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.
Total solar eclipse 2026 – Map and photos (png) – Google Photos
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 12:00 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
On the Reykjanes peninsula, traffic management will be implemented on the following roads:
- Garðskagavegur (45) from Nesvegur to Sandgerði
- Vatnsleysustrandarvegur (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 eclipse.
Snæfellsnes
On Snæfellsnes, traffic management will be implemented on:
- Útnesvegur (574) from Hellissandur to Búðir
On this section, the direction of one-way traffic is still under review. However, road users should expect traffic management in this area. This page will be updated regularly as further details become available.
Westfjords
In the Westfjords, the following roads will have temporary one-way traffic:
- Örlygshafnarvegur (612)
- Rauðasandsvegur (614)
Traffic will be directed from Barðastrandarvegur starting at 12:00 on August 12, 2026. After the event, traffic will be guided back along the same route.
Purpose of 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
Traffic management due to the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026
In effect from 12:00 and throughout the event.
📍 Reykjanes
Garðskagavegur (45)
Nesvegur → Sandgerði
Vatnsleysustrandarvegur (420)
Vogar → Kúagerði
📍 Snæfellsnes
Útnesvegur (574)
Hellissandur ↔ Búðir
Traffic direction is still under review. Updates will be provided.
📍 Westfjords
Örlygshafnarvegur (612)
One-way traffic from Barðastrandarvegur
Rauðasandsvegur (614)
One-way traffic from Barðastrandarvegur
🚧 Purpose of traffic management:
To ensure clear access for emergency services, reduce congestion, and improve road safety, as very heavy traffic is expected due to the eclipse.
Photos and video
Solar Eclipse 2026
All other information about this spectacular event can be found here.