Your Guide to The Solar Eclipse in Iceland 2026
To witness a solar eclipse is a once in a lifetime experience. A total eclipse of the sun is even rarer. In fact, the 2026 solar eclipse will be the first total solar eclipse visible in Iceland since 1954 and the first one to be visible from Reykjavík since 1433! At the time, Reykjavík wasn’t even a small village so one could argue that this is the first time ever that a total eclipse can be viewed from Reykjavík (city).
So, if you are travelling in Iceland on the 12th of August in 2026, you are in luck. If you would like to witness the Solar Eclipse at Hvammsvik please book your visit on August 12th HERE
We have two options available for our guests. You can either book admission to the Hot Springs during the eclipse or book a special event that takes place during the eclipse in the Barn and around the Hvammsvík Estate with admission to the Hot Springs included afterwards.
Here are the essentials you need to know for the 2026 total eclipse in Iceland.
Shortcuts:
Why is the Iceland Solar Eclipse 2026 so Special?
What to Expect during a Total Solar Eclipse
Where and When will the Eclipse Be Visible in Iceland?
The best places to view the 2026 Solar Eclipse in Iceland
The best place to stay in Iceland for the Eclipse
Words of Precaution: How to Watch a Solar Eclipse Safely
How to capture the moment of Total Solar Eclipse on Camera
How to take a photo of a Total Solar Eclipse
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Photographing an Eclipse:
iPhone and Android Settings for Capturing the Eclipse:
Bonus tip: Record nature at the time of the eclipse
Frequently Asked Questions About The 2026 Solar Eclipse in Iceland
Why is the Iceland Solar Eclipse 2026 so Special?
Solar eclipses aren’t all that rare, they happen every six months, somewhere on Earth. But to witness one, you would actively have to hunt them – and remember how much of Earth is just ocean.
But total eclipses are rarer as they happen every 18 months but for a total eclipse to happen in the same place is a once-in-a-many lifetimes event since it happens every 360-410 years.
What to Expect during a Total Solar Eclipse
Experiencing a total solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and knowing what to expect enhances the magic of the experience.
The 2026 solar eclipse in Iceland will pass through several phases:
- Partial Eclipse Begins: As the Moon starts to move in front of the Sun, you’ll notice a small, dark bite appearing on the Sun’s edge. This phase lasts for over an hour as the Moon gradually obscures more sunlight.
- Totality: The most breathtaking part—when the Moon completely covers the Sun. In Iceland, this moment of totality will last up to 2 minutes and will plunge the sky into twilight. You may even see the Sun’s corona, a halo of plasma that is usually invisible to the naked eye.
- Partial Eclipse Ends: As the Moon continues its path, sunlight will gradually return, marking the end of the eclipse experience.
Safety is of the utter importance during a solar eclipse. Never look directly at the Sun without certified solar viewing glasses.
Regular sunglasses are not safe for eclipse viewing. For photographers, use a solar filter to protect your equipment and to capture really stunning images of the eclipse phases.
Words of precaution: How to Watch a Solar Eclipse Safely
Looking at the Sun without proper protection can, even when its blocked by the moon can cause serious and permanent eye damage. To enjoy without putting your eyesight at risk, follow these safety guidelines.
Use Proper Eye Protection
Protect your eyes. Regular sunglasses, even very dark ones, do not provide enough protection. Always use certified solar viewing glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. These specialized glasses are designed to block harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation while allowing you to view the eclipse safely.
If you don’t have eclipse glasses, consider using a pinhole projector. This simple, indirect viewing method allows you to watch the eclipse without looking at the Sun directly.
You can make one using a piece of cardboard with a small hole, which projects an image of the Sun onto a flat surface.
Avoid Unsafe Viewing Methods
Never look at the Sun through regular binoculars, telescopes, or cameras without specially designed solar filters.
The magnification intensifies the Sun’s rays and can cause instant, irreversible damage to your retinas.
