Iceland's total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026: What drivers need to know
Expect heavy traffic and major delays
Heavy traffic is expected across western Iceland. Traffic management will begin at 08:00, including one-way roads, closures and restricted access around popular viewing areas.
Plan your journey carefully
- Arrive by 14:00. Roads and viewing areas are likely to become increasingly busy during the afternoon.
- Choose your viewing location before leaving. Do not chase clear skies shortly before totality.
- Check conditions early. Review the latest weather, road conditions and closures before travelling.
- Park only in designated areas. Never stop or park on road shoulders.
- Allow extra time after the eclipse. Stay at your viewing location for an hour or two while congestion begins to clear.
Travelling in the capital area
Streets in parts of Reykjavík and Seltjarnarnes will close from 15:00 to 20:00. Grótta will not be accessible on eclipse day.
If you are staying in Reykjavík, walking, cycling or taking a bus may be easier than driving.
Traffic management outside the capital area
The following traffic measures will be in effect from 08:00 on 12 August 2026 until after the eclipse event. Arrows indicate the permitted direction of travel.
Reykjanes
- Garðskagavegur (Road 45): Nesvegur → Sandgerði
- Vatnsleysustrandarvegur (Road 420): Vogar → Kúagerði
Snæfellsnes
- Útnesvegur (Road 574): Búðir → Hellissandur
- Öndverðarnesvegur (Road 579): Closed. Shuttle bus services will be available for visitors travelling through Snæfellsjökull National Park.
Dalabyggð
- Klofningsvegur (Road 590): Hvammsveit → Fellsströnd → Skarðsströnd → Saurbær
Westfjords
- Örlygshafnarvegur (Road 612): Barðastrandarvegur → Örlygshöfn
- Rauðasandsvegur (Road 614): Barðastrandarvegur → Rauðisandur
Why are these measures necessary?
They are intended to keep routes clear for emergency services, reduce congestion and improve road safety in areas where heavy eclipse traffic is expected. See further information.
Iceland's total solar eclipse: key road information
| Recommended arrival | By 14:00, several hours before totality |
|---|---|
| Traffic restrictions | Begin at 08:00 on selected roads |
| Capital-area closures | From 15:00 to 20:00 |
| Grótta | Not accessible on eclipse day |
| Live conditions | Check the latest weather forecast and current road conditions before travelling. |
Important: Allow plenty of extra travel time and follow instructions from police, road authorities and traffic-control staff.
When is the total solar eclipse in Iceland?
Iceland’s total solar eclipse takes place on Wednesday, 12 August 2026. The partial phase begins at approximately 16:42, while totality crosses western Iceland between 17:44 and 17:49. Reykjavík will experience about 66 seconds of totality, while locations in Snæfellsnes and the Westfjords may get around two minutes.
- Date: Wednesday, 12 August 2026
- Partial eclipse: Approximately 16:42–18:48
- Totality: Approximately 17:44–17:49, depending on location
Where is the best place to see the eclipse?
You must be inside the path of totality to see the Sun’s corona and experience complete darkness. The path covers Reykjavík, Reykjanes, West Iceland and the Westfjords.
- Reykjavík: Totality from 17:48:12 to 17:49:18—about 66 seconds
- Longest totality: Around 2 minutes 13 seconds at Látrabjarg
- Best viewing regions: Reykjavík, Reykjanes, West Iceland, Snæfellsnes and the Westfjords
- Where to look: West-southwest, with the Sun approximately 25° above the horizon
Official gathering sites include:
- Akranes
- Borgarnes
- Stykkishólmur
- Grundarfjörður
- Ólafsvík
- Rif
- Hellissandur
Choose an open location with a clear horizon towards the west-southwest. A coastal area or headland is generally better than a valley or a location with hills, buildings or trees to the west.
What should travellers bring?
Bring certified eclipse glasses, warm waterproof clothing, food, water, offline maps, a power bank and any necessary medication. Fill your fuel tank or charge your vehicle the day before, as rural fuel stations and chargers are likely to be busy.
Never drive during totality. Eclipse glasses must be worn throughout the partial phases and removed only while the Sun is completely covered. Put them back on as soon as the first bright part of the Sun reappears.
Read our complete guide to the 2026 total solar eclipse in Iceland for detailed viewing locations, local eclipse times, weather guidance, road closures and essential driving advice.
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