Experience the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse in Iceland ☀️🇮🇸

2026 Solar Eclipse

If you missed the eclipse in 2017 across the United States or the 2024 event that stretched from Mexico through Texas and up into Canada, this is your chance to experience totality. This will be Iceland’s first total eclipse since 1954, and the next will not happen until 2196.

Why Totality Matters

A partial eclipse is interesting, but a total eclipse is unforgettable. The air cools, daylight fades like a dimmer switch, and the corona of the sun glows in a halo of light around the darkened moon. Astronomers call it otherworldly. Everyone else just calls it the most incredible sky show they have ever seen.

The 2026 path of totality will run from Greenland across western Iceland before reaching Spain and Portugal.

Iceland has the best position, with the longest duration of darkness: 2 minutes and 18 seconds near Breiðafjörður Bay.

Maps courtesy of NationalEclipse.com. Used with permission.

Why Iceland Is Worth the Trip

Spain and Portugal may offer clearer skies, but Iceland gives you more time in totality and a setting that is hard to match. Light pollution is minimal. August skies are relatively clear. The scenery combines glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and black-sand beaches, making the backdrop unforgettable.

Stay a few days longer and you may see the northern lights. August also marks the start of aurora season. Ongoing volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula could add another unique sight.

The Festival Side

For travelers who want to combine science with celebration, Iceland is hosting the Iceland Eclipse Festival from August 12–15, 2026. It will be held near the fishing village of Hellissandur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The event brings music, art, yoga, wellness activities, and talks from scientists and astronauts. It is a way to stretch the experience into a full cultural event, but the eclipse itself remains the star.

Planning Your Trip

Iceland is accessible with nonstop flights from major U.S. cities such as New York, Boston, and Seattle. Reykjavik makes a natural starting point, but for the best view plan to travel west toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula or the Westfjords. Hotels and campgrounds will book quickly, so securing accommodations early is key.

If you’ve ever thought about traveling for an eclipse, this is the one. It’s rare, powerful, and will unfold against one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the world. Before you go, make sure you’re ready to experience it safely—eye protection is essential, and so is knowing when and where to look. For detailed viewing guides, maps, and up-to-date safety information, visit NationalEclipse.com, one of the most trusted eclipse resources worldwide.

FAQ: Iceland Solar Eclipse 2026

When is the eclipse?


August 12, 2026. The partial eclipse begins around 4:47 pm local time. Totality will occur between 5:43 and 5:50 pm depending on where you are.

Where should I be?


Western Iceland, especially the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Reykjanes Peninsula, or the Westfjords. Near Breiðafjörður Bay is where totality will last the longest.

How long does it last?


Up to 2 minutes and 18 seconds of totality. The entire event lasts about two hours including partial phases.

What about the weather?


August is one of Iceland’s clearer months, with roughly a 40 percent chance of clear skies.

What makes this eclipse special?


It coincides with the Perseids meteor shower, so you may see both the eclipse and shooting stars.

Is there a festival?


Yes, the Iceland Eclipse Festival runs from August 12–15, 2026, in Hellissandur. Expect music, art, science, and camping.

How often does Iceland get an eclipse like this?


The last total eclipse was in 1954. The next will not occur until 2196.