🌑 Total Solar Eclipse 2026 — Once in a Lifetime!
First total eclipse in Iceland since 1954 • Next one in 2196 • Book your spot now!
On August 12, 2026, Iceland will experience its first total solar eclipse in over 70 years—and the next one won’t happen until 2196. For a few extraordinary minutes, day will turn to twilight as the moon completely covers the sun, revealing the sun’s ethereal corona and plunging western Iceland into darkness. This is not just a rare astronomical event; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena in one of Earth’s most dramatic landscapes.
The path of totality—the narrow band where the total eclipse is visible—will cross Iceland’s western regions, including the remote Westfjords, the mystical Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the capital city Reykjavik, and the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula. Depending on where you position yourself, you’ll experience between 30 seconds and 2 minutes 13 seconds of complete darkness, with stars appearing in the daytime sky, temperatures dropping noticeably, and the landscape taking on an otherworldly quality.
Iceland is arguably the most exciting place on Earth to witness this eclipse. Where else can you watch the sun disappear behind the moon while standing on an active volcanic peninsula, soaking in a geothermal lagoon, or gazing across glacier-capped mountains? The combination of Iceland’s dramatic scenery, accessible infrastructure, and position within the path of totality makes it the ultimate eclipse destination for 2026.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between Earth and the sun, completely blocking the sun’s bright face. This cosmic coincidence is possible because, although the sun is about 400 times larger than the moon, it’s also roughly 400 times farther away—making them appear almost exactly the same size in our sky.
The eclipse experience unfolds in distinct phases over approximately two hours:
1. First Contact (Partial Phase Begins) — The moon begins to “bite” into the sun’s edge. Over the next hour, the moon gradually covers more and more of the sun. The sky slowly dims, shadows sharpen, and temperatures begin to drop.
2. Second Contact (Totality Begins) — The moment of magic. The last sliver of sun disappears, often creating a “diamond ring” effect. The corona—the sun’s outer atmosphere—suddenly appears as a glowing halo. Day turns to twilight. Stars and planets emerge.
3. Maximum Eclipse — The midpoint of totality, when the moon is most centered over the sun. The corona is visible in all its glory, streaming outward in delicate filaments.
4. Third Contact (Totality Ends) — Another “diamond ring” as the first rays of sunlight return. You must put eclipse glasses back on immediately.
5. Fourth Contact (Partial Phase Ends) — The moon completely leaves the sun’s face. The eclipse is over, but the memory lasts forever.
The total solar eclipse will occur on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The entire event—from first contact to last—lasts approximately two hours, but the precious minutes of totality vary by location.
| Phase | Time (GMT) | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Partial Begins | ~16:47 | Moon starts covering the sun |
| Totality (Westfjords) | ~17:43 | First totality on Icelandic mainland |
| Totality (Snæfellsnes) | ~17:45-17:47 | Totality crosses the peninsula |
| Totality (Reykjavik) | ~17:48 | Capital experiences ~1 minute darkness |
| Totality (Reykjanes) | ~17:49-17:50 | Last totality on Icelandic mainland |
| Partial Ends | ~18:47 | Moon completely leaves the sun |
⏰ Important: Iceland does not observe daylight saving time. GMT times shown above are the same as local Icelandic time in August. The sun will be approximately 24.5° above the western horizon during totality.
| Location | Totality Starts | Maximum | Totality Ends | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Látrabjarg (Westfjords) | 17:43:50 | 17:44:57 | 17:46:03 | 2m 13s |
| Ísafjörður | 17:43:45 | 17:44:30 | 17:45:16 | 1m 31s |
| Ólafsvík (Snæfellsnes) | 17:46:10 | 17:47:12 | 17:48:13 | 2m 3s |
| Arnarstapi | 17:46:09 | 17:47:10 | 17:48:14 | 2m 2s |
| Grundarfjörður (Kirkjufell) | 17:46:00 | 17:46:55 | 17:47:50 | 1m 50s |
| Reykjavik (Downtown) | 17:48:12 | 17:48:42 | 17:49:12 | 1m 0s |
| Blue Lagoon | 17:48:19 | 17:48:48 | 17:49:18 | 1m 36s |
| Keflavík Airport | 17:48:25 | 17:49:14 | 17:50:03 | 1m 38s |
| Reykjanestá Lighthouse | 17:48:30 | 17:49:24 | 17:50:07 | 1m 47s |
The path of totality crosses four main regions of western Iceland. Each offers unique advantages depending on your priorities: maximum totality duration, scenic backdrops, accessibility, or convenience.
