Eclipse path
Where Ísafjörður sits in the shadow
Ísafjörður is the largest town in the Westfjords inside the path, but the region is cloud-prone; treat it as a scenic gamble rather than a safe weather bet.
Iceland · Westfjords
Ísafjörður is inside the path of totality for the solar eclipse of 12 August 2026. Maximum eclipse occurs at approximately 17:45 GMT, and totality lasts about 1 min 31 s. At maximum, the Sun is about 22° above the western horizon, so choose an unobstructed viewing location.
| Maximum eclipse | approximately 17:45 GMT |
|---|---|
| Sun altitude at maximum | 22.0° |
| 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
The map opens around the city. Click your intended viewing location to request detailed eclipse circumstances from the calculator.
Local guide
Ísafjörður lies inside the path of totality for the 12 August 2026 solar eclipse. The city-centre estimate is ~17:45 GMT with approximately ~1 min 31 s of totality.
Eclipse path
Ísafjörður is the largest town in the Westfjords inside the path, but the region is cloud-prone; treat it as a scenic gamble rather than a safe weather bet.
Sun and horizon
At maximum the Sun sits about 22° above the west-northwest (azimuth approximately 290–300°). The Sun sits relatively high (approximately 22°) compared with Spain, so a low horizon matters less here than clear sky. Look west-northwest over Skutulsfjörður.
Possible viewing areas
These are planning leads rather than guaranteed official viewing sites. Check access, closures, safety and the western horizon yourself before eclipse day.
Open view down the fjord to the west; central and easy to reach on foot.
Verify public transport, parking, walking access and accessibility before eclipse day.
Confirm opening hours, capacity, permissions and any temporary obstructions; scout the site the evening before at the same time.
66.07500, -23.13500
Elevated platform high above the sea with a huge western horizon — spectacular if clear.
Verify public transport, parking, walking access and accessibility before eclipse day.
Confirm opening hours, capacity, permissions and any temporary obstructions; scout the site the evening before at the same time.
66.16000, -23.24000
Travel planning
Reached by domestic flights from Reykjavík or the long Route 60 drive; road access through the Westfjords is slow, so allow extra time and fuel.
Weather strategy
Westfjords coast — dramatic scenery but among the cloudier parts of the path; have an inland or southern backup and watch the 48-hour forecast closely. Historical August climate is a guide, not a forecast — check the 48-hour outlook and keep a backup location.
Nearby alternatives
Iceland · Snæfellsnes
Total 100% · approximately 17:46 GMT
Distance: 130 km
Total eclipse; maximum around 17:46 GMT with about 2 min 07 s of totality.
Iceland · Capital Region
Total 100% · approximately 17:49 GMT
Distance: 220 km
Total eclipse; maximum around 17:49 GMT with about 1 min 01 s of totality.
Iceland · Reykjanes
Total 100% · approximately 17:49 GMT
Distance: 230 km
Total eclipse; maximum around 17:49 GMT with about 1 min 39 s of totality.
United Kingdom · Scotland
Partial approximately 91% · approximately 19:15 BST
Distance: 1540 km
Partial eclipse; about 91% obscuration around 19:15 BST.
Local questions
Yes. Ísafjörður lies inside the path of totality. Maximum eclipse is around 17:45 GMT, with about 1 min 31 s of totality at the city centre.
Look toward the west-northwest, at an azimuth of approximately 295°. The Sun is about 22° above the horizon at maximum, so check the sightline before eclipse day.
Totality lasts about 1 min 31 s at the city centre. The exact duration changes slightly across the surrounding area.
City guide last reviewed: 2026-07-10.