TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE 2026 IN ICELAND – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
What is a solar eclipse?
Why Iceland Is a Special Place to Experience the 2026 Eclipse?
How to make the best out of this exceptional event?
On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Iceland will witness one of nature’s most extraordinary events: a total solar eclipse. For a brief moment, the Moon will pass in front of the Sun, transforming a summer afternoon into an otherworldly twilight. This is a rare occurrence in Iceland, and one that will not be repeated for generations, making it a truly special reason to visit the country.
With its wide horizons, dramatic landscapes, and locations directly within the path of totality, Iceland offers a remarkable setting to experience this unforgettable celestial phenomenon.
Science of a solar Eclipse, courtesy of timeanddate.com
WHAT IS A SOLAR ECLIPSE?
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun’s light from view.
During a total solar eclipse, the Moon fully covers the Sun, allowing the delicate glow of the solar corona to become visible. The surrounding light softens, shadows sharpen, and the atmosphere briefly feels closer to dusk than daytime.
Total solar eclipses are rare and can only be seen from specific locations on Earth. On August 12, 2026, Iceland lies directly in the Moon’s shadow, offering a unique opportunity to experience this phenomenon in its full form.
Check out more information, including visibility maps, and local timings here.
WHEN AND WHERE TO SEE THE SOLAR ECLIPSE IN ICELAND
- Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
- Time: The eclipse will begin in the afternoon, with totality occurring in the early evening, at 17:48 local time
- Visibility: Iceland is within the path of totality, meaning the Sun will be completely covered for a short time
Puffin watching and a total eclipse? Only in Iceland, on August 12th, 2026
Watch the eclipse in the west of Iceland from one of Iceland´s best geothermal baths
SOME OF THE MOST PROMISING VIEWING AREAS INCLUDE:
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for its open views and striking natural scenery
- West Iceland and the Reykjanes Peninsula
- Reykjavík, which will also experience totality, though for a shorter duration
WHY ICELAND IS A SPECIAL PLACE TO EXPERIENCE AN ECLIPSE
The 2026 total solar eclipse will be visible from several parts of the world, but few locations offer the combination of visibility, scenery, and accessibility found in Iceland. Lying directly within the Moon’s path of totality, Iceland provides excellent conditions for experiencing the eclipse in full.
The majestic Gullfoss in the Golden Circle
Iceland’s open landscapes and long coastlines allow for clear, unobstructed views of the sky. Experiencing a total solar eclipse during the extended daylight of an Icelandic summer also creates a striking contrast, as the landscape briefly shifts from bright afternoon light to twilight.
Snorkel in the rift between Europe and North America, for a perfect Icelandic experience
With reliable infrastructure 还有 short travel distances from Reykjavík to prime viewing areas, Iceland is easier to navigate than many eclipse destinations.
Combined with the country’s strong connection to natural phenomena and dramatic scenery, Iceland stands out as one of the most memorable places to witness the 2026 eclipse.
Just as with the Northern Lights, timing and natural conditions play a key role in solar phenomena. If you’re curious to learn more about Iceland’s relationship with the sky, Aurora Reykjavik offers a range of informative articles here: https://aurorareykjavik.is/about-the-northern-lights/
SOLAR ECLIPSE TOUR IN ICELAND 2026 – SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA
Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where wide horizons and multiple viewing options make it easier to adapt to changing weather, is by far one of the prime 2026 eclipse viewing destinations.
Kirkjufell on Snæfellsnes Peninsula
To experience the eclipse with expert guidance and carefully chosen locations, Join our Iceland Solar Eclipse 2026 on Snæfellsnes Peninsula tour.
This tour is designed to combine the eclipse with exploration of one of Iceland’s most diverse landscapes.
As this is a rare event, interest is expected to be high, and early planning is advised.
TIPS FOR ENJOYING THE SOLAR ECLIPSE IN ICELAND
- Use solar eclipse glasses when observing the Sun
- Dress in layers to stay comfortable in changing weather
- Consider combining your eclipse trip with other guided experiences
You can explore Aurora Reykjavik’s full range of tours and activities here: https://aurorareykjavik.is/tours-and-activities/
Majestic cliffs in West Iceland
FINAL THOUGHTS – A MOMENT WORTH THE JOURNEY
The total solar eclipse in Iceland on August 12, 2026, is a rare meeting of sky and landscape.
Whether watched from a quiet coastal viewpoint, a geothermal pool, or as part of a guided experience in Snæfellsnes, it offers a powerful reminder of the rhythms of nature and our place within them.
With thoughtful planning, this short moment of darkness can become one of the most memorable highlights of a journey to Iceland.
EXPLORE MORE AT AURORA REYKJAVÍK
- Visit our Northern Lights Center to learn everything about the aurora.
- Discover the best Northern Lights photography tips for your next adventure.
- Find out the best months to see the aurora borealis in our guide.
JOIN US ON ICELAND'S BEST NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR
So, if you can – buy the ticket, get the ride. You will find our hand-picked selection of tours here:
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NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPER JEEP TOUR
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冰岛南岸与极光之旅
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✓ Visit Sólheimarjökull glacier
✓ Stroll around the town Vík
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北极光小巴之旅
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MOST POPULAR TOUR
FAQ ABOUT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
我什么时候可以在冰岛看到北极光？
During this long period, Iceland experiences sufficient darkness for the Aurora to be visible at night.
However, chances of experiencing the northern lights vary depending on the time of year. Find out which months are the best for seeing the Aurora here.
Can you see the Northern Lights during a full moon?
What time do the northern lights show up?
During the winter months, when the hours of light are limited, the northern lights can often appear as early at 7:00pm.
As the exact time of an Aurora display cannot be predicted, keep your eyes at the sky. And remember, patience is key!
How long do the northern lights last?
Each northern lights display is different, and varies in duration. Furthermore, the northern lights are not always visible for the entire duration of a single Auroral episode: they often change in intensity throughout a single display, and can go from very bright to incredibly faint, to the point they are hardly visible at all any more.
Learn more about how the northern lights behave duration-wise here.
Can I see the northern lights when it is cloudy?
As long as we can find some gaps in the cloud cover, some windows of clear sky – there’s hope.
And, even when it’s cloudy, keep in mind that not all clouds are the same. For example, high clouds are often see-through and do not necessarily disrupt our view. Rule of thumb: if you can see the stars, you can potentially see the northern lights too.
Once again, keep your eyes at the sky 还有 check the forecast regularly for the most reliable prediction.
Do the northern lights only appear when it is cold?
As you can imagine, this means that you don’t need cold temperatures to see an Aurora (although you should not expect t-shirt weather at night in Iceland, not even in August).
The northern lights happen way above the weather systems, and are not influenced by weather systems and temperature fluctuations in the lower atmosphere.
Find out more here.
Are the northern lights visible all over Iceland?
In the Arctic region, the belt extends between 60°N and 70°N latitude. As Iceland in its entirety is included between 63°N and 67°N, and therefore well within the aurora belt, chances of seeing the northern lights are virtually the same everywhere around the island – if weather allows.
That said, the likelihood of witnessing the northern lights is higher away from the city lights, and some areas around the country are especially scenic. Here are our favourite locations for northern lights spotting in Iceland.
Are the northern lights really colourful?
Is a new moon better for aurora viewing?
Is the full moon good for aurora photography?