Best for: Maximum totality duration, dramatic landscapes, fewer crowds
The Westfjords offer the longest totality anywhere on Iceland’s mainland. At Látrabjarg—Europe’s westernmost point—you’ll experience 2 minutes 13 seconds of darkness, just 5 seconds short of the maximum for this eclipse.
Top viewing spots: Látrabjarg (2m 13s), Ísafjörður (1m 31s), Straumnes Lighthouse (1m 26s)
Best for: Photography, iconic landscapes, accessible from Reykjavik
Often called “Iceland in Miniature,” the Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers the perfect combination of long totality and incredible scenery. Watch the eclipse with Snæfellsjökull glacier or Kirkjufell mountain in view.
Top viewing spots: Svöðufoss (2m 6s), Ólafsvík (2m 3s), Arnarstapi (2m 2s), Kirkjufell (1m 50s)
Best for: Easy access, amenities, city atmosphere, post-eclipse celebrations
Iceland’s capital sits just inside the path of totality, offering approximately one minute of darkness. While totality is shorter, Reykjavik provides unmatched convenience and likely organized viewing events.
Top viewing spots: Perlan (~1m), Grótta (1m 6s), Harpa Concert Hall, Hallgrímskirkja
Best for: Unique volcanic backdrops, Blue Lagoon, airport proximity
Watch a total solar eclipse from an active volcanic landscape—and potentially combine it with a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon. Recent volcanic eruptions have created otherworldly lava fields.
Top viewing spots: Reykjanestá Lighthouse (1m 47s), Garður (1m 40s+), Blue Lagoon (1m 36s)
| Region | Max Totality | Distance from Reykjavik | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Westfjords | 2m 13s | 5-6 hours | Maximum experience |
| 🥈 Snæfellsnes | 2m 6s | 2-3 hours | Photography, scenery |
| 🥉 Reykjanes | 1m 47s | 45 min – 1 hour | Volcanic landscape |
| Reykjavik | ~1m 0s | — | Convenience |
Maximize your eclipse experience with a guided tour. Our expert local guides handle all logistics, positioning, weather monitoring, and provide eclipse glasses—so you can focus entirely on this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Iceland’s weather is the biggest wildcard for eclipse viewing. Understanding the patterns—and having a flexible plan—dramatically improves your chances of clear skies.
10-15°C
Average Temperature
~70%
Average Cloud Cover
32%
Sunny Hours (Reykjavik)
The key to eclipse success in Iceland is mobility. Cloud cover varies significantly across the country, and clear patches can often be found even on generally cloudy days:
☁️ Good News: Even if clouds block your view of the sun, you’ll still experience the darkness of totality! The sky will dim dramatically, temperatures will drop, and you’ll feel the eerie twilight.
Viewing a solar eclipse safely is crucial. Looking at the sun—even when partially covered—can cause permanent eye damage.
Accommodation in western Iceland for August 2026 is already booking fast. Book as early as possible — ideally 12-18 months in advance.
Widest selection of hotels. Good base for day trips.
Book 12+ months ahead
Limited options. Try Stykkishólmur, Grundarfjörður.
Book 18+ months ahead
Near Keflavík and Blue Lagoon. Airport access.
Book 18+ months ahead
Very limited. Ísafjörður is main town.
Book ASAP!
Peaks around August 11-13, 2026—the same week as the eclipse! Stay a few nights after for meteor viewing.
Mid-August marks the early start of Northern Lights season. Stay past August 15 for a chance to see aurora!
Reykjanes Peninsula eruptions (2021-2024) created dramatic lava fields—potential eclipse foreground!
August is peak whale watching season. Combine your eclipse trip with whale watching!
Iceland hasn’t seen a total solar eclipse since 1954, and won’t see another until 2196. August 12, 2026 is your chance to witness this incredible phenomenon.
