By Chris Ayliffe, Arctic Meta
Choosing between Iceland, Norway, and the Faroe Islands is a fine problem to have. It is like choosing whether to disappear into volcanic tundras, fjords, or sea cliffs watched over by swarms of sheep (if that’s how you say it?).
All three offer remote landscapes, big skies, wild weather, and silence that makes your inbox feel very far away. Yet each has a different mood, and dare I say it, vibe.
Iceland is cinematic and elemental, with glaciers, lava fields, hot springs, black sand beaches, and endless streams of waterfalls crafted for sci-fi movie sets.
Norway, on-the-other-hand, is grand and polished, with large gaping fjords, forests, mountains, quaint towns, and cabins built for long evenings by the fire.
Lastly, the younger cousins of the Faroe Islands are raw, compact, and deeply atmospheric, with great cliffs, grass roofed villages, ocean mist, narrow roads, and weather to rival its older brother, Iceland (in the windiest way possible).
So, where should you go for a remote stay? It depends on the type of solitude you want.
Iceland, Norway, and the Faroe Islands at a Glance
Iceland is the easiest remote escape to plan (I say that writing from there). You can fly into Keflavík, collect a car, and reach wild landscapes within an hour (or less if you take the road less travelled after collecting your luggage). It feels far from ordinary life without requiring expedition level logistics.
Norway is larger and more varied. Its fjords, mountains, islands, and Arctic regions are magnificent, but distances are greater. It rewards travellers who choose one region and explore it slowly.
The Faroe Islands feel (and for sure are) the most isolated. The islands are small, but the mood is powerful. The ocean, cliffs, fog, sheep (and more sheep), and tiny villages create a true edge of the world feeling.
For travellers who want remote beauty with comfort and practical access, Iceland usually has the strongest balance, with an extra dash of adventure to discover.
Which Has the Most Dramatic Scenery?
Iceland wins for variety. You can see waterfalls, glaciers, lava fields, geothermal valleys, black sand beaches, and volcanic landscapes in one trip (and in one day, relatively easily). The scenery changes quickly, which makes every day feel like a new chapter in a saga, only with better coffee, and some fine local craft beers.
South Iceland is especially strong for first time visitors. It gives easy access to all of the good stuff and plenty of hidden gems, with the Golden Circle on the way. My guide to Iceland’s top 5 waterfalls is a useful place to start.
Norway wins for scale. Its fjords and mountains feel vast, calm, and monumental. It is less surreal than Iceland, but the deep fjords provide some stellar sights.
The Faroe Islands win for mood. Their cliffs, green slopes, sea stacks, and tiny settlements feel ancient and slightly haunted. Photographers will find plenty to love, provided the fog decides to cooperate.
I’d recommend choosing Iceland for the most surreal bucket list mix you’ll find (even beyond the comparisons to these two countries).
Which Feels the Most Remote?
The Faroe Islands feel the most isolated. You are on a windswept archipelago in the North Atlantic, where the ocean is always close and the weather has strong opinions.
Norway feels more remote through distance if that makes sense? Northern Norway, Lofoten, Senja, and the fjord regions can feel wonderfully far from the usual rush, but you need more time to reach and explore them properly (and winter can make this a real triumph).
Iceland feels remote in a more accessible way. Outside Reykjavík and the busiest routes, the landscapes open into huge skies, empty roads, lava fields, and quiet valleys. It sounds like a cliche you might have read in multiple places, but every 10-30 mins the landscape will show a different shade of weird and wild, and often with no other souls in sight.
That is why Iceland works so well for a first remote Nordic escape. You get space, silence, and dramatic views and side quests, but you can still travel comfortably. The traveller’s guide to the Panorama Glass Lodge will give you a good sense of how a countryside stay can combine privacy with practical comfort (hint hint of where to stay).
Which Is Easiest to Travel Around?
Iceland is usually the simplest. International flights are frequent, car hire is straightforward, and most natural highlights you’ll find on the postcards and Insta feeds are easily reachable by road.
A self drive trip works well in Iceland, especially if you’re planning to take the country by storm, or just at your own comfortable pace. In winter, conditions require care, so it is worth reading our Iceland winter driving tips before planning a cold season route.
