Auroras over Kirkjufell, Iceland
© Cavan Images/Alam
A sky alive with colour. Auroras over Kirkjufell, Iceland
As darker nights return to Iceland, visitors will soon look to the skies for a chance to see the aurora borealis. Better known as the northern lights, this luminous phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with oxygen and nitrogen high in Earth's atmosphere, creating shimmering ribbons of green, pink, purple and sometimes red light. From September to April, Iceland's northern location and long winter nights make it one of the world's finest places to witness the display.
Beneath this ever-changing sky stands Kirkjufell, a 463-metre peak on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Its name means 'Church Mountain,' inspired by its distinctive church-like profile. Together with the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, it creates one of Iceland's most photographed landscapes and a favourite setting for aurora watchers. Fans of 'Game of Thrones' may also recognise it as the Arrowhead Mountain beyond the Wall, adding a touch of screen magic to an already unforgettable scene.
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