Iceland is set to host a once-in-a-lifetime celebration in August 2026, marking the country’s first total solar eclipse in over 70 years. The newly announced festival will take place on the scenic Snæfellsnes Peninsula, directly under the path of totality, offering prime viewing conditions and a unique cultural experience. The eclipse, occurring on August 12, 2026, will be the first total eclipse visible from Iceland since 1954—and the first seen from Reykjavík since 1433. The path of totality will cross the Westfjords and Snæfellsnes regions, with the eclipse reaching its peak between 17:40 and 17:50 GMT (18:40–18:50 CET). In these areas, viewers can expect nearly two minutes of total darkness, as the moon fully obscures the sun.
To celebrate the event, organizers are planning a multi-day festival featuring live music, cultural performances, lectures on astronomy, and guided viewing experiences. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula—famous for its glaciers, lava fields, and links to Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth—was chosen for its clear skies and breathtaking landscape, offering a dramatic natural backdrop for witnessing the eclipse. While Reykjavík will experience a partial eclipse, those who venture west will enjoy a fuller spectacle, with fewer crowds and an immersive connection to nature. The event is expected to attract thousands of skywatchers, scientists, and tourists, and is being billed as one of the most spectacular astronomical events of the decade. Visitors are advised to book accommodations early and come prepared with proper eclipse glasses for safe viewing. With the next total eclipse in Iceland not expected until 2196, this 2026 festival is truly a rare opportunity to witness cosmic wonder in one of the world’s most striking landscapes.
Read more on Eclipse2026.is
