As if the usual attractions in Iceland weren’t enough, this is where you will be able to observe an additional, completely unusual event in 2026 – a total eclipse of the Sun, which will occur on August 12, 2026.
This will be a unique opportunity to observe one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena, and Iceland will be in the path of the total eclipse, offering ideal conditions for admiring the spectacle.
Where and when to observe the solar eclipse in Iceland
A total solar eclipse will be visible in a belt that will cut through the western and northern parts of Iceland. The best places for observation will be on the Reykjanes peninsula, around Reykjavík, and further north in regions such as Snæfellsnes, Westfjords (West Fjords) and the northwest coast.
The eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026. Depending on the exact location, the total phase will begin around 5:45-17:50 pm local time (GMT). Importantly – the eclipse in Iceland will occur well before sunset, which is not expected to occur until around 9:57 p.m. on that day. Therefore, the Sun, or its eclipse, will be visible quite high – at about 24.4 – 24.6 degrees above the horizon.
Map: the extent of a full solar eclipse in Iceland in 2026.
[source: https://www.timeanddate.com/]
Therefore, it is certainly worth going to Iceland and being on the western ends of these peninsulas at that time, but it is probably not worth going on a special cruise, on the line of the longest eclipse, if you only gain one or at most a few seconds in the length of the phenomenon. Especially since observing a total solar eclipse on land has several significant advantages over observing it at sea (see further).
How to organize a trip to see the solar eclipse in Iceland
When to go to Iceland to see a full solar eclipse
A full solar eclipse will be observable in Iceland on August 12, 2026, between 5:44 and 5:50 pm (depending on where you observe from).
Getting to one of the best land-based observation points – the area around Öndverðarnesviti lighthouse on the western tip of the Snaefellsness peninsula – directly from the Keflavik Airport, is only about a 4-hour drive on an ordinary day. Latrabjarg cliffs are a bit further out – more than a 6-hour drive. This means that, theoretically, you only need to arrive in Iceland the same morning, and you can plan your departure for the very next day – August 13.
However, on the day of the eclipse, one should expect very heavy traffic on the access roads, especially near those westernmost points. So you definitely need to leave more time to get there, and ideally – arrive in Iceland at least on the previous day (August 11), and plan your departure not earlier than the following day (August 13).
That said, airfares for flights in close proximity to August 12 will be very expensive – so it’s worth planning a longer trip – maybe arrive and depart at least a week before/after the eclipse.
The best places to view the eclipse in 2026
As for the places where the full solar eclipse will last the longest, these are:
- The line of maximum totality
At the line of maximum totality the Moon will fully cover the Sun for about 2 minutes and 19 seconds (i.e. 2’19”). [source: timeanddate.com] This line goes through the open ocean, about 28 miles (45 km) west of the coast of Iceland. So observing the eclipse there requires buying a place on a special boat trip.
Such cruises currently (August 2025) cost from about 15,000 ISK (about $360) per person and take off from both Reykjavik and ports on the Snaefellsnes and West Fjords peninsulas. There will certainly be more and more such cruises organised over time, but they are also unlikely to become less expensive. So it’s worth booking your places as early as possible, if you’re interested. See a boat trip starting from Reykjavik harbour here: Solar eclipse cruise from Reykjavik.
- West Fjords
The point of the longest total eclipse on land is near the Latrabjarg cliffs in the West Fjords. Here we will be able to observe the full eclipse for about 2 minutes and 14 seconds [source: ibid.], which is really not much shorter than from the sea.
It is certainly worth taking into account, however, that there is only one and quite narrow, and at times also quite steep gravel road leading to the Latrabjarg cliffs (road 612). This is not an F road, so formally entering it does not require a 4×4 car, but we will certainly feel safer in a car like that. Due to the low capacity of the road, you should expect traffic jams, even very long ones, and due to the high standards of nature conservation in Iceland and the microscopic size (compared to the interest in the eclipse) of the parking lot at Latrabjarg, some form of limiting the number of cars that will be allowed there is to be expected.
However, as far east as the point where road 612 diverges from Road 62, near the wreck of Garðar BA 64, the full eclipse is expected to last full 2 minutes. Therefore, it may not be worth driving all the way up to Latrabjarg itself. You definitely need to find a place with a view of the southwestern horizon, so the area near Garðar BA 64 wreck will not be a good eclipse spotting place, but there’s a few alternatives nearby.
First good alternative to Latrabjarg will be Raudisandur beach. Admittedly, the road leading there – road 614 – is equally narrow, steep and winding, but at least there is plenty of space on site to accommodate a lot of cars. In addition, there is also a campsite – Melanes campsite– right on the eastern Raudisandur. You might have to book it well in advance, but at least you will be able to spend the night before there and avoid having to get there on the day of the eclipse itself. (As of August 2025, Melanes is not yet accepting reservations for the following year.)
The hills above Patreksfjörður should also be a good vantage point. The town can be reached by any car (mostly by paved road 62), and there are stores, a campground, a gas station, and a hot pool. The town will probably feel a bit under a siege, but it provides good infrastructure. With that said, from the town itself, at sea level, the eclipse may be at least partially obscured by the hills on the southern shore of the fjord. Therefore, for the very time of observing the eclipse, it is certainly a good idea to climb higher, to the hills above the town.
Very similar description could be done for Tálknafjörður – a town a little further north, on road 617, or the settlement of Selárdalur, on road 619 (although here access may be more difficult, and it will certainly be necessary to climb the hilltops south of the settlement).
By contrast, in the capital of the West Fjords, Ísafjörður, the eclipse is expected to last about 1’30”, and will very likely be obscured by the surrounding hills. So it is not a good place to observe the eclipse.
- Snaefellsnes Peninsula
A very interesting place to view the full eclipse will also be the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This is an area much closer to Reykjavik and much better connected – among other things, you can get practically everywhere there by paved roads.
The maximum duration of a full eclipse on the Snaefellsnes peninsula is about 2 minutes and 10 seconds (2’10”), near the Öndverðarnesviti lighthouse.
Here, the eclipse area of more than 2 minutes will extend (on the southern coast of the peninsula) almost as far as the (southern) intersection of roads 54 and 574, so, for example, clearly east of the village of Arnarstapi.
Since one wants an unobstructed view in a west-southwest direction (WSW – azimuth 251.6º), basically everywhere along road 574 west of Arnarstapi and as far as Saxhóll crater, Skarðsvík beach and the aforementioned Öndverðarnesviti lighthouse, should be great vantage points.
It is worth noting, however, that here, too, we have practically one, admittedly paved, but nevertheless one-lane road, which everyone must drive to and then from the spectacle. So traffic jams are probably inevitable. Even more so if a music festival planned here on August 12-15 (near Hellisandur – north of Saxholl) becomes a thing.
When to buy tickets, rent a car, book accommodation for the eclipse in Iceland
August 2026 is sure to be an unusual month in Iceland’s tourist history. A huge interest in tourists and an influx of very large numbers of them is expected. This also has a significant impact on when and how to book flights, cars and accommodation.
- Book early
At Rumbomundo, we are quite meticulous in researching the cost of car and RV rentals. This research shows that, especially in summer, it’s usually worth waiting until the last minute. One-two months before your departure date, you can usually find great deals on both flight prices and car and RV rentals.
However, August 2026 is likely to be different. All companies and private renters are expecting a huge influx of tourists. At present (August 2025), prices are not yet exaggerated – often typical of summer in Iceland. But very soon this could change, and drastically so. That’s why it’s a good idea to book the key elements of your trip – flight, car and accommodation – as early as possible!
