Solar Eclipse 2026 in Iceland: Drive to the Best Viewing Spots

If you’ve yet to witness a total solar eclipse, the experience is magical. The normal daytime turns into an otherworldly nighttime-adjacent atmosphere and the air grows dark and cold, as a silvery ring lights up the sky. It all only lasts a few minutes, but those who’ve been there agree: It’s a feeling and event you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Many parts of the United States experienced a total solar eclipse in April 2024, to much fanfare, with travellers flocking from all parts of the globe to witness the eclipse from the path of totality — which is the technical name for the eclipse’s path, where the views are the best. If you missed this eclipse, or if you’re just an eclipse chaser who loves travelling for these types of astronomical events, the next place you’ll need to be to catch a total solar eclipse? Iceland.

On Aug. 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will pass over Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain — and the best place to witness it of all? In Iceland, of course. Visiting Iceland for the 2026 solar eclipse will give you unparalleled views, thanks to the wide open landscapes and minimal light pollution, as well as the clear skies that Iceland often enjoys in August. 

Ready to start planning for what could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience? If you want to see the solar eclipse 2026 in Iceland, you’ll need an Iceland car rental to get around to the best viewing spots. Lava Car Rental is here to help with that and your entire planning process.

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What is a Solar Eclipse?

First things first, if you’re not familiar with the solar eclipse phenomenon, what exactly is it?

Put at its simplest, a solar eclipse is what happens when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, during the day. The moon blocks nearly all of the sun’s light, putting the Earth in a shadow. The eclipse follows a path, as, all while this is happening, both the Earth and the moon are moving. As they do, the eclipse becomes visible at different parts of the day, in different parts of the world. This path is called the path of totality, and it’s the best place to view a solar eclipse.

In 2026, Iceland will lie in the eclipse’s path of totality.

 

Why would you want to see a solar eclipse?

Not only are solar eclipses incredibly magical, but they’re also incredibly rare. Seeing more than one or two in your lifetime will require a lot of travel. 

For example, there’s usually only one total solar eclipse, somewhere in the world, every 18 months or so. Additionally, an eclipse path of totality generally only affects the same spot every several hundred years. When it does happen, the total solar eclipse only lasts a few seconds to a few minutes.

Thus, catching a total solar eclipse is something special.

The next big anticipated total solar eclipse is slated for Aug. 12, 2026, and Iceland will be one of the handful of countries in the path of totality.

If you want to see the 2026 Iceland solar eclipse, you’ll want to plan on being in Iceland between 16:47 UTC and 18:47 UTC, on Aug. 12.

In Reykjavik, the partial eclipse — or the part of the event wherein the moon only partially covers the sun — begins at 16:47 UT, and then totality — or the part of the event when the sun is totally covered — begins at 17:48. The totality is estimated to continue for about a minute, before the eclipse is completely over at 18:47 UT.

But Reykjavik is far from the only place where you’ll be able to see the 2026 solar eclipse in Iceland. The path of totality impacts the westernmost part of the country, including the Westfjords, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Reykjavik and the Reykjanes Peninsula.

 

Where else will the solar eclipse 2026 be seen? 

Beyond Iceland, the 2026 solar eclipse will also be visible in northeast Greenland, Portugal and Spain. A partial eclipse without any totality will also be visible in parts of Europe, Africa and North America.

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Why Iceland is the Best Place to Watch the Solar Eclipse

So when you have several options for viewing the 2026 solar eclipse, why would you choose Iceland? There are a few key reasons.

 

Maximum eclipse exposure

For one, Iceland is not only in the path of totality but it’s also the closest country to the 2026 solar eclipse’s maximum point. The maximum point is the place and time where the eclipse’s totality lasts the longest. So, for example, while totality will only last for about a minute in Reykjavik, there’s a spot outside Iceland’s Breiðafjörður Bay, between the Westfjords and Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where the totality will last more than two minutes!

 

Low light pollution

Additionally, when comparing Iceland to other destinations such as Portugal and Spain, Iceland offers a very low level of light pollution, ideal for viewing the eclipse. 

If you’ve ever watched a total eclipse in an urban setting, you’ll notice that, when the totality occurs, it becomes so dark outside that the street lights turn on! This isn’t the case in Iceland. You can go out into the vast rural landscapes and watch the eclipse occur without any artificial light in sight!

 

Favourable weather

While Iceland weather can change dramatically and quickly, and we get a fair amount of snow and ice, August is actually quite mild and offers very clear skies. Iceland has about a 40% chance of clear weather in August, meaning that you’ll have a better chance of avoiding any clouds that could obstruct your view of the eclipse.

 

Ease of travel

Lastly, when compared to other destinations in the path of totality like Greenland, Iceland is very easily accessible. We have plenty of flights coming into Keflavik from North America and Europe, and once you get here, getting around is a breeze. When you rent a car in Iceland, you’re able to drive around the entire country on your own schedule, wherever you want to go. You’ll be able to plan your perfect eclipse viewing itinerary, without relying on tours or other transportation.

 

Even More Benefits of Travelling to Iceland for the 2026 Solar Eclipse  

While all of the above benefits can make your trip to Iceland for the 2026 solar eclipse all the more enjoyable and convenient, many other benefits come with visiting Iceland for this event.

 

Chance to see the rest of Iceland 

If you’ve never been to Iceland before, the eclipse pairs excellently with the rest of Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. If you love amazing, one-of-a-kind sights — like an eclipse — you’ll love Iceland, too. All in one country, and with very little driving around, you can see glaciers, geysers, volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, cliffs, wildlife and more.