Norway has excellent infrastructure, but the distances are bigger. Trains, ferries, domestic flights, and roads are well organised, yet travel between regions can take time. It is best to choose one area rather than trying to conquer the whole country with an OCD spreadsheet master.
The Faroe Islands are compact, but weather can disrupt plans quite often. Roads, tunnels, ferries, fog, and wind all need to be respected (and, of course, the sheep I have not mentioned enough). The islands reward slow travel rather than packed itineraries.
For ease, Iceland comes first, and if I can be straight with you, with 1 road that encircles the whole country, it’s pretty hard to get lost.
Where Should You Stay for the Best Remote Experience?
In Iceland, remote stays often include cabins, traditional summerhouses, farm stays, boutique hotels, and some more unique accommodation. The best options give you privacy, views, and access to nature without sacrificing warmth or comfort, adding an extra story to your stay.
Our glass lodges in Iceland at the Panorama Glass Lodge fit this style well, with South and West Iceland locations, private hot tubs, wide views, on-site saunas, and options for couples and families. I know I would say that, but our Viking-themed stays are only getting better and more inviting with age, as Brynja and the team continue to pour their passion into each location.
Norway is excellent for cabins. If you want wood interiors, mountain views, fjord edges, wool blankets, and calm evenings, Norway knows exactly what it is doing. Annoyingly well, in fact.
The Faroe Islands have fewer accommodation choices, but the best stays are often about location. A simple guesthouse in a small village beneath a cliff can feel more memorable than a grand hotel elsewhere.
Choose Iceland for romantic remote comfort. Choose Norway for classic cabin culture (you’ve probably seen these in the movies). Or choose the Faroes for village based solitude.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
Iceland is a strong year-round destination. Summer brings long daylight, easier driving, green landscapes, highland access, and the midnight sun mood where bedtime is more of a theory for insomniacs like me to discuss. Summer in Iceland is built for individual rugged adventure.
Winter brings the spectacular northern lights, crazy snow, ice caves, frozen landscapes, and hot tubs under the darkest most clear skies you’ll find. It is magical, but the weather needs respect. It can be perfect one moment, and ultimate nemesis to your car doors in the next.
Norway is superb in summer for hiking, road trips, and the midnight sun in the north. Winter is best for Arctic activities, skiing, snow, cabins, and of course, the northern lights if you’re heading to the far north.
The Faroe Islands are easiest in late spring and summer, when days are longer and travel conditions are generally better. Still, waterproof clothing is not optional. It is the basic necessity of staying sane for more than 24 hours.
For all season variety, Iceland is the strongest choice.
Which Destination Has the Best Activities?
Iceland offers the broadest range in the most compact format. You can visit vastly powerful and tall trickling private waterfalls, soak in hot springs like Reykjadalur, walk along eerie black sand beaches, explore lava fields (not on the moss, please), join glacier tours, hunt for the northern lights every evening, and visit ice caves in winter.
Our hot springs are a major part of the appeal. You can find them lurking in all corners of the country with the noticeable steam trails in sight.
Norway is excellent for hiking, kayaking, skiing, fjord cruises, scenic rail journeys, wildlife trips, and general Arctic adventures. It is always good fun for longer outdoor holidays if your budget can stretch it.
The Faroe Islands are fantastic for hiking, photography, birdlife, coastal viewpoints, village exploring, and slow scenic drives if you’re only wanting a short holiday (2-3 days). The activity list is shorter, but the landscapes are pretty stunning.
Which Is Best for Budget and Value?
None of these destinations is cheap. They all have an ability to make you go, “it costs what!?”.
Iceland, Norway, and the Faroe Islands all come with high costs for food, fuel, car hire, tours, and accommodation. A remote stay should be planned with a realistic budget and pragmatism of the local economy in mind.
Iceland, in particular, can offer strong value because distances between major attractions are very manageable. You can base yourself well and avoid changing accommodation every night. Self-catering also helps, especially when staying somewhere with kitchen facilities, like the Panorama Glass Lodges.
Norway can become expensive because of distance. Domestic flights, ferries, fuel, and longer routes add up, though cabins and self-catering can add a helping hand.
