How and where to see a total solar eclipse in Reykjavík on August 12, 2026
FAQs about the 2026 total solar eclipse in Reykjavík, Iceland
Can you see the solar eclipse in Iceland?
Yes! Western Iceland is one of the few places on Earth where you can see the total solar eclipse in 2026. The rest of the country will see a very deep partial eclipse. During a deep partial eclipse, the Moon covers most of the Sun, leaving only a thin sliver visible in the sky
Where in Iceland will the 2026 eclipse be?
The path of totality crosses the Westfjords, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Reykjavík, and the Reykjanes Peninsula.
What time is the 2026 solar eclipse in Reykjavík, Iceland?
Totality in Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital, begins at approximately 17:48 GMT on August 12, 2026.
When was the last solar eclipse in Iceland?
Total solar eclipses are incredibly rare in Iceland. While the southern coast last saw one in 1954, the capital city of Reykjavík hasn't experienced a total eclipse since 1433, nearly 600 years ago.
Can you see the Northern Lights during a solar eclipse in Iceland?
It is unlikely. While the sky gets dark, it’s usually not dark enough to see the Northern Lights. Extending your stay into late August, however, improves your chances of seeing the aurora as the nights get longer.
Where can you buy eclipse glasses in Reykjavík?
Use special eclipse glasses.
Regular sunglasses are not safe for looking directly at the sun.
- Safe eclipse glasses have special filters that reduce dangerous ultraviolet and infrared radiation and reduce the brightness of the sun to a safe level.
- They need to be certified solar eclipse glasses ISO 12312-2 and you need to make sure that they work. You can do this by holding them up to a light to check for scratches, cracks or holes.
- Put them on before looking at the Sun
- When you plan to observe a total eclipse, you first put on the glasses, look for a few seconds and then look away. This process can then be repeated, but always take a break in between.
- It is recommended to purchase solar eclipse glasses from authorized retailers. A selection of solar eclipse glasses can be found on the website https://solmyrkvaglajlo.is/ and in many shops in downtown Reykjavík. Your tour provider may have them available, too.
What makes the 2026 total solar eclipse in Iceland special?
This event is incredibly rare. The last time a total solar eclipse was visible anywhere in Iceland was in 1954. In Reykjavík, you have to go back nearly 600 years, to 1433. Miss this one, and the next total solar eclipse here won’t arrive until June 26, 2196.
The eclipse path passes over Greenland, touches the western coast of Iceland, and then continues south toward northern Spain and Portugal. Skies may be clearer in southern Europe. However, Iceland offers something different: open horizons, lava fields, sea cliffs, and Atlantic views as the solar corona appears overhead.
What is a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun. For a short time, the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s light. This creates a narrow path of darkness on the ground called the path of totality.
Inside this path, the sky turns dark, the temperature drops, and the Sun’s outer atmosphere, called the corona, becomes visible. It appears as a soft, white glow around the darkened Moon.
Outside of this specific path, the Sun is only partially eclipsed. Meaning, the Moon covers only a portion of the Sun. While beautiful, a partial eclipse does not offer the "pitch black" experience of the total phase.