A total solar eclipse will pass over western Iceland on Wednesday, August 12, beginning in the Westfjords before moving across West Iceland, Reykjavík and the Reykjanes Peninsula.
The eclipse will be total within a narrow path in the west and partial across the rest of the country. In Reykjavík, totality begins at 17:48:19 and lasts about one minute, according to Sólmyrkvi 2026.
What’s the Story?
- A total solar eclipse will cross western Iceland on the afternoon of August 12.
- Traffic controls begin at 08:00, with closures and restrictions planned in several high-traffic viewing areas.
- It is Iceland’s first total solar eclipse since 1954 and Reykjavík’s first since 1433.
Road controls begin in the morning
The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration expects significantly heavier traffic in the Capital Region, Reykjanes, West Iceland and the Westfjords. Traffic management begins at 08:00 and may continue beyond the eclipse, with lower speed limits and temporary restrictions on several routes.
In Reykjavík and Seltjarnarnes, a number of streets will close to vehicle traffic from 15:00 to 20:00. Access to Grótta will also be restricted, and visitors are advised to allow extra travel time and follow police and traffic-controller instructions.
Totality first reaches Iceland at Straumsnes Lighthouse in the Westfjords at 17:43:28. It lasts longest at Látrabjarg, about two minutes and 13 seconds, before the moon’s shadow moves across Snæfellsnes, Reykjavík and Reykjanes and leaves Iceland at Reykjanestá at 17:50:07.
The event is Iceland’s first total solar eclipse since 1954 and Reykjavík’s first since 1433. Iceland Review previously reported on regional safety preparations and the expected pressure on accommodation and transport.
Anyone watching the partial phases should use proper eclipse glasses or an approved solar filter; ordinary sunglasses do not provide adequate protection.
Original source: Government of Iceland
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