The Faroe Islands can also be costly due to limited choice and import reliance (ah the fun of supply and demand). Car hire, food, tunnels, and tours should all be considered.
For a short to medium remote stay, I would say that Iceland often offers the best balance of cost, access, and experience.
Which Is Best for Couples, Families, and Adventure Travellers?
For couples, Iceland is the strongest all round choice. It offers private stays, generally more adventure for the curious minds, northern lights as a cherry on top (if you’re lucky), and scenery that does half the romantic work for you.
A trip built around the best places to see the northern lights in Iceland can be especially memorable in winter.
Norway is also excellent for couples who love slow travel and breathtaking scenery (the further north is always my choice). The mood is quieter and more traditional.
The Faroe Islands suit couples who want solitude, cliffs, photography, and atmosphere over luxury. These couples seem to also like the rain more than I necessarily do.
For families, Iceland works very well. Children can experience all of the major attractions and activities all across the country without endless travel days. As a family man myself, exploring Iceland with kids with the sheer infrastructure to support you with little ones at road stops is fantastic.
Norway is family friendly too, especially in summer, but distances are generally a lot longer. And the Faroes tend to be more suited for adventurous families with older children or teenagers (when they’re not obsessing over screens).
Why Iceland Is Often the Best Balance of Wild and Accessible
Iceland often wins because it gives you remote beauty without making the journey too complicated. You can land, rent a car, stock up on supplies (avoid the liquorice like me), and reach landscapes that feel totally bizarre in the good kind of way within a few hours.
South Iceland is ideal for waterfall chasers, jaw-dropping glaciers, black sand beach adventures (for sure try the ATV), the Golden Circle, and seasonal highland routes (in the summer). If you want colourful mountains and hiking, you 100% need to check out Landmannalaugar in the summer.
West Iceland is better for quieter roads (I mean there’s 400,000 people so nowhere is really that busy), ancient lava fields with some curious eruption history (geology geeks will love it), coastal scenery, and access towards Snæfellsnes. It feels slower and less crowded, which suits a remote stay beautifully.
Iceland’s seasons also add depth. Summer brings long bright nights, while winter brings deep darkness, snowy Christmas fjord towns, and awesome aurora chances. It’s often a clear reason why you need to visit the country at least twice in a lifetime.
Iceland feels wild, but it is also manageable. That combination is rare so don’t miss out.
How the Panorama Glass Lodge Elevates a Remote Iceland Stay
The Panorama Glass Lodge fits naturally into this comparison because it offers remote Iceland with comfort, privacy, and big views, beating the drum of the Viking roots of the country’s history.
Our South Iceland lodges are well placed for the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Icelandic Highlands exploration. Whereas our West Iceland lodges work well for exploring the Snæfellsnes peninsula and breaking up your journey north or into the Westfjords.
For couples, the appeal is clear. You can watch the sky from bed, soak in a private hot tub, and enjoy the feeling of seclusion without giving up warmth or comfort.
For families or small groups, the larger West Iceland options add more space, including family friendly layouts (sauna access is provided in both regions).
In winter, the lodges work amazingly well for watching the northern lights in style, across icy landscapes, in a hot tub, and your next adventure a stones throw away in the morning.
In summer, our lodges become quiet bases for road trips, bathing in the midnight sun, birdlife, highland access, and slow evenings where sunset seems to glitch like a 90’s computer.
Final Verdict: Iceland vs Norway vs Faroe Islands?
Choose Iceland if you want the best mix of wild scenery, comfort, easy access, and variety. It is the strongest all round choice for a remote stay by far in my humble opinion.
For most travellers, Iceland is the easiest recommendation. It gives you the feeling of distance without making the trip fragile. It has enough infrastructure to keep things smooth, enough wilderness to feel exciting (and yes, we too have wild Reindeer herds), and enough drama to make ordinary scenery seem underdressed.
Norway may win for fjords. The Faroe Islands may win for moody isolation. But Iceland wins for travellers who want a remote stay that feels wild, beautiful, practical, and quietly spectacular for all the reaches you’re be retelling to your fellow travellers for a lifetime.