Eclipse path
Where Hellissandur sits in the shadow
Hellissandur gets over two minutes of totality — among the longest on land anywhere on the path — thanks to sitting close to the centre line.
Iceland · Snæfellsnes
2026 Total Solar Eclipse in Hellissandur
Hellissandur is inside the path of totality for the solar eclipse of 12 August 2026. Maximum eclipse occurs at approximately 17:46 GMT, and totality lasts about 2 min 07 s. At maximum, the Sun is about 23° above the western horizon, so choose an unobstructed viewing location.
Eclipse typeTotal
Maximum Sun obscuration100%
Maximum eclipseapproximately 17:46 GMT
Totality lastsapproximately 2 min 07 s
Local eclipse circumstances for Hellissandur
| Maximum eclipse | approximately 17:46 GMT |
|---|---|
| Sun altitude at maximum | 23.0° |
| Sun azimuth at maximum | 295.0° |
Times are local to the city. Circumstances can change across the urban area, so use the map for your exact viewing point and verify critical values before travel.
City map
Explore the eclipse from Hellissandur
The map opens around the city. Click your intended viewing location to request detailed eclipse circumstances from the calculator.
Click anywhere on the map for exact eclipse circumstances.
Local guide
Hellissandur lies inside the path of totality for the 12 August 2026 solar eclipse. The city-centre estimate is ~17:46 GMT with approximately ~2 min 07 s of totality.
Sun and horizon
Where to look
At maximum the Sun sits about 23° above the west-northwest (azimuth approximately 290–300°). Wide western horizon straight out over the Atlantic — one of the better sightlines in Iceland. Snæfellsjökull rises to the east, behind viewers.
Possible viewing areas
Places to investigate in Hellissandur
These are planning leads rather than guaranteed official viewing sites. Check access, closures, safety and the western horizon yourself before eclipse day.
Öndverðarnes headland
Westernmost tip of Snæfellsnes with an unobstructed ocean horizon.
Access:
Verify public transport, parking, walking access and accessibility before eclipse day.
Check before travelling:
Confirm opening hours, capacity, permissions and any temporary obstructions; scout the site the evening before at the same time.
64.88700, -24.05000
Skarðsvík beach
Rare golden-sand beach facing the open Atlantic to the west.
Access:
Verify public transport, parking, walking access and accessibility before eclipse day.
Check before travelling:
Confirm opening hours, capacity, permissions and any temporary obstructions; scout the site the evening before at the same time.
64.86000, -23.98000
Travel planning
Getting to and around Hellissandur
About 2.5 hours' drive from Reykjavík via Route 54; limited accommodation, so many will day-trip or camp.
Weather strategy
Keep a mobile backup plan
Snæfellsnes peninsula, beneath Snæfellsjökull glacier; coastal cloud is a real risk but the open Atlantic horizon is superb when clear. Historical August climate is a guide, not a forecast — check the 48-hour outlook and keep a backup location.
Nearby alternatives
Compare other eclipse cities
Iceland · Reykjanes
Keflavík
Total 100% · approximately 17:49 GMT
Distance: 120 km
Total eclipse; maximum around 17:49 GMT with about 1 min 39 s of totality.
Iceland · Capital Region
Reykjavík
Total 100% · approximately 17:49 GMT
Distance: 130 km
Total eclipse; maximum around 17:49 GMT with about 1 min 01 s of totality.
Iceland · Westfjords
Ísafjörður
Total 100% · approximately 17:45 GMT
Distance: 130 km
Total eclipse; maximum around 17:45 GMT with about 1 min 31 s of totality.
United Kingdom · Scotland
Edinburgh
Partial approximately 91% · approximately 19:15 BST
Distance: 1500 km
Partial eclipse; about 91% obscuration around 19:15 BST.
Local questions
Hellissandur eclipse FAQ
Is the 2026 eclipse total in Hellissandur?
Yes. Hellissandur lies inside the path of totality. Maximum eclipse is around 17:46 GMT, with about 2 min 07 s of totality at the city centre.
Which direction should I look from Hellissandur?
Look toward the west-northwest, at an azimuth of approximately 295°. The Sun is about 23° above the horizon at maximum, so check the sightline before eclipse day.
How long does totality last in Hellissandur?
Totality lasts about 2 min 07 s at the city centre. The exact duration changes slightly across the surrounding area.
Sources and review notes
- NationalEclipse.com — 2026 city data (NASA/Espenak) — Totality start times and durations
- timeanddate.com — 12 August 2026 eclipse — Global timings and obscuration
City guide last reviewed: 2026-07-10.