Ensure any optical devices are equipped with approved solar filters that fit securely over the lenses.
How to capture the moment of Total Solar Eclipse on Camera
For capturing high-quality images, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens (300mm or longer) is ideal.
A sturdy tripod is essential for reducing camera shake and maintaining stability throughout the eclipse phases.
Ensure you have a solar filter for your lens to protect both your camera’s sensor and your eyes. Remote shutter releases can also minimize movement and ensure sharp images.
You can also use your smartphone to capture the event.
How to take a photo of a Total Solar Eclipse:
- Prepare in Advance: Familiarize yourself with your equipment and settings before eclipse day. Practice focusing on the Sun with your solar filter on.
- Use a Solar Filter: Always use a certified solar filter during the partial phases. Only remove it during totality, when the Sun is completely covered.
- Set Manual Exposure: Automating exposure may lead to inconsistent results. For the partial eclipse, try shutter speeds around 1/1000s at ISO 100. During totality, slow down to 1/2s to capture the corona.
- Bracket Your Shots: Take multiple exposures at different settings to ensure you capture the full range of brightness levels.
- Capture the Environment: Don’t just focus on the Sun—photograph the eerie twilight, changing shadows, and crowd reactions for a richer narrative.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Photographing an Eclipse:
- Forgetting to use a solar filter during the partial phases can permanently damage your camera sensor.
- Relying on autofocus instead of manually adjusting your focus point on the Sun.
- Ignoring the environment—wide-angle shots of the landscape during totality add context and drama.
iPhone and Android Settings for Capturing the Eclipse
Smartphones can also capture the eclipse images with the right settings and preparation:
- Place your phone securely on a tripod: To remove the risk of shaky images. Even though most upscale phones have built-in correction software, shooting with shaky hands will increase the time each shot will take.
- Enable Manual Controls: Use apps like Halide (iPhone) or ProCam X (Android) to adjust exposure, ISO, and focus manually.
- Reduce Exposure: Lower exposure compensation to prevent the Sun from appearing as a bright, overblown spot.
- Lock Focus: Tap and hold the Sun on your screen to lock focus, ensuring a crisp, clear image.
- Use Burst Mode: During totality, activate burst mode to capture multiple frames in quick succession, improving your chances of getting a perfect shot. You might be at a location where the totality only lasts 30 seconds so you should get as many shots as possible.
- Avoid Digital Zoom: Digital zoom reduces image quality—use a clip-on telephoto lens instead for better magnification.
- Protect Your Lens: You might want to apply a solar filter over your phone lens during the partial eclipse phases.
Bonus tip: Record nature at the time of the eclipse
A total solar eclipse is a spectacle, not only seeing the sun being blacked out but also witnessing the effect it has on the wildlife.
Bring an additional camera or an additional phone and set it up on a tripod and record a video. Start recording a few minutes before the moon starts to block the sun, the whole eclipse and a few minutes after.
You will get footage of nature slowly becoming silent and then waking up with a burst.
Choose the Best Location For You
Although it will be at the outskirts of the totality zone, Hvammsvík Hot Springs will enjoy a 99,99% solar eclipse.
If you rather want to relax and enjoy the eclipse, soaking in hot water, surrounded by the wildlife, instead of driving for hours, Hvammsvík is an excellent choice for experiencing the eclipse and witnessing how the birds and seals react to the sun disappearing behind the moon.
Frequently asked questions about the 2026 solar eclipse in Iceland
Q: Where in Iceland will the 2026 eclipse be?
A: The Eclipse will cover the Western edge of Iceland – see the map above.
Q: When is the next Solar Eclipse in Iceland?
A: On August 12th 2026
Q: At what time will the Solar Eclipse in Iceland be?
A: It will start at 16:43 and the totality will begin at 17:44
Q: Where will be the best place to see the 2026 solar eclipse?
A: The Western part of Iceland will be the best place to see it.