- Book at reliable places
Unfortunately, although the Internet is full of various “tips and tricks” on how to cheat reality and buy – or rent – something cheaper than everyone else, especially in August 2026, we strongly advise against using such solutions. In August 2026, good, low prices will be important, but probably even more important is to be sure that the landlord does not cancel your accommodation or rental at the last minute, due to some very important reasons, which are completely beyond his control…
That’s why, for August 2026, we recommend that you book accommodations via booking.com (and avoid places that are being offered for the first time); buy airline tickets directly on airline sites and rent cars from serious, brand-name rental companies (which you can still find at DiscoverCars). Lava Cars is also a very well reputable rental shop. It may be a bit more expensive, but in the end it will probably pay off. Airb’n’b accommodations or individual car renters unfortunately experience last-minute cancellations even without the eclipse. You certainly don’t want this to happen to you as well.
Current prices for flights, cars, RVs, ferries, hostels and hotels for the 2026 eclipse period
Prices for all travel goods and services in Iceland in August 2026 are likely to be extremely high. If they fall, it will only be at the last minute – in June and July 2026 – and that’s provided that interest in the eclipse will nevertheless be significantly lower than expected. In August 2025 – a year before the eclipse – selected key prices are as follows:
- Flight prices
At least as far as the intra-EU airfares are considered, the prices are not particularly high for August 2026. They are rather quite regular summer prices. They are much more likely to go up, then down, so it’s definitely a good idea to book your flights as quickly as possible.
- Car rental prices
Rental of the smallest cars (such as Hyundai i10 or Toyota Aygo) for 5 days, “around” August 12, 2026, but checked in August 2025, is the cost from about $400; cars slightly larger (B segment – Huyndai i30, Peugeot 308) is about $560; C class (eg. Skoda Octavia) – from $575; a small 4×4 SUV (like the Dacia Duster) – $570; a larger 4×4 SUV (like the Dacia Bigster, Toyota RAV4 or Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross) – about $800; and really large SUVs (Nissan X-Trail, Toyota HiLux, Mitsubishi Pajero) are more than $1,800 for 5 days. So, compared to the typical rental prices of such cars for July, which we survey every year, we can say that it is still quite cheap – at least about 10% cheaper than, for example, in July 2025. Probably this situation will not last long….
- RV rental prices
The smallest two-person campervan(based on Dacia Dokker) rented for 5 days, around the date of the solar eclipse, as of today (August 2025), costs $815; a 4-person campervan is $2,020; a 4-person motorhome is $2,700, and a 4-person 4×4 campervan (based on a Dodge RAM 1500 or Toyota HiLux) costs approx. $1,990. A 5-day rental of a car with a two-person tent on the roof for August 2026 starts at around $2,185. Thus, compared to rental prices for July ’24 and ’25, these are quite usual prices – very close to typical. Only the smallest, 2-passenger RVs are about 20% more expensive than usual in July. Again – this is probably the “calm before the storm” and the rentals probably won’t get any cheaper.
- Prices for tours without a car
Local guides – and individual drivers – are already offering day trips from Reykjavik to areas with longer predicted eclipse duration. You can find the current offer of such trips here: Eclipse viewing tours from Reykjavik.
Ordinary tours cost about 19,000 ISK (about 570 PLN) per person, and versions with supervision by a professional photographer or with a ride in a special Super Jeep – about 50,000 ISK (about 1,500 PLN) per person. It is likely that the closer we get to the event, the more such offers will be made, but it is difficult to speculate today about their future prices.
- Accommodation rental prices
A trip to observe the total solar eclipse is most conveniently based on accommodation in a tent or camper. Although it is not allowed to sleep wild in Iceland (if you are traveling by car and/or there is a campground nearby), but the number of accommodations in close proximity to the best observation sites is really very limited. And getting there from a farther hotel, hostel or lodging can prove very difficult – multi-kilometer traffic jams probably won’t surprise anyone.
That’s why it’s best to camp a day or even two beforehand at a campsite from which we’ll be able to admire the eclipse or from which we’ll be really close to the observation point (preferably: within walking distance).
