Visit Iceland for the 2026 solar eclipse

Cosmic event fans – save the date!

In August 2026, there’ll be a total solar eclipse visible from many western parts of mainland Europe, including Spain and Portugal – and Iceland (and Greenland, too!). This is the first total solar eclipse in continental Europe since 1999, and this exact event hasn’t occurred in Iceland in over 70 years.

During a total solar eclipse, the moon’s apparent diameter appears larger than the sun’s, creating the effect of a complete blackout when the two celestial bodies align – an eerie yet spectacular sight that most people only get to experience once in a lifetime. The area on the earth’s surface where the moon completely obstructs the sun is called the path of totality – and it’s usually a relatively narrow region of a few hundred kilometers, while a partial solar eclipse is visible in the surrounding areas for thousands of miles.

The 2026 eclipse in Iceland is especially exciting because the path of totality is directly over many regions in the west of the country, including the capital, Reykjavík. It offers locals and tourists the unique opportunity to experience a major celestial event while enjoying the highlights of Iceland’s summer – including other natural wonders and attractions.

So, if you didn’t manage to catch a glimpse of the 2024 eclipse in the US, this is your chance to see this incredible event while checking a new destination off your bucket list! Read on to learn more about Iceland’s 2026 solar eclipse, including the best places to see the eclipse, travel planning tips, and other natural phenomena to look out for when you visit.

The next total solar eclipse in Iceland will occur during the early evening of Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Time and Date forecasts that the partial eclipse in Iceland will start at approximately 4:42pm, with totality (blackout) beginning at around 5:43pm.

Different Icelandic regions will experience totality at slightly different times within this window, and the duration of totality will also vary. On average, the whole event is predicted to last for around 2 hours, with totality only lasting for about 1 minute.

The next time a full solar eclipse will be visible over Iceland after this is on June 26, 2196, and there won’t be another path of totality over Reykjavík until May 2245. That’s why Iceland’s August 2026 eclipse is so rare – and why it’s definitely worth traveling to see.

From its location along the eclipse’s path to its dramatic landscapes, here’s why viewing the 2026 eclipse from Iceland is a great option:

• Low levels of light pollution: Compared to other eclipse destinations, like Spain or Portugal, Iceland’s vast wilderness and relatively small towns and cities mean that there are lower levels of light pollution. This means the effects of the eclipse will be even more impressive, especially in areas in the east of the country that will experience a partial eclipse.
• Mild August weather: August is one of the mildest months of the year in Iceland, with temperatures averaging around 54-57°F (14-16°C). Again, compared to Spain and Portugal, where temperatures usually reach into the 80s (or above 30°C), Iceland is ideal if you’re not a fan of the heat. While our climate isn’t quite Mediterranean, it’s definitely comfortable enough to be outside, and these conditions make it a great time of year for other outdoor activities. Even though it can be sunny at this time of year, we’d still recommend preparing for any unpredictable weather changes!

• Midnight sun: During the 2026 eclipse, Iceland will be reaching the end of its midnight-sun season – experiencing as many as 17 hours of daylight with sunsets as late as 10pm. The increased window of daytime means that there’s more time for activities like hiking, swimming, and exploring the outdoors in general. The sun will be sticking around after the eclipse vanishes too, so you can still enjoy an extended evening of fun.

• Possibility of the northern lights: Iceland’s proximity to the Arctic Circle means that it’s an aurora borealis hotspot. Typically, the lights are only visible on clear, dark nights between September and April, though occasionally they’ve been known to appear in August. It’s unlikely, but possible that you could see the aurora on the same night as the eclipse (although we wouldn’t plan your trip around this). If you want the best chance to see the lights, we recommend extending your stay into September or coming back during the fall or winter.

• Accessible viewing locations: Another benefit of Iceland for the 2026 eclipse is the fact that you can get to some amazing viewing locations fairly easily. The total eclipse will be visible from the Snæfellsnes peninsula, just a 2.5-hour drive from Reykjavík, the capital, and home to plenty of scenic eclipse-spotting locations. But if you don’t fancy traveling too far, you’ll be able to see the total eclipse from Reykjavík itself for about one minute! 

The 2026 eclipse in Iceland is especially exciting because the path of totality is directly over many regions in the west of the country, including the capital, Reykjavík.

