision-making journey.
Discover the ideal locale to witness the Northern Lights, as we unravel the unique charms of these Arctic wonderlands.
Crucial Things about Northern Lights
Geographical Location and Accessibility
In the battle of Greenland vs Iceland, both offer fascinating vacation possibilities, including seeing the Northern Lights.
The mainland of Iceland is positioned slightly outside of the Arctic Circle. Grimsey Island, about 25 miles off Iceland’s north coast, is the country’s only true Arctic territory. However, there are Arctic Circle tours that promise views of the Northern Lights, passing through these waters.
Greenland is an autonomous Danish territory, with two-thirds of its landmass lying within the Arctic Circle. The island of Greenland is far less explored than Iceland, and will certainly provide unique vacation experiences including cruises to see the Northern Lights.
Getting there will be quite different depending on your preferred mode of transport and your departure point.
You can fly directly to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, from the US or Canada, and from just about any European destination.
Although it is possible to get a direct flight to Greenland, most airlines offer flights via Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport.
Weather Conditions and Visibility
Iceland, with its temperate allure, enjoys comparatively warmer and greener summers, a gift from the gentle touch of the North Atlantic Drift gulf stream. Yet, don’t be fooled by its pleasant summers, as Iceland harbors a sub-Arctic climate that envelopes the land in cold, clouds, and winds for much of the year.
On the other hand, Greenland, although an icy expanse today, harbors a secret of its own. In the distant past, it flourished with verdant landscapes before ice took hold. When you venture into Greenland, you’ll encounter a range of climates, from sub-Arctic to full Arctic conditions. While the specifics fluctuate across regions, the common thread is temperatures hovering around or below freezing for the majority of the year.
Setting aside weather patterns, the critical question remains: where can you witness the Northern Lights with the greatest clarity?
Iceland offers remarkable glimpses of the Aurora Borealis, the scientific moniker for the Northern Lights. Guided Northern Lights tours typically operate between early September and April. However, Iceland’s naturally cloudy disposition means that unobstructed visibility isn’t guaranteed.
Greenland, in contrast, extends a more generous window for Northern Lights viewing, spanning from late August through early April. This extended season solidifies its reputation as the premier destination for experiencing the Northern Lights. Furthermore, its sparse population ensures minimal light pollution, guaranteeing crystal-clear vistas of this celestial spectacle.
Best Times to Visit
The best time to visit Iceland largely depends on your travel preferences. Summer, from June to August, graces the land with milder temperatures, lush landscapes, and open hiking trails. It’s an ideal time for exploring Iceland’s natural wonders and diverse scenery.
However, if witnessing the Northern Lights is high on your travel bucket list, don’t rule out the winter months. From late September to early April, the extended darkness of the Arctic nights provides optimal conditions for observing the captivating Aurora Borealis.
June to August marks the peak summer season in Greenland. During this period, you’ll be treated to the mesmerizing phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun, where the days extend endlessly, offering ample time for adventures like whale watching and kayaking.
However, if you’re chasing the Northern Lights, late August through early April is your window of opportunity. Greenland’s clear, unpolluted skies and lower levels of light pollution make it an exceptional destination for Aurora hunting during these winter months. The frigid temperatures of winter may vary depending on the specific region of Greenland you explore, but the rewards of witnessing the Northern Lights are truly worth the chill.
Tourist Infrastructure and Amenities
Wherever you decide to go, you’ll need accommodation and tourist-friendly amenities. How do these two destinations compare?
One of the things you might not know about Iceland is that it’s a virtually cashless society, so take a travel card with you for your expenses. Iceland boasts many first-class tourist infrastructure and amenities. Unfortunately, they have to maintain a fine balance between promoting natural assets and protecting them from tourists.
Surprisingly, almost all major credit cards are widely accepted in Greenland. Greenland has been slower to jump on the tourism bandwagon and is far less popular as a vacation destination than Iceland. However, it’s making large strides in establishing tourist amenities. Greenland, too, has to weigh the costs of environmental impact against tourism.
Landscape and Scenic Beauty
In Iceland, nature enthusiasts will find a wonderland of diverse attractions, ranging from magnificent glaciers to captivating geysers, and from active volcanoes to picturesque waterfalls.
Whether you’re an avid photographer or simply seeking breathtaking views, Iceland offers a plethora of easily accessible locations that promise memorable holiday pictures against its dramatic backdrop.
Greenland, on the other hand, boasts its share of natural wonders, including stunning waterfalls and vast glaciers. While geysers grace its landscape, you won’t encounter volcanoes here.
What sets Greenland apart is its raw and pristine scenery, with a remarkable 80% of the island still cloaked in ice. However, amidst this stark beauty, a rich cultural legacy awaits exploration in indigenous sites and museums, offering a unique perspective on this remote Arctic land.