Accommodation in western Iceland for the eclipse period, is already unavailable or very expensive today (August 2025). And it probably won’t get any better. In fact, the only available accommodation for two people for August 11-13, 2026 in the region is the Mánagisting Guesthouse, where these two nights for two people, in a room with shared bathroom, cost almost $1,500, and as the site reports: this is the last room available.
Why Iceland may be best for observing the 2026 eclipse
The full solar eclipse in August 2026 will be visible only in Iceland and Spain. And while we associate Spain with beautiful, sunny weather and Iceland with rather, khm…, changeable weather, observing conditions may be better in Iceland for several key reasons:
- The height of the sun above the horizon
One of the most important factors in making an eclipse unusual is the height of the Sun above the horizon during the eclipse. Nighttime darkness is much more unusual in the middle of the day than just after sunrise or just before sunset. In Iceland, the Sun will be much higher in the sky during this eclipse than in Spain. At its highest point it will be about 25 degrees above the horizon, while in Reykjavík it will be about 18-19 degrees. This is still quite a bit lower, but nevertheless exquisitely higher than in Spain, where the eclipse will occur just before sunset, meaning the Sun will be very low above the horizon (10-14 degrees max in Galicia, and even as low as 3 degrees in the Balearic Islands).
Given the practical absence of trees in Iceland, you just have to be careful there that the eclipse will not be obscured by any volcano or other mountain. In Spain, it will certainly be more difficult to find a place with an exposed horizon.
- Eclipse in the afternoon, not in the eveningIn Iceland, the 2026 eclipse will fall before 6 pm, where sunset at this time of year falls around 10 pm (to be precise: 10:06 pm). The four hours that will pass between the eclipse and sunset will certainly make our perception that the eclipse took place in the afternoon, but nevertheless definitely during the day. Meanwhile, over Spain, the full eclipse will arrive at around 8:26 p.m. and will end at around 8:28 p.m., where sunset will occur at around 9:30 p.m., which is only an hour later. On the east coast and the Balearic Islands, the partial eclipse will end simply by sunset. Therefore, under favorable circumstances in Spain, our perception will therefore be that the eclipse took place in the evening. But in fact, the eclipse and sunset are likely to merge into one event, especially if the southwestern horizon is obscured by the Cantabrian Mountains. It’s certainly a much less spectacular experience.
- Chance of good weatherTo observe a solar eclipse naturally requires sunny, and preferably cloudless, weather. Of course, Iceland is a country with very capricious weather and – statistically – more cloud cover than Spain, but the coast of the Bay of Biscay (in Spain, the earliest the eclipse will reach the province of Asturias) does not spoil the climate either.
The northwestern regions of Spain – Galicia and Asturias – are known for their high cloudiness, even in August. Statistically, the chances of cloudless weather in northern Spain are only about 50%. And although in Iceland this statistical rate is even lower, it is impossible to make a forecast for the exact two minutes when the eclipse will pass over a given point on the map, and the chances of the sky being cloudless there at that time in both countries is a kind of lottery. In addition, the variability of the weather in Iceland may lend itself to successful “eclipse hunting.” The Icelandic Meteorological Office offers very precise and timely weather forecasts. Although Iceland may be generally cloudier, there are often “holes” in the clouds. Even if Reykjavík is overcast, a short trip to the northwest may provide better conditions. Icelandic weather conditions are variable, which means that clouds can move quickly and expose the sky. In addition, in Iceland the wind often scrapes clouds to one side of the island, leaving the other side clear. So it is possible to find “clear” areas on the leeward sides of the peninsulas.
- Longer total eclipse timeAt the Latrabjarg cliffs in Iceland, the time of the total eclipse will be 2 minutes and 14 seconds. Meanwhile, in Spain on the north coast, the length of the total eclipse will be about 1 minute and 50 seconds. So the difference is not huge, but nonetheless pronounced.
