A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tromso vs. Reykjavik for Hiking, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Tromso or Reykjavik?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tromso and Reykjavik can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tromso

Tromso is a spectacular, remote, and one-of-a-kind town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Tromso is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Tromso travel costs.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a friendly, clean, and green city. Many visitors also come to Reykjavik because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and hiking. See Reykjavik travel costs.

Tromso and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tromso or Reykjavik?

Both Reykjavik and Tromso have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Tromso is better known for its food and small town charm, while Reykjavik is more popular for its hiking and shopping. Tromso is well known for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords. Reykjavik is well known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Tromso different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Reykjavik and Tromso. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Tromso or Reykjavik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tromso is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Tromso. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Tromso or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Tromso and Reykjavik.

If you're looking for night time activities Tromso has a few options to choose from. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Reykjavik. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Tromso or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Around Reykjavik visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Tromso is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

Is the Shopping Better in Tromso or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Tromso is not known for shopping.

Reykjavik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Tromso is a good destination for shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Is Tromso or Reykjavik More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of first-rate scenery and beauty in both Tromso and Reykjavik.

Many visitors also come to Tromso because of it's amazing beauty. It's surrounding Arctic landscape includes fjords and snow-topped mountains.

You'll find world class beauty in Reykjavik as well. The city offers the perfect gateway to world-renowned natural beauty including waterfalls, hot springs, and active volcanoes.

Is Tromso or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Both Tromso and Reykjavik are high quality to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Tromso. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.

Reykjavik is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Is Tromso or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Both Tromso and Reykjavik are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Tromso is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

Reykjavik is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Tromso or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tromso and Reykjavik are notable places to visit.

Tromso is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

Plenty of backpackers visit Reykjavik. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Tromso or Reykjavik Better for Students?

For students, both Tromso and Reykjavik are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Tromso. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

Reykjavik is a good town to visit for students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Is Tromso or Reykjavik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tromso and Reykjavik both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Tromso offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in town.

Reykjavik has a few public transit options. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Tromso or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Tromso and Reykjavik are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Tromso is a very walkable destination. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or bus.

Reykjavik is very walkable. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Tromso Worth Visiting? and Is Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Tromso?

How long in Tromso or Reykjavik?

In either Tromso or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tromso than Reykjavik because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Tromso, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

Families should spend more time in Tromso than Reykjavik. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Tromso, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Reykjavik than Tromso. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Reykjavik that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Reykjavik than Tromso if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Reykjavik.

One day in Tromso or Reykjavik?

Even though Tromso is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reykjavik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Tromso or Reykjavik?

Tromso is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Tromso or Reykjavik?

Tromso is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Tromso or Reykjavik?

Tromso is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tromso, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the safe destination of Reykjavik. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Norway, The Best Adventure Tours to Norway, The Best Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tromso and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Tromso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tromso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tromso and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik than you might in Tromso.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tromso Expensive? and Is Reykjavik Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tromso or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Tromso and Reykjavik, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Tromso or Reykjavik?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tromso or Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tromso and Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Tromso for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tromso is around the same temperature as Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tromso in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In Tromso, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tromso usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Tromso gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tromso usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Tromso gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tromso or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tromso as well as Reykjavik. The autumn months attract visitors to Tromso because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the autumn. The weather in Tromso can be very cold. In October, Tromso is generally much colder than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Tromso average around 3°C (37°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Tromso often gets less sunshine than Reykjavik. Tromso gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Tromso receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tromso usually gets more rain in October than Reykjavik. Tromso gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tromso or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Tromso are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tromso this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. It's quite cold in Tromso in the winter. Tromso is much colder than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Tromso averages around -4°C (25°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Tromso usually receives less sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Tromso gets 3 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tromso usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reykjavik. Tromso gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tromso or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Tromso during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tromso for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the spring for the natural beauty.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the spring. Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. In the spring, Tromso is much colder than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tromso in April average around 1°C (33°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Tromso often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Tromso gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Tromso usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Reykjavik. Tromso gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Tromso