Why Reykjanes is the ideal location to see the 2026 Solar Eclipse
What is a solar eclipse and what makes people want to watch one?
The moon takes approximately a month to orbit the Earth and in doing so, it sometimes passes between our planet and the sun. If everything lines up, the moon can block out the sun entirely. Even though it’s far smaller, if the moon is close enough to Earth as it travels across the face of the sun, every part of the light can be hidden. When that occurs, we experience what’s known as a total solar eclipse.
A solar eclipse is an extraordinary phenomenon. We’re programmed to expect periods of light and darkness to follow set patterns, so when something happens to mess with that it feels quite remarkable. Viewed with appropriate glasses, the sight of the moon slowly tracking across the sun to create first a segment, then a crescent is something very special indeed.
When the light finally disappears completely, the resultant daytime darkness can provoke an emotional reaction amongst those who gather to watch it. Totality lasts only for a minute or two, but that’s enough time for the darkness to make a huge impact on those privileged to experience it.
Why this solar eclipse is such a big deal for Iceland
Iceland last experienced a total eclipse in 1954, meaning you’d need to be in your seventies to have been around last time. Of course, the path of each total eclipse varies, and the last one to have passed over Reykjavik did so in 1433. The nearest Iceland has come since – 98% – was in 2015 when the path of totality passed to the south east of the country.
If you’re considering whether to wait for the next total eclipse to pass over Iceland, don’t – it’s not expected until June 2196 and we’ll all be long gone by then. So simply by running through the dates, you can see why this solar eclipse is such a big deal for Iceland and by extension, visitors to the country at that time.
Icelandic locations where you can see the 2026 solar eclipse
As with any solar eclipse, the path of totality isn’t very wide and as such won’t cover a massive area. The point of maximum eclipse in 2026 will be close to Breiðafjörður Bay, which sits between the Westfjords and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Here, totality will last for 2 minutes and 18 seconds. As a consequence, only part of the Icelandic mainland will go totally dark. That portion will be the far west of the country, so be sure to plan your itinerary accordingly if you don’t want to miss out. Let’s explore your options:
- The Westfjords
The first part of Iceland to experience totality will be the Westfjords. This is one of Iceland’s least accessible regions. Though it’s a beautiful part of the country, to reach it requires taking a domestic flight or a considerable drive. First up is Straumnes Lighthouse on the far north western tip of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, remote even by Westfjords’ standards. The path of totality also crosses Látrabjarg, but these westerly cliffs also require considerable effort to reach. Ísafjörður, the largest town in the area, can expect a minute and a half of totality.
- The Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Let’s say you’ve ruled out trying to view the total eclipse in the Westfjords for practical reasons, as accommodation in Ísafjörður is limited and likely to fill up fast. Next up is the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The port of Ólafsvík is a serious contender here, located as it is towards the western end of the peninsula. Further east along Snæfellsnes’ north coast, another port – Stykkishólmur – will enjoy about the same duration of totality as Ísafjörður did. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is far quicker to reach from Iceland’s ring road than the far shores of the Westfjords. It also has the advantage of being close enough to the capital region that if you wanted to drive back to Reykjavik you’d still be back before nightfall.
- Reykjavik
Reykjavik itself is likely to be a great place to watch the total eclipse. The concentration of people in the Icelandic capital means that there is likely to be a slew of special events as locals and visitors alike create demand for a celebration. Being able to share the experience with a crowd of others may also be an enticing prospect for some. Nevertheless, within the city there’s a lot going on and perhaps this will detract from the overall experience of watching the solar eclipse. Another downside is that totality is expected to last just shy of a minute, which is considerably less than in locales further west.
- The Reykjanes Peninsula
We’ve considered the pros and cons of the Westfjords, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Reykjavik, which brings us to the far south west of Iceland. The Reykjanes Peninsula will be the last part of Iceland to experience totality which means that there’s likely to be a farewell moment as the activity wraps up rather than moves on within its borders. The last part of the Moon’s shadow passes over Reykjanestá Lighthouse at about ten to six in the afternoon and will darken the sky for a minute and 48 seconds. You’ll also be able to experience the total eclipse through the glass windows of Keflavik Airport. Watching the solar eclipse in Reykjanes will also mean you can surround yourself with nature rather than the built environment, which may appeal to travelers wishing to immerse themselves in the experience. Of course, even the furthest reaches of the peninsula lie within easy driving distance of the capital, so if you’ve been staying in Reykjavik, it won’t take long to get back.
No matter where in Iceland you end up watching the total eclipse, the 2026 event is likely to make a profound and lasting impact. It’s a reminder that we are not the only planet in the solar system, and that what happens high above our atmosphere can have a tangible effect on us. Whether you’re a serious eclipse chaser who’s keen to add another country to your collection or a regular tourist that’s open to seeing something a little out of the ordinary during your stay, a visit to Reykjanes in August 2026 may well be on the cards. Why not pencil in a trip to Iceland to coincide with the total eclipse and start getting your plans underway?