Interest in the total solar eclipse in Iceland next year is growing rapidly even though it is still almost one year away. It takes place on 12 August 2026 and based on the interest already, Iceland is likely to be “sold out” on that day, meaning accommodation and even rental cars, so it would be smart to start looking and booking now if you are interested to witness this natural phenomena from pole position. But what is all the fuss about? Let’s look into it.

What is a Total Solar Eclipse?

A total solar eclipse means that the moon completely covers the sun, revealing the sun’s corona (or outer atmosphere) in a breathtaking display. When it happens, the sky darkens in the blink of an eye and the temperature drops, creating an almost otherworldly experience. 

Total solar eclipses are a rare occurrence. Any specific location will only experience one roughly once every 360 to 410 years. The last time that a total solar eclipse could be seen from Reykjavík was on 17 June 1433.

Why is Iceland an Optimal Location to See It?

There are several reasons why Iceland is one of the best places to see the 2026 total solar eclipse. It is the closest to the point of maximum eclipse, which is located just outside of the bay of Breiðafjörður, between the tips of the Westfjords and the Snæfellsnes peninsula. This spot will have the longest duration of totality (2 minutes and 18 seconds). 

Iceland is also known for low light pollution due to the small population, which enhances the viewing experience.

Since the eclipse happens in August, the chance of clear skies is around 40%, it is the time of year with the highest probability of good weather in Iceland.

The Best Spots To View The Total Eclipse

Since the maximum point of the total solar eclipse will occur just off the west coast of Iceland, the best spots to view it are on the westernmost parts of the country, including the Westfjords, Snæfellsnes peninsula, Reykjanes peninsula, and the capital, Reykjavík. 

The Westfjords are a remote part of Iceland and known for dramatic landscapes, including cliffs, deep fjords and a sparse population. The isolation and natural beauty of the Westfjords make them an ideal place to see the eclipse.

The Snæfellsnes peninsula is much closer to Reykjavík and famous for its scenic beauty, including attractions such as Snæfellsjökull glacier and Mt. Kirkjufell.

The Reykjanes peninsula has been in the news a lot in the past few years due to significant volcanic activity with 2-3 eruptions a year. It is conveniently located near the international airport (Keflavik).

Totality in Reykjavík will last for about one minute, starting at 17:48:12. 

In the rest of Iceland, there should still be spectacular scenery with a deep partial solar eclipse, where the sun will appear as a thin crescent, casting a silvery glow over the landscape with unusually sharp shadows.

Prepare for the 2026 Solar Eclipse in Iceland

Book early: This will be a rare and extraordinary opportunity. The key is to stay flexible when planning your trip. Booking accommodation (and flights) well in advance is advisable as hotels and guesthouses are expected to fill quickly. When this is written, accommodations in the Westfjords and Snæfellsnes are already sold out on Booking.com and there is only one property available in Reykjanes. Reykjavík has 97% of places to stay unavailable on the site from 11 to 13 August. This is an indicator of the demand.

Ensure you have reliable transportation, be that a bus or a car.

Be flexible: Check the weather forecast in the days before the eclipse and be prepared to relocate to areas with clear skies. 

Avoid traffic by leaving early and planning your route ahead.

Last, but not least, consider safety measures and never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. You will need certified solar viewing glasses or a solar filter for binoculars and cameras to safely observe the partial phases of the eclipse. 

You can find more details about the 2026 solar eclipse in Iceland here.

How Can I Prepare and Book?

You can book accommodation on e.g. Booking or directly on hotel websites. As mentioned above, a large part of available accommodation is already booked, so it is advisable to act swiftly. An alternative could be to camp at one of the camping places with a campervan or a tent. Wild camping is not allowed in Iceland, so you will need to reserve a spot at one of the campgrounds. 

You could also stay in the capital and view the solar eclipse from there or book an organised day tour to see it, e.g. one of these: