Eclipse path
Where Reykjavík sits in the shadow
Reykjavík sees roughly one minute of totality — real, but shorter than nearby Snæfellsnes. Its last total eclipse was in 1433; the next is not until 2245.
Iceland · Capital Region
2026 Total Solar Eclipse in Reykjavík
Reykjavík is inside the path of totality for the solar eclipse of 12 August 2026. Maximum eclipse occurs at approximately 17:49 GMT, and totality lasts about 1 min 01 s. At maximum, the Sun is about 24° above the western horizon, so choose an unobstructed viewing location.
Eclipse typeTotal
Maximum Sun obscuration100%
Maximum eclipseapproximately 17:49 GMT
Totality lastsapproximately 1 min 01 s
Local eclipse circumstances for Reykjavík
| Maximum eclipse | approximately 17:49 GMT |
|---|---|
| Sun altitude at maximum | 24.0° |
| 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 Reykjavík
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
Reykjavík lies inside the path of totality for the 12 August 2026 solar eclipse. The city-centre estimate is ~17:49 GMT with approximately ~1 min 01 s of totality.
Sun and horizon
Where to look
At maximum the Sun sits about 24° above the west-northwest (azimuth approximately 290–300°). City buildings can block a clear western view; head to an elevated or coastal spot. The Sun is fairly high (approximately 24°) so obstruction is less critical than in Spain.
Possible viewing areas
Places to investigate in Reykjavík
These are planning leads rather than guaranteed official viewing sites. Check access, closures, safety and the western horizon yourself before eclipse day.
Grótta lighthouse (Seltjarnarnes)
Northwestern tip of the city with an open sea horizon — a favourite aurora and sunset spot.
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.
64.16600, -22.02000
Perlan / Öskjuhlíð hill
Elevated viewpoint over the city with wide western views.
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.
64.12900, -21.91900
Travel planning
Getting to and around Reykjavík
Fully served by hotels, buses and Keflavík Airport 45 minutes away; the obvious base, but consider moving west onto Snæfellsnes or Reykjanes for longer totality.
Weather strategy
Keep a mobile backup plan
Iceland's capital gets the shortest Icelandic totality on this list (approximately 1 min) as it sits near the path edge; weather is the usual Icelandic gamble. 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: 34 km
Total eclipse; maximum around 17:49 GMT with about 1 min 39 s of totality.
Iceland · Snæfellsnes
Hellissandur
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 · Westfjords
Ísafjörður
Total 100% · approximately 17:45 GMT
Distance: 220 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: 1370 km
Partial eclipse; about 91% obscuration around 19:15 BST.
Local questions
Reykjavík eclipse FAQ
Is the 2026 eclipse total in Reykjavík?
Yes. Reykjavík lies inside the path of totality. Maximum eclipse is around 17:49 GMT, with about 1 min 01 s of totality at the city centre.
Which direction should I look from Reykjavík?
Look toward the west-northwest, at an azimuth of approximately 295°. The Sun is about 24° above the horizon at maximum, so check the sightline before eclipse day.
How long does totality last in Reykjavík?
Totality lasts about 1 min 01 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.