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
First traffic control measures will be in place at 8:00 on August 12, 2026 and will remain in effect throughout the event as needed.
Traffic control measures will go into effect at different times, depending on area, with all measures beginning enforcement between 08:00-11:00.
One-way traffic will be implemented on most of the affected roads, with traffic reversed as the eclipse concludes. An exception is made on Örlygshafnarvegur, where traffic will be reversed at 18:00.
Speed limits are likely to be reduced on this day. Travellers are advised to be patient and allow extra time for travel.
Further traffic control measures and/or road closures might be put into place depending on how the traffic situation develops on August 12th.
Should long delays form around the Hvalfjarðagöng tunnel it might be subject to closure, and traffic may have to be directed through Hvalfjörður instead.
Traffic control measures can also be expected around the Vestfjarðagöng tunnel, under Breiðadals- and Botnsheiði.
Capital Region
The interactive map at solmyrkvi2026.is shows
all road closures and the main designated gathering areas in the Capital Region.
These areas have been selected because large crowds are expected to gather there if weather conditions are favourable.
Seltjarnarnes
Suðurströnd
Suðurströnd will be closed to motor vehicle traffic from the Vivaldi sports field and swimming pool at the eastern end, and at Lindarbraut and Nesbali at the western end, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
All side streets leading to Suðurströnd will also be closed.
Parking: Parking is available by the swimming pool, on Austurströnd and at Eiðistorg.
Norðurströnd
Norðurströnd west of Lindarbraut will be closed to motor vehicle traffic from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Parking: Parking is available on Austurströnd and at Eiðistorg.
Grótta – access closed
Access to Grótta is not permitted on 12 August.
The area will be affected by high tide during the total solar eclipse.
The road to Grótta will be closed at Lindarbraut from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Reykjavík
Suðurgata
Suðurgata will be closed to motor vehicle traffic at Hringbraut from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
All side streets leading to Suðurgata will also be closed, with the exception of Þorragata, which will remain open for traffic travelling to Skerjafjörður.
Ægisíða and surrounding streets
Ægisíða will be closed to motor vehicle traffic at Hofsvallagata, Fornhagi and Dunhagi from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Motor vehicle access at Lynghagi and Starhagi will also be closed during the same period.
Garðabær
Álftanes
Circular one-way traffic will be in effect on Álftanes from 15:00-20:00 to the north and west, on Norðurnesvegur and Suðurnesvegur. The speed limit will be reduced down to 30 km/hr on parts of Suðurnesvegur.
Supplemental parking will be available on undeveloped lots in Gásamýri and Svanamýri. Travellers can also park near the sports centre.
Kópavogur
No road closures are currently planned in Kópavogur.
Hafnarfjörður
No road closures are currently planned in Hafnarfjörður.
Heavy traffic is expected on Reykjanesbraut towards Reykjanesbær.
Björk and Smekkleysa’s Echolalia rave festival will take place at Víðistaðatún.
Reykjanes
Traffic management measures will be implemented on the following roads in Reykjanes:
Garðskagavegur (Road 45) from Nesvegur to Sandgerði, one-way traffic in place from 11:00 – the municipality will host an event by Garðskagaviti. Due to this, one-way traffic will be in effect from the intersection of Garðskagavegur (45) and Skagabraut towards the golf course.
Vatnsleysustrandarvegur (Road 420) from Vogar to Kúagerði, one-way traffic in place from 11:00 onwards.
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.
Click on the maps to enhance
Bláalónsvegur (426)will be closed to civilian traffic from 11:00 to 23:00
Höskuldarvallavegur will be closed
Vidísarvallarvegur (428) will be open to traffic, police and rescue services will keep watch.
Vehicles parked illegally, or parked in a manner that impedes traffic, will be removed by police at the owner’s expense.
Snæfellsnes
Útnesvegur (574) One-way traffic will be from Búðir to the intersection with Öndverðanesvegur from 09:00
Öndverðarnesvegur (579) will be closed. However, shuttle bus services will be provided by Snæfellsjökull National Park for visitors wishing to access the area.
Jökulsháls (570). One-way traffic to the north from Arnarstapi to Ólafsvík.
Eysteinsleið Will be closed to traffic.
Dalabyggð
A one-way traffic system will be implemented on Klofningsvegur (590) from 09:00.
Westfjords
The following roads in the Westfjords will operate under temporary one-way traffic restrictions:
- Örlygshafnarvegur (Road 612) from 08:00.
- Rauðasandsvegur (Road 614) from 08:00.
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.
Bolafjall: Bolafjallsvegur will be closed to general vehicle and pedestrian traffic from 08:00 on August 12th for security reasons. Organized coach trips will be offered from Bolungarvík up the mountain, and back down again once the eclipse has concluded. Coaches will depart from the Bolungarvík community centre. For more information, see here.
Traffic control measures can be expected around the Vestfjarðagöng tunnel, under Breiðadals- and Botnsheiði.
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.