- Crowds and logistics: Spain is a popular tourist destination in August, and it’s hard to imagine that tourists (and locals) having the area of the total eclipse within a maximum of a few hours’ drive will not take advantage of such an opportunity. At the same time, the terrain and the late hour when the eclipse falls will force people to congregate on the exposed, unforested southeastern slopes of the mountains. There are fewer such convenient places for observation than one might think, especially in northern Spain, so convenient places are bound to be heavily crowded. On the other hand, Iceland in August is also usually “bursting” with excess tourists, and around the time of the eclipse there are bound to be even more than usual. The area around the Öndverðarnesviti lighthouse or the parking lot on the Latrabjarg cliffs will probably look like New Orleans during Mardi Gras 🤷♂️ However, it will probably be enough to drive a mile or two away from these extreme points to find a quiet observation spot. The trees certainly won’t obstruct our view – we just need to find a spot with a good view to the south.
All in all, despite Iceland’s reputation for worse weather, its key advantages – the sun’s higher position above the horizon, the greater interval between eclipse and sunset, and finally the lack of trees – make it likely to be a better place to observe the 2026 total solar eclipse than Spain.
Advantages of observing the eclipse from land
As we mentioned earlier, in order to be on the line of the maximum long eclipse in Iceland, you need to take a special cruise and observe the phenomenon from the sea.
However, the advantages of such a solution are small: such cruises are quite expensive, and you gain only a few extra seconds of a full eclipse. In addition, observing a solar eclipse from land is simply better.
Chasing the eclipse really makes no sense. The moon’s shadow moves across the Earth’s surface at supersonic or even hypersonic speeds. In Iceland, scientists expect speeds over 2,000 mph, and in Spain even close to 4,000 mph (Mach 5.23). Therefore, attempts to “chase the shadow” in practice yield very little, because the speed of a car, or even more so a ship, is negligibly small, compared to the speed of the shadow’s travel.
The length of the line of maximum eclipse will be about 80 miles long in Iceland. Therefore, “chasing the eclipse” on a ship we could potentially extend its observed time by a maximum of 2 seconds, and in a car perhaps by 10s.
Therefore, whether observing from sea or land, one should simply focus on being in the path of the maximum eclipse (or as close to it as possible) and stopping there in a relatively stable, comfortable and safe manner.
The advantages of observing the solar eclipse from land include:
- Observation of changes in nature
A solar eclipse is not just an astronomical visual phenomenon. Its uniqueness lies also (or perhaps even equally) in the observation of complex natural changes on Earth.
Observing the eclipse from the land surface, we see how the shadows of trees, objects or even mountains, become progressively sharper, the colors fade, and the shadow of the eclipse comes from the horizon. Birds stop singing and lay down to sleep, other animals retreat to their burrows and nests. On land, the drop in air temperature accompanying the eclipse is also more noticeable. In Iceland, the cessation of the wind (breeze) during the eclipse may not be felt, as the wind in Iceland is of a different nature. Certainly, the cicadas will not start singing either 😀 Nevertheless, the overall impression of experiencing the unusual solar eclipse phenomenon on land will certainly be stronger than at sea.
- Convenience of observation
It’s trivial, but a huge advantage of land is its stability. Observing the eclipse from land, we can arrive at the chosen location much earlier, arrange a picnic, maybe pitch a tent of some kind (where allowed!) and wait quietly for the eclipse itself. In addition, we can have access to a toilet, a store, and certainly to all the supplies and equipment we have in our backpack, bike or car.
Meanwhile, a ship, even a large one, will always be subject to wave motion, vibration and rocking. Well, and we are limited by time – the cruise starts and ends at a predetermined time, and we can only take on board what we can fit in, say, our backpack. If there is beautiful weather on August 12, 2026, the inconveniences of the ship may be minor, but if the weather is bad or even less than perfect, the comfort of observing the eclipse from the deck of the ship may be seriously reduced. And what’s more: especially for those sensitive to so-called seasickness.