 

Aurora season

It’s not just the eclipse that has visitors looking to the skies in August. Aurora season also kicks off in Iceland around the third week of the month. If you come for the eclipse and stick around for a few weeks, you could feasibly go on a northern lights viewing road trip, too. Imagine seeing both the northern lights and the 2026 total solar eclipse in Iceland, all in the same vacation!

 

Best Viewing Spots in Iceland to See the Solar Eclipse 

Okay, so you’ve decided that you’re going to come to Iceland for the 2026 solar eclipse. Where exactly should you go? If you rent a car in Iceland, you’ll be well-equipped to visit all the top eclipse-viewing spots. Here are our recommendations.

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• The Westfjords

The Westfjords of Iceland are rugged and remote, and they’re a beautiful place to hike, wildlife watch and, of course, watch the total eclipse. With fewer people and very little light pollution, this region is going to offer some of the best views of the eclipse in the entire country. Just make sure that you rent the right car for visiting the Westfjords. The roads here can be just as rugged as the landscape, so a 4x4 car rental is advised.

 

• The Snæfellsnes Peninsula

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is also called “Iceland in Miniature,” because it packs in some of Iceland’s most notable sights and the elements that the country is known for, into one small spot. If you want to see as much of classic Iceland as possible, with less driving around, while also viewing the eclipse, this is where you need to go. You’ll enjoy seeing not only Snæfellsjökull Glacier and Mt. Kirkjufell, but also lava fields, beaches, villages and more.

 

• The Reykjanes Peninsula

Possibly an even more convenient spot to watch the eclipse, this Peninsula is near Keflavik International Airport, so you can fly in, pick up your rental car, and head off immediately for some eclipse viewing. While you’re in the area, you’ll also be within easy access of one of Iceland’s top Reykjanes Peninsula attractions: the Blue Lagoon. However, if you’re looking for quieter hot springs, pools and spas, be sure to check out our guide to Iceland hot springs to visit.

 

• Reykjavík

Of course, Reykjavik might make the most sense for some travellers. While Reykjavik does come with more light pollution than the Westfjords, and its time in totality will last less than other locations, it comes with plenty of perks. Reykjavik offers many amenities, from hotels and restaurants, an art and music scene to museums. For the cultural traveller, Reykjavik is the place to go to see the 2026 solar eclipse in Iceland.

 

What about the rest of Iceland?

Other areas around the country will also see a partial solar eclipse. While this means you won’t be able to see the full totality, you will still see the moon at least partially blocking the sun. While not as dramatic as what you’d see in the path of totality, the partial solar eclipse is still unique and something fun to witness.

Towns such as Neskaupstadur, Hofn, Akureyri, Hvanneyri and Mosfellsdalur will all see a partial eclipse, to varying degrees.

If you don’t mind missing the total eclipse and want to see more of Iceland, you can do so during a Ring Road road trip, and simply catch the partial eclipse wherever you happen to be at the time.

 

Tips for Seeing the Iceland 2026 Solar Eclipse

You know you’re coming to Iceland for the 2026 solar eclipse. You have a good idea of where you want to be for the eclipse. What else do you need to know? Here are a few things to keep in mind.

 

• Book in advance

Iceland’s busy season is summer, so if you plan on visiting between May and August, it’s a good idea to book your travel as early and in advance as possible, for better availability and deals. 

For the eclipse, though, things will be even busier and in demand. Some hotels and car rental providers, for example, will definitely sell out. As such, book your trip, accommodations and car rental in Iceland as quickly as you can, as soon as you know you’re going to travel to Iceland for the eclipse.

 

• Consider alternate options

One good idea that will allow you to bypass the hotels? Renting a campervan. Not only will doing so allow you to stay mobile as you travel around for the eclipse, but it will also bundle your accommodation and car rental costs into one convenient fee.

 

• Make sure you have your own transportation

Even if you don’t fancy a campervan, definitely plan on renting a car. When viewing an eclipse, changing weather and cloud cover can make spur-of-the-moment travel necessary. If you plan on being in one city for the eclipse, and then find out the day before that it’s going to be cloudy, if you have a rental car, you can easily drive somewhere else, for better eclipse viewing weather.

 

• Keep an eye on the weather

On that note, be sure to keep an eye on the weather both before and after your trip. Resources like www.vedur.is can help.

 

• Bring protective eyewear

Protective eyewear is crucial for eclipse viewing and you definitely need to include it on your packing list for Iceland. Solar eclipse-specific glasses are required; these can be purchased online. You should wear these glasses when viewing all phases of the partial eclipse, before the moon completely covers the sun. During totality, or when the sun is completely covered, you can take off the glasses. Not doing so can potentially damage your vision. 

 

• Plan your perfect road trip

Plan out any driving that you plan to do to view the eclipse in Iceland, ahead of time. Traffic will likely be heavy, so leave early and plan extra time for your itinerary. Better yet, plan to be in your viewing spot the day before the eclipse occurs.

While you’re at it, combine your driving with a broader road trip to some of Iceland’s most popular sites, such as a Golden Circle or South Coast road trip.

 

We Can’t Wait to Welcome You to Iceland for the 2026 Solar Eclipse!

The 2026 solar eclipse will be an amazing, can’t-miss, spectacular event — and Iceland is where you need to be to experience it. For the best trip possible, be sure that you’re outfitted with everything you need, starting with the right rental car.

A rental car can give you the freedom to travel around Iceland for the best viewing spots, and Lava Car Rental’s fleet offers something for nearly every traveller, with a range of comfortable and reliable vehicles, from compact cars for the city to 4x4s for the Westfjords. Plus, we’re a locally owned company, so we can provide you with even more advice, help and ideas for your perfect eclipse-viewing trip.

See why so many travellers and happy reviewers have trusted Lava Car Rental for their Iceland road trips. Book your rental car with Lava Car Rental today, for the eclipse or any other trip to Iceland.

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