A total solar eclipse crossed Iceland on Wednesday 12 August 2026. The full event, from the start of the partial phase to its end, took about two hours.
What happens over Iceland on 12 August 2026
This was the first total solar eclipse visible from Iceland since 1954. It was also the first total solar eclipse visible from Reykjavik since 1433.
The event included a partial phase across Iceland, with totality visible along a path through western parts of the country. The whole eclipse lasted about two hours from the beginning of the partial phase to the end of the eclipse.
Which regions are inside the path of totality
The path of totality crossed the Westfjords, Snaefellsnes, West Iceland, the Greater Reykjavik Area and the Reykjanes peninsula. Keflavik Airport lay inside the path of totality.
The duration of totality depends on the exact location. Totality was shorter in the larger towns than at the westernmost points of the Westfjords.
When it happens and how long totality lasts
In the Greater Reykjavik Area, the partial phase ran from 16:47 to 18:47. Totality in the Greater Reykjavik Area lasted about one minute, and totality ended there at 17:49:18.
The longest totality on land in Iceland lasted 2 minutes and 13 seconds, at the westernmost points of the Westfjords. This gave the timing a clear local variation across the eclipse path.
Watching it without damaging your eyes
Certified solar eclipse glasses meeting the ISO 12312-2 standard were needed to look at the partial phases. Icelandic authorities stated that safe solar eclipse glasses are essential for viewing the eclipse.
Viewers were advised to examine eclipse glasses before use by holding them up to a light, and to wear the glasses through the partial phases and remove them only during totality itself.
Traffic, parking and the official advice
Traffic management on eclipse day began at 08:00. Reduced speed limits were expected, and 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. Parking on the roadway or on road shoulders was strictly prohibited. Illegally parked vehicles were to be removed at the owner's expense.
Vegagerdin published the current list of road closures and gathering areas. Road users were directed to vegagerdin.is for the current information rather than to a fixed list.
Travellers were advised to drive carefully, avoid distractions such as mobile phones, obey speed limits and wear seatbelts. Instructions from authorities and emergency responders applied on the day.
Designated viewing areas, and the case for staying local
Authorities recommended that people inside the path of totality watch from their homes or their local area. In most parts of western Iceland, it was possible to experience the eclipse from home or nearby surroundings.
Designated viewing areas had been set up in urban locations, with access to restrooms, parking and on-site assistance. People were encouraged to use these areas rather than remote sites.
Remote viewing sites in the Westfjords had scarce infrastructure, narrow access roads, tight parking and highly limited services. Emergency response times in remote areas were expected to be longer than usual on eclipse day. Latrabjarg and other remote locations in the Westfjords had a longer totality than most other areas.
Travellers were advised to arrive early and stay longer, and to delay departure until after the eclipse to reduce congestion.
If you are outside the path
In the rest of Iceland, the eclipse was partial rather than total. Certified solar eclipse glasses meeting the ISO 12312-2 standard were needed for the partial phases in these locations.
Comparing Reykjavik tours
For Reykjavik tour options, compare Reykjavik tours.
Checking sun times for the day
Check sunrise, sunset and day length for a chosen date and place in Iceland with the daylight tool.
Comparing eclipse tours
Every bookable eclipse tour in our catalogue is gathered on one page, grouped by the region you would watch from: compare 2026 eclipse tours.
The rest of this cluster
Each part of eclipse day has its own guide. For the clock, read eclipse times in Iceland, and for the shortlist of places, where to watch the eclipse and the designated viewing areas.
Three regional guides cover the path itself: Reykjavik, Reykjanes and the Westfjords. Outside the path, see the partial eclipse.
For the practical rules, read eclipse glasses and eye safety, driving on eclipse day and the rules for drones and boats.
Three further guides cover the day in detail: the eclipse on Snaefellsnes, photographing the eclipse and reading the cloud forecast.
