Hello! I’m Stephen, AKA “stevenarwhals” on the r/VisitingIceland subreddit, and I’m covering upcoming the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026 for Epic Iceland. I fell in love with Iceland on my first ring road trip in 2015 and, with any luck, this will be my fourth total solar eclipse.
Below I’ve shared what I think is the most important information to know if you’re planning on visiting Iceland for the eclipse. I also plan to blog about the experience during the days leading up to it, so keep an eye on this page for updates!
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Iceland’s Total Eclipse: A truly special event
In the coming weeks, thousands of so-called “eclipse chasers” will flock to Iceland to witness a total solar eclipse, the rare astronomical phenomenon occurring over the western edge of the country in the late afternoon of Wednesday, August 12th, 2026.
To put into perspective just how rare this event is, there hasn’t been a total eclipse over Iceland since 1954, when one passed over just a small sliver of the south coast, and there won’t be another one anywhere in Iceland until the year 2196, so this truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those able to make the trip.
The shaded area on the map below represents the “path of totality.” The total eclipse will only be visible within that path, which includes Reykjavik, the Reykjanes peninsula (where the international airport is), the Snaefellsnes peninsula, and the Westfjords.
If all goes well and the weather cooperates (far from a guarantee in Iceland), those lucky enough to be in the path of totality will experience anywhere from 30 seconds to just over two minutes of totality, with it lasting longer the further west you go. That so many people are willing to plan entire trips around such a fleeting spectacle tells you just how special it is.
The total solar eclipse will only be observable within the shaded area. (Image credit: Space.com; Created and annotated by Jamie Carter using MapHub.net. Sources: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN and the GIS user community. Eclipse path by Xavier Jubier.)
The closer you are to the blue line on the map, the longer totality will last. Here’s the duration of totality for some notable locations, listed south to north:
- Reykjanesviti: 1 minute, 47 seconds
- Downtown Reykjavik: 58 seconds
- Akranes: 1 minute, 4 seconds
- Borgarnes: 42 seconds
- Londrangar: 2 minutes, 6 seconds
- Ondverdarnes: 2 minutes, 10 seconds
- Latrabjarg: 2 minutes, 13 seconds
- Dynjandisheidi: 1 minute, 33 seconds
- Bolafjall: 1 minute, 34 seconds
Total vs. Partial Eclipse: Is it really that big of a difference?
Although the total eclipse will only be visible within the path of totality, the entire country will be able to view a deep partial eclipse while wearing purpose-made eclipse glasses to protect your eyes from the sun. You might be wondering: is it worth the extra hassle to be inside the path of totality when you could witness a 99% partial eclipse somewhere else?
As someone who has been fortunate enough to witness three total eclipses, my answer is an emphatic YES. The difference between a total solar eclipse and even a 99% partial eclipse is literally the difference between night and day. Those outside the path of totality will miss out on all the effects of the sun being completely eclipsed by the moon, an awe-inspiring experience that you need to see for yourself to fully appreciate.
Planning Your Eclipse Trip
The most hardcore eclipse chasers have been planning their trip for years and accommodations within the path of totality are virtually sold out, with any options available going for many times over normal peak season prices. But if you are considering taking a last-minute eclipse trip on a budget, don’t worry, you have some options:
- You can rent a camper van and stay at campsites. Epic Iceland offers special discounts on camper and car rentals through our trusted partners.
- You can rent a car and camp with a tent. Please note that whether you are in a camper van or a tent, you must camp only where allowed by Icelandic law, which is generally going to be only within designated campsites. You cannot just pull over on the side of the road and camp wherever you feel like.
- You can stay in accommodations outside the path of totality and drive to your eclipse viewing location on the day of. This is possible thanks to the eclipse being in the late afternoon, around 5:45 PM local time. This option also gives you the added benefit of being able to track the cloud cover forecast and go to the area that looks most promising, rather than being locked into one specific place.
Keep in mind that August is already peak season in Iceland and with the influx of eclipse chasers, the regions within the path of totality will be pushed to their limit in terms of accommodations and road traffic. That’s why it’s important to do your due diligence before you arrive and not expect to just wing it.
Weather Considerations
Of course, Mother Nature also needs to cooperate in order for the eclipse to be fully visible. Like with viewing the northern lights, the biggest concern is cloud cover. Broken clouds high in the sky are not much of a concern, but a low-hanging overcast cloud ceiling could potentially spoil the party. Based on the historical statistics for August 12th, it’s more likely than not that there will be some kind of clouds on eclipse day, but the odds are roughly 50/50 as to whether they will be the kind that block your view of the eclipse.
This is why most hardcore eclipse chasers are instead going to Spain, where odds of clear skies are significantly higher. However, it really is just a matter of playing the odds and, in fact, during the 2024 solar eclipse in North America, many places with historically clear skies were unusually cloudy and vice versa. You never know.
Even if the eclipse path is fully shrouded in clouds on eclipse day, there are still some silver linings. While you may not be able to observe the eclipse directly, the effect that it has on the surrounding landscape is very unique and memorable. And never forget that you are still fortunate enough to be surrounded by the majestic beauty of Iceland, with so much else to see and do during your trip.
Rainy weather might surely happen during Iceland’s 2026 total solar eclipse, but all hope for the best!
Fingers and toes crossed that the sun will be out in its full glory! And if it is, don’t forget to protect yourself with a hat and sunscreen, as you’ll likely be spending several hours in the sun before and after the eclipse.
Roads and Traffic
While the eclipse will pass over some of the most developed parts of Iceland, such as Reykjavik and the international airport, much of the path will be over less developed areas with gravel and dirt roads of varying quality. In anticipation, the Icelandic road authority will be setting up roadblocks and implementing one-way traffic controls on the day of the eclipse.
Plan accordingly and prepare for the possibility that access to certain roads, such as those to the Látrabjarg cliffs (one of our Top 9 Icelandic Landscapes) and Snæfellsjökull National Park, may be cut off many hours before the eclipse if the authorities deem they are at capacity.
In my experience with previous eclipses, the heaviest traffic occurs immediately following the eclipse when everyone is trying to leave in the same direction at the same time. I highly recommend preparing to stay put for a few hours after the eclipse and waiting for the traffic to calm down before going anywhere. Before eclipse day, stock up on food, water, fuel, and anything else you need to be safe and comfortable, especially if you plan on being in a less developed area like the Westfjords, where grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations are few and far between.
More Information and Helpful Links:
- Eclipse2026.is – the closest thing to an official website for the eclipse in Iceland, with lots of detailed information and tips, run by Sævar Helgi Bragason, a well-respected Icelandic astronomer and educator.
- This excellent presentation by Sævar Helgi Bragason, including a great primer on total eclipses in general and specific tips about where and how to experience it in Iceland.
- West.is – useful information, tips, and FAQs from the official travel bureau of West Iceland.
- Icelandic Road Authority – more detailed information about the traffic management plan.
- Xavier Jubier’s interactive map – click around the map to see eclipse details for any location.
- Five Tips from NASA for Photographing a Total Solar Eclipse
- Icelandic Met Office Cloud Cover Forecast (only useful within 48 hours of the eclipse and even then take it with a grain of salt)
