A Moment Suspended in the Icelandic Night
From behind the cascading waters of Seljalandsfoss, one of South Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls, the view feels otherworldly.
Before you, the water crashes into the pool below, and beyond the shimmering veil, the night sky begins to move with the aurora borealis.
Waves of green light dance across the horizon, reflecting off the mist and turning the Icelandic night into a silent symphony of nature and light.
When Science Meets Magic
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, appear when solar particles collide with the Earth’s upper atmosphere, releasing waves of energy that paint the sky in vibrant colors.
In Iceland, shades of emerald green are the most common, though soft tones of pink, violet, and blue sometimes appear when solar activity is strong.
It is one of nature’s most poetic expressions, a luminous reminder that the universe is alive and in motion.
Why Iceland Offers the Perfect Stage
Located just below the Arctic Circle, Iceland provides some of the best conditions on Earth to witness this phenomenon.
Far from city lights, the South Coast offers vast open landscapes and dark skies ideal for viewing.
From Harmony Seljalandsfoss, it is often possible to see the aurora dancing above the mountains and reflecting in the still waters near the coast.
All that is needed is a clear sky, a bit of solar activity, and a moment of patience.
When and How to See the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights season in Iceland lasts from September to April, when the nights are long enough for the colors to shine.
The peak months are November through March, when the darkness can last up to twenty hours a day in some parts of the country.
To increase your chances, check the weather forecast and the aurora KP index, look for areas far from light pollution, and give yourself time.
The aurora can appear suddenly, last for minutes or for hours, and always leaves a lasting impression.
Tips for Capturing the Moment
To photograph the Northern Lights, bring a stable tripod and use manual settings.
Select a wide aperture between f/2.8 and f/4, and a long exposure between five and twenty seconds.
Dress warmly and take your time. The cold fades quickly when the sky begins to glow.
An Inner Experience
Witnessing the aurora borealis in Iceland is more than observing lights in the sky. It is a deeply personal experience.
It is a quiet dialogue between earth and sky, a moment when time seems to slow down.
Standing behind Seljalandsfoss, watching the Northern Lights move beyond the falling water, you feel the essence of harmony itself.
It is the meeting of power and peace, light and stillness, fire and ice.
