Solar Eclipse 2026 in Iceland

On August 12, 2026, a rare and spectacular event will occur—a total solar eclipse, where the moon fully covers the sun. Casting a shadow on Earth, the eclipse will be visible from several regions, but one of the best places to experience this unique event is Iceland.

Solar Eclipse Information

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and the earth, blocking some or all of the sun's light. The type of eclipse depends on how much of the sun is obscured. Since the moon’s orbit is slightly tilted, solar eclipses don’t happen every month. Instead, they occur only when the sun, moon, and earth align perfectly.Learn more about what causes solar eclipse.

Types of Solar Eclipses:

total solar eclipse
partial solar eclipse
annular solar eclipse

Each type of solar eclipse depends on how much of the sun is obscured by the moon.

How rare are solar eclipses?

Total solar eclipses are rare because the moon must be at the perfect distance and alignment to block the sun completely. A total eclipse happens somewhere on the earth roughly every 18 months, but any given location may only see one every 300–400 years!

The last total solar eclipse visible in Iceland occurred in 1954; the next one will occur in 2196. Therefore, the 2026 eclipse is a must-see event!

total solar eclipse with a white glow on a black background

Where to See the Solar Eclipse on August 12, 2026

The 2026 eclipse path will begin over the Arctic and move southward across the North Atlantic.

Iceland

It is one of the best places to see the total phase of the eclipse. The capital, Reykjavík, and locations like Perlan will offer stunning views.

Northern Spain

The northern region, just above Madrid, will experience a total eclipse, while the rest of the country will experience over a 90% partial eclipse.

Portugal

A small part of Portugal will experience a total eclipse. It is on the border, NorthWest of Bracanca, make sure you're in the right spot to witness this rare event! The rest will experience a 90%+ partial eclipse.

Map from NationalEclipse.com

Exact Times and Locations for the Solar Eclipse 2026 in Iceland

For those travelling to Iceland to witness the solar eclipse, it’s essential to know the exact timing of the event. Below is a breakdown of the key times for various locations across Iceland. Remember, times may vary slightly depending on where you are in the country, so check local listings as the event approaches.

Reykjavík:

Start of the eclipse: 16:47 (4:47 PM)
Maximum eclipse: 17:48 (5:48 PM)
End of the eclipse: 18:47 (6:47 PM)

Ísafjörður (Westfjords):

Start of the eclipse: 16:43 (4:43 PM)
Maximum eclipse: 17:44 (5:44 PM)
End of the eclipse: 18:43 (6:43 PM)

Reykjanes Peninsula (Reykjanesbær):

Start of the eclipse: 16:47 (4:47 PM)
Maximum eclipse: 17:48 (5:48 PM)
End of the eclipse: 18:47 (6:47 PM)

In the west of Iceland, totality will last for a little over two minutes, with the moon completely covering the sun during this period. The entire event, from start to finish, will last for around two hours.

A partial eclipse over Perlan in Reykjavik

Best Places to Watch the Solar Eclipse in Iceland

Iceland will be one of the best locations to experience the 2026 solar eclipse. If you're planning a trip, consider these top viewing spots:

Reykjavík

The Moon’s shadow moves toward Reykjavík, passing through Borgarnes (43s of totality) and Akranes (1m 2s). In Mosfellsbær, totality lasts 27s.

In Reykjavík, totality begins at 17:48:12 with the Sun 24.5° high. Duration varies slightly, with downtown Reykjavík, including the Perlan, experiencing 1m of totality.

Perlan is an iconic observation deck offering 360-degree views of Reykjavík and the surrounding landscape. Its elevated position makes it a fantastic spot to watch the eclipse.

Snæfellsjökull National Park

The umbral shadow reaches Snæfellsnes peninsula at 17:45:46, covering towns like Rif, Hellissandur, and Ólafsvík. Totality lasts 2m 7s in Hellissandur and 2m 5s in Ólafsvík, with every populated area experiencing the eclipse.

