On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Iceland will experience a rare total solar eclipse event. While the path of totality (where the Sun is completely covered) crosses parts of West Iceland and the Reykjanes peninsula, all of Iceland will see a very deep partial eclipse.
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking the Sun’s light. There are different types:
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Total eclipse: the Sun is fully covered for a short time (only visible within a narrow path).
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Partial eclipse: the Moon covers part of the Sun (visible across a much wider area).
Because the 2026 eclipse is exceptionally deep across Iceland, daylight will noticeably change, even outside totality.
When will it happen?
Across Iceland, the eclipse takes place in the late afternoon to early evening. A useful national overview is available via Time and Date (Iceland page).
What to expect in South Iceland
In South Iceland, you can expect a very deep partial eclipse and a dramatic change in the quality of light. In many locations the Sun will become a very thin crescent, creating a slightly “silvery” landscape and sharper-looking shadows.
Example local timings (Selfoss, South Iceland):
- Begins: 16:48
- Maximum: 17:49 (magnitude 0.997)
- Ends: 18:48
Further east in South Iceland, the eclipse will still be very deep (for example, Höfn ~96% partial coverage)
Eye safety: important
It is very dangerous to look at the Sun during the partial phases without proper protection. Use certified eclipse glasses or approved solar filters the entire time you are viewing the Sun during a partial eclipse. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe.
Solar eclipse glasses dim the Sun about ten thousand times and filter out harmful UV radiation and infrared. This makes them perfect for solar eclipse viewing.
Solar eclipse glasses are only needed during the partial phase of the eclipse, before and after totality.
For detailed eye-safety guidance and information on where to purchase certified eclipse glasses, please visit the official eclipse website: www.eclipse2026.is
Plan your eclipse day
Weather matters. Cloud cover can make or break the experience, so plan with flexibility and consider having a couple of possible viewing spots.
Guided Solar Eclipse Tours
Many visitors will also be able to join guided solar eclipse tours on the day. These trips are designed to simplify logistics and improve viewing chances by choosing the best location based on local conditions (especially cloud cover), with experienced guides managing timing, transport, and safety.
Recommended tour options (selection):
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Southcoast Adventure (South Adventure) – Private Solar Eclipse Snæfellsnes Tour (Super Jeep expedition on 12 August 2026, with departures listed from Hvolsvöllur and Reykjavík).
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Midgard Adventure – 8-Day All-Inclusive Eclipse Tour (7–14 August 2026), combining South Iceland exploration with eclipse viewing as the trip’s centrepiece.
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Icelandia – Eclipse 2026 inspiration and tour overview (planning guidance and eclipse tour options).
- Arctic Adventures - Eclipse 2026 inspiration and tour overview (planning guidance and eclipse tour options).
For detailed planning—such as maps, local timings, weather forecasts, safety guidelines, and viewing tips—be sure to visit www.eclipse2026.is.