After the eclipse path crosses down from northeast Greenland, it will move over the western regions of Iceland, passing areas including the Westfjords, the Snæfellsnes peninsula, and the Reykjanes peninsula. Anyone in these regions will have the chance to see a total solar eclipse, while the rest of Iceland will experience a partial solar eclipse.

Check out the path of totality for Iceland’s 2026 eclipse:

The 2026 eclipse is very well positioned over Iceland, with totality visible from many inhabited and easily accessible areas in the west. Here are our top eclipse-viewing hotspots:

The ultimate solar eclipse tour

Local experts offer a day tour on August 12, 2026 – designed for travelers who want the best possible view of the eclipse. With a focus on flexibility, expert planning, and natural beauty, this is a smart and memorable way to experience the 2026 eclipse in Iceland.

The tour departs from Reykjavík, and space is limited – book early!

Iceland Eclipse music festival

A four-day music festival has been announced, to be held on the Snæfellsnes pensinsula from August 12 to 15, 2026.

This cosmic gathering has big plans: ‘to bring together 3,000+ artists, scientists, musicians, and visionaries for a unique fusion of electronic and Icelandic music, large-scale art, eclipse science, and earth-based ceremony, all designed to foster deep connection with nature, community, and the cosmos’. 

Echolalia Festival

Close to Reykjavík, Echolalia is a rave taking place in a park in Hafnarfjörður on August 12, and is set to feature a DJ set from Björk and friends.

Víðistaðatún park is in the western periphery of the capital area, and it will experience totality for 1 minute and 4 seconds.

We recommend preparing in advance to make sure you’re ready when the time rolls around. Here are some important things to keep in mind ahead of your visit to Iceland for the 2026 eclipse:

• Book your flight to Iceland soon! Flights to Iceland are likely to get booked up quickly for the eclipse period.
• Research destinations before booking: As we’ve explored, there are many different locations in western Iceland that you can view the total solar eclipse from. Although most tourists will be staying around the Reykjavík area, you may want to broaden your horizons and visit other destinations on the list of eclipse hotspots. It’s important to consider how much extra travel you’re willing to factor into your trip since remote locations require a little more effort to reach.
• Sort out accommodation in advance: Iceland is a relatively small country, and although there are plenty of accommodation options in the capital, they’ll likely fill up fast for the August 2026 eclipse. Planning ahead is even more important if you’re thinking about staying in sparsely populated areas with limited options, like the Westfjords. We’d recommend getting in touch with accommodation providers as soon as possible to find out if they’re taking bookings to avoid disappointment. For maximum flexibility on your accommodation in Iceland, you could also hire a motorhome which gives you the freedom to explore the great outdoors and find the best eclipse-viewing spot for yourself.
• Buy some protective eyewear: Perhaps one of the most important things you can do to plan for the eclipse is to get some protective eyewear. Looking directly at the sun – even while wearing UV-protective sunglasses – can seriously damage your vision. So, number one on your packing list should be a pair of eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer, which are specially made with advanced solar filters. These devices must be used up until the moment of totality, since even gazing at a near-full eclipse can affect your vision. For more tips on how to safely view a solar eclipse, visit the NASA website.
• Plan other tours and activities: Although the eclipse alone is worth traveling to Iceland for, it only lasts for a couple of hours. Luckily, there are plenty of summer activities to fill your time here. We have a range of tours available to help you build out your Iceland itinerary, including whale watching, puffin spotting, and horseback riding. We’d recommend making a note of your favorites and booking them ahead of time as they may also sell out during this busy period.

The total solar eclipse is fast approaching – but if you miss this event on August 12, there are still plenty of other ways you can experience celestial phenomena in Iceland.

The northern lights are one of Iceland’s most famous natural wonders, with prime viewing season running from September to April. With dramatic landscapes, jaw-dropping viewing spots, and some of the best conditions for strong aurora displays, Iceland is the ideal destination to catch a glimpse of the lights dancing overhead. We offer many different tours and vacation packages for the aurora borealis, so you have plenty of options for planning a trip to see this phenomenon.

In June each year, you can also experience the near-24-hour daylight of the midnight sun, something that only occurs in select parts of the world.

Whenever you’re visiting, Iceland has a wealth of natural wonders to discover and experience, and these celestial events are just the tip of the iceberg. From unique natural landscapes to world-renowned attractions, learn more about why Iceland is a fantastic destination to visit all year round.