Photogenic locations include Svöðufoss waterfall (2m 6s of totality) and Grundarfjörður, where Kirkjufell mountain provides a stunning backdrop (1m 50s). Stykkishólmur offers views over Snæfellsnes mountaintops with 1m 23s of totality. Southern Snæfellsnes locations like Arnarstapi, Hellnar, and Búðir provide wide views with Snæfellsjökull glacier in the foreground.

Snæfellsnes is easily accessible from Reykjavík within three hours, offering a dramatic landscape of lava fields, volcanic features, and glaciers for a unique eclipse experience.

Westfjörds

The Moon’s umbral shadow first touches Iceland at Straumnes Lighthouse in the Westfjords at 17:43:28, with totality lasting 1m 26s. The longest duration on Iceland’s mainland is at Látrabjarg (2m 13s).

Ísafjörður, the largest town in the Westfjords, offers a good viewing spot with totality lasting just over 1m 31s. The region’s fjords and valleys provide stunning scenery but may obstruct the view due to mountainous terrain, which is why an interactive eclipse map helps identify clear vantage points.

Comparisons with Other Locations

While several countries will have a good view of the eclipse, Iceland stands out for the duration of totality, clocking around two minutes in multiple easily accessible locations. The eclipse will be visible in the early afternoon in Iceland, when the sun is still relatively high in the sky, compared to Spain or Portugal, where the sun will be lower on the horizon. This means you’ll likely have a more unobstructed and impressive view of the event in Iceland.

Iceland’s Unique Natural Beauty

In addition to its advantageous position for viewing the eclipse, Iceland’s breathtaking natural beauty makes the experience even more magical. Imagine standing on a volcanic plain, gazing up at the darkening sky as the moon passes in front of the sun, casting a twilight over the rugged terrain. The contrast between the land’s dramatic features—volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls—and the eerie darkness of the eclipse is bound to be unforgettable.

Whether you’re perched on a hill with panoramic views of the landscape or near the coastline with the sea stretching before you, Iceland’s natural wonders offer an extraordinary backdrop for the eclipse. For many, the chance to witness a solar eclipse in such a remarkable setting is reason enough to visit.

How to Prepare for the 2026 Solar Eclipse in Iceland

Planning your trip to Iceland for the solar eclipse involves more than just booking flights and accommodations. You’ll want to ensure you’re well-prepared for both the eclipse and Iceland’s unpredictable weather.

Solar Eclipse Glasses

To safely view the solar eclipse, you must wear special eclipse glasses that block out harmful UV rays. Regular sunglasses won’t offer enough protection, so make sure to either bring certified solar viewing glasses or buy them at solmyrkvagleraugu.is. We recommend also having filters for your cameras and telescopes.

Essential Gear

Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, even in August, so pack for all conditions. Essential gear includes:

Waterproof rain gear
Warm layers, including thermal clothing
Sturdy hiking boots
Hat and gloves for cold weather

Photography Tips

For those planning to photograph the eclipse, make sure to bring a tripod and a solar filter for your camera lens. Set up your equipment well in advance, and practice shooting in low-light conditions to get the best results. It is known for being difficult to shoot a good photo of a solar eclipse, which is why most experts recommend enjoying the show while it lasts. Check out our solar eclipse photography tips for expert advice.

Camera taking a photo of the solar eclipse

What to Expect After the 2026 Solar Eclipse in Iceland

After experiencing the awe of the solar eclipse, why not extend your stay in Iceland and explore the country’s many attractions? August is a perfect time to visit, with long daylight hours and pleasant weather. Reykjavik offers a wealth of activities, from cultural attractions to delicious cuisine. Check out this article on things to do in Reykjavik in August for more ideas.

Will Northern Lights Be Visible During the Eclipse?

It is unlikely they will be visible during the eclipse. However, if you’re staying in Iceland after the eclipse, you may catch the aurora borealis in the evening as summer transitions into fall.

Solar Eclipse FAQ

When is the solar eclipse in 2026?

On August 12, 2026.

Where will the 2026 solar eclipse be visible?

The total solar eclipse will be visible from parts of Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Portugal.

Where in Iceland is the best place to see the solar eclipse?

Great viewing spots include Reykjavik’s Perlan, Reykjanes Peninsula, and Ólafsvík. Check here for the best places to see the northern lights in Iceland.