- Photographic conditions
Of course, the most important thing in observing a solar eclipse is our personal experience, the experience of this amazing sensory spectacle. However, it is also quite natural to want to immortalize such a phenomenon in photography or film, and we are, after all, living in an era where everything is photographed and “spread in soszial”. Meanwhile, photography on land is much easier than at sea.
Even minimal vibrations of the ship will make it impossible to get a sharp image of the solar corona through a telescope or a camera with a large ‘zoom’. On land, you can steadily set up a telescope – or a camera on a tripod – and precisely track the Sun. Well, and on land you can set it all up even a few hours in advance, then wait calmly. At sea, you have to react all the time, if only to changes in the ship’s course, and the possibility – or the sense – of setting up a tripod is rather illusory.
How to safely observe a solar eclipse
Just before a full eclipse, the Sun is still shining very strongly. So strong, in fact, that looking directly at the slowly obscuring disk of the Moon would certainly cause damage to your eyesight. So how to observe the eclipse phenomenon so as not to lose your health? It all starts with proper precautions.
Neverlook directly at the Sun without proper protection! Even a short moment without protection can cause irreversible damage to the retina, known as
solar retinopathy.
Observation equipment
- Special “eclipse glasses”
eclipse glasses on Amazon – $9.99 a piece
- Telescopes and binoculars with proper sunscreens
Never look directly at the Sun through a telescope or binoculars without a special solar filter placed on the lens! The filter must be designed for observing the Sun. Looking through unprotected optical equipment risks immediate and permanent blindness.
- Pinhole projector (camera obscura)
This is a safe and simple method of indirect observation. All you need is a small hole in a cardboard box, which projects an image of the Sun onto a second surface.
Safety precautions
- Don’t use makeshift filters
Plastic bags, CDs, tinted glass, or X-ray film are not safe. They do not sufficiently filter ultraviolet and infrared radiation, which are invisible but very harmful.
- Monitor your children
Make sure your children also understand and follow the safety rules for observing.
How to look at the eclipse
- Partial phases (before and after totality)
Throughout the partial phases (when the Moon gradually covers or reveals the Sun), it is imperative to use certified eclipse glasses or optical equipment with appropriate filters.
- Total phase (total darkness):
Only and only at the moment of total eclipse, when the Sun’s disc is fully obscured by the Moon and the sky becomes as dark as twilight, can you safely remove your glasses and admire the solar corona. The corona is the outer atmosphere of the Sun, which is normally invisible due to the brightness of the solar disk. This is the moment when you can see effects such as Baily’s pearls (the last rays of the sun shining through the valleys on the moon) and the diamond ring (the last or first bright light just before or after totality).
- After total phase
Immediately after the end of the total phase, as soon as the first light of the Sun appears, you should put on your protective glasses again.
What is a total solar eclipse and when is the next one
A total solar eclipse is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs when the new moon passes exactly between the Sun and Earth, completely obscuring the solar disk.
Thanks to an unusual coincidence, the Sun is about 400 times larger than the Moon, but at the same time it is about 400 times farther from the Earth. This makes the two disks (the Sun and the Moon) almost identical angular size in the sky, which allows the Moon (sometimes) to perfectly cover the Sun, creating a belt of total solar eclipse on the Earth’s surface.
How is a total solar eclipse formed? A solar eclipse is made possible by the precise alignment of three celestial bodies: the Sun, the Moon and the Earth. When these three objects align, the Moon casts its shadow on the Earth. The belt of the Moon’s total shadow (umbra) is relatively narrow, which is why a total solar eclipse is rarely visible on Earth and only from a limited area, which is what makes it such a unique event for observers.”[Source: https://science.nasa.gov/]
How the Moon casts a partial and total shadow on Earth during a solar eclipse
[Source: science.nasa.gov]
