August 12, 2026
Solar Eclipse 2026 in Iceland
Iceland is on the path of the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse.
On August 12, 2026, Iceland will witness a total solar eclipse — the moon will completely cover the sun across a path of totality crossing the country. 5 cities in Iceland will experience full totality (sun 100% obscured). The longest totality is in Reykjanesbær at 1m 43s. Peak eclipse occurs around 17:48 local time. Use Heliora to check whether mountains, hills or buildings will block the low sun from your specific viewing spot — terrain matters more than people expect for this low-altitude eclipse.
5
Cities in totality
1m 43s
Longest: Reykjanesbær
100%
Max obscuration
17:48
Peak time (local)
Best places in Iceland to watch the 2026 eclipse
| City | Totality | Obscuration |
|---|---|---|
| Reykjanesbær totality | 1m 43s | 100.00% |
| Keflavík totality | 1m 43s | 100.00% |
| Hafnarfjörður totality | 1m 07s | 100.00% |
| Kópavogur totality | 1m 03s | 100.00% |
| Reykjavík totality | 1m 01s | 100.00% |
| Akureyri | — | 97.87% |
Heliora simulates the 2026 eclipse from any GPS coordinate in Iceland with the real terrain horizon. Find out if mountains will block your view.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What time is the 2026 solar eclipse in Iceland?
- Maximum eclipse occurs around 17:48 local time on August 12, 2026. The partial phase begins about 1 hour earlier and ends about 1 hour after maximum. Times vary slightly by location within Iceland — see your specific city's page for exact times.
- Where is the best place in Iceland to watch the 2026 eclipse?
- The longest totality in Iceland is in Reykjanesbær (1m 43s). Anywhere along the centerline of the path of totality offers the longest experience. The sun will be fairly low above the horizon, so a viewing spot with a clear, unobstructed western horizon is essential — coast lines, hilltops, and west-facing fields are ideal.
- How long does totality last?
- Totality (when the sun is completely covered) lasts about 1-2 minutes for cities on the centerline of the path. Cities on the edge see only seconds. Maximum centerline totality globally is 2m 18s. Local duration depends on how close to the centerline a viewing spot is.
- Do I need eclipse glasses?
- Yes — ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses are required during the partial phases (before and after totality). Only during totality itself can you safely look at the sun without protection. Looking at any portion of the uneclipsed or partially-eclipsed sun without certified glasses can cause permanent eye damage.
- What's the weather like in Iceland in August?
- August is generally settled and clear in most of Iceland, but verify the forecast 24-48 hours before. Coastal areas can see morning fog. Inland areas tend to be clearer. Have a backup viewing spot in mind in case clouds form over your primary location.
- Why does terrain matter for this eclipse?
- The sun will be at low altitude (under 10° in many places) when totality occurs. At low altitude, even small hills, ridges or buildings on your western horizon can block the view entirely. Heliora uses Mapbox elevation data + 360° ray-casting to show the real terrain horizon from any GPS coordinate, so you can verify your spot has a clear sight line before traveling.