Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
On August 12th 2026, Iceland will become the place to witness one of the biggest and most spectacular natural phenomena: the solar eclipse. If you’ve already planned your trip to Iceland, you’re in luck since this experience is truly one for the books!
The 2026 solar eclipse will be a total solar eclipse in parts of Iceland, Spain, and Portugal, while the rest of the country will experience a partial eclipse. The path of totality crosses the western part of Iceland, including the Westfjords, Reykjavik, and the Reykjanes Peninsula, among others.
As for South East Iceland, particularly the area around the Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon, 97% of the Sun will be obstructed, meaning it won’t be a total eclipse. Still, don’t let this discourage you! The atmosphere will be nothing short of impressive.
To give you a better idea of what you can expect, here’s everything you should know about the solar eclipse in Iceland and how you can make the most of it.
The August solar eclipse will occur on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026. It begins at 15:34 UTC, peaking at 17:46 UTC, and ends at 19:57 UTC. More specifically, the solar eclipse in Iceland will happen in the afternoon and early evening. The exact timing depends on where you’ll be located.
In Reykjavik, the total solar eclipse will occur at 17:48 local time and last for 1 minute. This timeframe varies depending on the eclipse’s path. For South East Iceland, including Fjallsárlón, the solar eclipse will be partial, but it will still be an incredible sight to witness given the coverage percentage.
To see the total August solar eclipse, your best bet is the western part of Iceland. This includes Reykjavik, the Westfjords, and parts of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Arguably, Reykjavik is the most convenient option. Not only will you be able to witness the totality of the eclipse, but you’ll also have access to many hotels, restaurants, and other popular attractions.
The Reykjanes Peninsula is another strong option, particularly for those arriving through Keflavík International Airport or planning to visit the Blue Lagoon area.
If you’re looking for more dramatic scenery, you should plan a trip around the Westfjords. The landscape here is surrounded by gorgeous mountains, coastlines, and open skies, but you should plan ahead since most travelers will have the exact idea as you. In other words, roads and accommodations can get crowded pretty quickly, so you’ll need to take action now!
As previously mentioned, the 2026 solar eclipse will be partially visible in Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon, with the Sun being obstructed at 97%. That means the daylight may soften, shadows may sharpen, and the landscape may take on an unusual silvery tone as the Moon covers most of the Sun.
Even though the eclipse won’t be fully visible, Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon is still an excellent option to consider. For one, the area won’t be as crowded, meaning you can enjoy this phenomenon in absolute tranquility. Additionally, you’ll be in the heart of nature with floating icebergs all around you, making the experience far more memorable.
Naturally, most travelers will flock to the west to see the solar eclipse in Iceland. However, Iceland’s weather is highly unpredictable, and visibility will depend on cloud cover on the day. Staying flexible is important, especially if you are planning a self-drive itinerary.
The reason why you should consider South East Iceland is that there are a lot more activities you can do beyond the August solar eclipse. For instance, you can go on a zodiac boat tour, hike a glacier, or even float on the ice! Even if you decide to chase totality in the west, spending time at Fjallsárlón before or after August 12 can make your eclipse trip feel more complete.
If you want to make the solar eclipse in Iceland an adventure like no other, you should consider booking an overnight stay in Fjallsárlón. With this experience, you’ll be able to sleep directly on the icebergs in our comfortable huts, with magical scenery surrounding you every way you turn.
The tour begins with a Zodiac boat transfer across Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon before you are taken to your private floating hut. Each hut sleeps two people in a double bed and features glass walls and ceilings, allowing you to take in the surrounding landscape from inside. The experience lasts 15 hours, with check-in at 17:30 and check-out at 09:30 the next morning.
Because the 2026 solar eclipse occurs in the afternoon, check in with us about specific details and availability. Even if the big moment happens before or after the experience, we are determined to make your night on the lagoon nothing short of memorable.
To make this experience unforgettable, planning ahead is a must. Since many travelers and photographers are eager to experience this phenomenon, accommodation availability will be tight, so book your stay as soon as possible.
You should also think carefully about your viewing location. Choose somewhere with an open view of the sky, avoid standing near unsafe cliffs or roads, and remember that the weather can change in the blink of an eye. Bring warm layers, waterproof clothing, sturdy shoes, snacks, and a fully charged phone or camera.
Most importantly, don’t forget your eclipse glasses. Looking directly at the sun during an eclipse is extremely harmful, and regular sunglasses aren’t suitable.
The August solar eclipse is more than enough reason for you to visit Iceland this summer. No matter if you’re witnessing it in its totality or partially, this experience will be remembered for years to come.
To make it even more memorable, get in touch with us and book your overnight adventure at Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon.
How is Fjallsárlón compared to other glacier lagoons? Iceland has no shortage of jaw-dropping landscapes, but not all glacier lagoon experiences are the same. Many travelers planning a Southeast Iceland adventure quickly discover famous names like Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Diamond Beach, and the glacier regions surrounding Vatnajökull National Park. And while all of these places… Continue reading Fjallsárlón Compared to Other Glacier Lagoons
FjallsárlónDespite Iceland’s reputation as an easy adventure destination, travelers often arrive a little too confident. Maybe it is because Iceland feels modern and accessible, or it is because social media makes every glacier hike look effortless. Or maybe people simply underestimate how wild Icelandic nature can be. Whatever the reason, visitors make the same mistakes… Continue reading Common Mistakes To Avoid In Iceland!
FjallsárlónWhen you see the pictures and videos you might be thinking, how cold is Ice floating in Iceland? Not that cold! Ice Floating sounds a little crazy at first, but honestly, that’s part of the fun. When travellers hear about it, the first question is almost always how cold it really is.
Fjallsárlón
