On Wednesday 12 August 2026, a total solar eclipse crossed Iceland. The path of totality crossed the Westfjords, Snaefellsnes, West Iceland, the Greater Reykjavik Area and the Reykjanes peninsula. Traffic management began at 08:00, with increased traffic expected before and after the eclipse.
Eclipse day is a traffic problem
A significant increase in traffic was expected in certain areas. Road users were asked to be patient and allow extra time.
Increased traffic was expected on roads and transport routes both before and after the eclipse. Authorities recommended that people inside the path of totality watch from their homes or their local area, to reduce strain on infrastructure and protect sensitive areas.
What the road authority is doing
Reduced speed limits were expected on eclipse day. Drivers were advised to drive carefully, avoid distractions such as mobile phones, obey speed limits and wear seatbelts.
Travellers were also advised to follow instructions from authorities and emergency responders. These instructions applied alongside the traffic management measures beginning at 08:00.
Where you may not stop or park
Parking on the roadway or on road shoulders was strictly prohibited. Illegally parked vehicles were to be removed at the owner's expense.
Access to Grotta on Seltjarnarnes was prohibited on eclipse day because of the high tide.
Roads that change direction or close
Some streets in central Reykjavik and on Seltjarnarnes were closed for part of the afternoon and evening on eclipse day. The road to the Blue Lagoon was closed to civilian traffic for part of eclipse day.
Routes 612 and 614 in the southern Westfjords became one-way roads on eclipse day. The summit road up Bolafjall was closed to general traffic on eclipse day, with a shuttle bus provided instead.
Arrive early, leave late
Travellers were advised to arrive early and stay longer. They were also advised to delay departure until after the eclipse, to reduce congestion.
Travellers were advised to make sure they had enough fuel or battery charge for their car. This is a separate preparation point from the timing advice for arrival and departure.
Freight and heavy transport
Vegagerdin has asked transport companies to postpone heavy transport operations or move them outside peak hours.
Comparing Reykjavik tours
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Checking road conditions before you drive
The road conditions tool at current road status for Iceland shows current road status for Iceland.
Check vegagerdin.is for the current list of road closures and gathering areas. Road users were directed to that information rather than to a fixed list.
Deciding where to drive to
The regions the traffic plan covers are set out in the 2026 eclipse guide.
If the destination is still open, compare options in where to watch the eclipse and check the serviced sites in designated viewing areas. The Westfjords roads have their own rules, covered in the eclipse in the Westfjords.
