Total Solar Eclipse 2026
A total solar eclipse is one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena. On August 12, 2026, a total eclipse will pass over the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Portugal, and Spain, while a partial eclipse will be visible across large parts of North America, Scandinavia, Europe, and West Africa.
Table of contents
Total Solar Eclipse 2026
In Iceland, a narrow path of totality will pass over the westernmost part of the country. The Moon’s umbra will first touch land at Straumsnes lighthouse in the Hornstrandir area at 17:43:28, where totality will last for 1 minute and 26 seconds. The longest duration will be at Látrabjarg, lasting approximately 2 minutes and 13 seconds.
The Moon’s shadow travels across the Earth at a speed of around 3,400 km per hour, moving over Snæfellsnes, Reykjavík, and the Reykjanes peninsula before leaving the country at Reykjanestá at 17:50:07. There, totality will last for about 1 minute and 47 seconds.
In total, the eclipse will last over Iceland for approximately 6 minutes and 48 seconds. From there, the shadow continues south across the Atlantic Ocean and reaches Spain about 35 minutes later, where a total eclipse will occur at sunset on Mallorca.
Maps and Visual Resources
Road closures
Due to the total solar eclipse visible in Iceland on August 12, 2026, a significant increase in traffic is expected in certain areas of the country. To ensure the safety of road users and facilitate traffic flow, temporary traffic management measures will be implemented on several roads managed by the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration.
⚠️ Important traffic information
Traffic management will begin at 8:00 on August 12, 2026 and will remain in effect throughout the event as needed.
Speed limits are likely to be reduced on this day. Road users are advised to be patient and allow extra time for travel.
Reykjanes
Traffic management measures will be implemented on the following roads in Reykjanes:
- Garðskagavegur (Road 45) from Nesvegur to Sandgerði
- Vatnsleysustrandarvegur (Road 420) from Vogar to Kúagerði
These measures are intended to manage increased traffic in the area, as a large number of visitors are expected to travel there to observe the total solar eclipse.
Snæfellsnes
A one-way traffic system will be in effect from Búðir to Hellissandur.
Öndverðarnesvegur (Road 579) will be closed. However, shuttle bus services will be provided by Snæfellsjökull National Park for visitors wishing to access the area.
Dalabyggð
A one-way traffic system will be implemented on Klofningsvegur (Road 590).
Westfjords
The following roads in the Westfjords will operate under temporary one-way traffic restrictions:
- Örlygshafnarvegur (Road 612)
- Rauðasandsvegur (Road 614)
A road closure checkpoint will be established at the intersection of Barðastrandarvegur (Road 62) and Örlygshafnarvegur (Road 612) no later than 08:00 on the morning of 12 August. The closure may be implemented earlier if circumstances require.
The road will operate as a one-way route leading up to the event.
Buses carrying up to 19 passengers plus driver (19+1) will be permitted to use the road. Larger vehicles will not be allowed access on 12 August.
The following speed limits will apply:
- 60 km/h as far as Breiðavík
- 50 km/h from Breiðavík to Látrabjarg due to increased pedestrian traffic in the area
Parking on the roadway or road shoulders is strictly prohibited. Vehicles parked illegally will be removed at the owner’s expense.
Similar signage is recommended for Útnesvegur (Road 574) on Snæfellsnes, where the police also intend to remove illegally parked vehicles.
Freight operators
Due to the significant traffic congestion expected across the western half of Iceland on Wednesday, 12 August, in connection with the total solar eclipse, Vegagerðin encourages freight operators, cargo transport companies, fish transport services, and fuel transport providers to limit travel as much as possible on that day.
Very heavy traffic is expected on key routes in West Iceland and the Westfjords, along with an increased risk of delays, congestion, and reduced road safety. By reducing heavy transport activity in the area, traffic flow can be improved, road safety enhanced, and access for emergency and service vehicles maintained if needed.
Vegagerðin encourages companies and transport operators to:
- postpone transport operations where possible,
- schedule travel outside peak traffic hours,
- limit journeys through the most heavily affected areas on 12 August.
We thank transport operators for their cooperation and understanding in relation to this large-scale traffic event.
Traffic management
The main objective of these measures is to ensure clear access for emergency services in case of incidents, as very heavy traffic is expected on these roads. Organized traffic management is also intended to reduce the risk of congestion and improve safety for all road users.
Coordination with emergency services
Planning and implementation of the traffic management are carried out in close cooperation with the police and other emergency responders in the affected areas. Road users are encouraged to follow instructions from authorities and traffic personnel and to exercise caution in these areas.
Traffic Management for the Total Solar Eclipse – 12 August 2026
In effect from 08:00 and until after the event.
📍 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 through Snæfellsjökull National Park.
📍 Dalabyggð
Klofningsvegur (Road 590): Hvammsveit → Fellsströnd → Skarðsströnd → Saurbær
📍 Westfjords
Örlygshafnarvegur (Road 612): Barðastrandarvegur → Örlygshöfn
Rauðasandsvegur (Road 614): Barðastrandarvegur → Rauðisandur
🚧 Purpose of the Traffic Management Measures:
To ensure unobstructed access for emergency services, reduce traffic congestion, and improve road safety in areas where heavy traffic is expected due to the solar eclipse.
Photos and video
Solar Eclipse 2026
All other information about this spectacular event can be found here.