Core messages about the Solar Eclipse

The solar eclipse on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, is a unique event. The solar eclipse lasts for about two hours, begins with a partial eclipse in the afternoon and reaches total solar eclipse between 17:44 and 17:47, depending on the region.

06.08.2026

Most residents in western Iceland are fortunate and privileged in that the best place to experience the total solar eclipse is from their homes or within walking distance in their local area. In other parts of the country, a partial eclipse will be visible.
By choosing a suitable location at or near their home, everyone can help safeguard public safety and reduce traffic. Sævar Helgi Bragason, astronomy communicator, will watch the total eclipse from his home in the capital area. People can use an interactive map to see how the total eclipse will appear from their homes.
Authorities encourage people in western and southwest Iceland not to travel by car unless necessary, but instead to enjoy this unique and historic event at home or in their local area.
Increased pressure is expected on transport, sensitive natural areas, infrastructure and emergency responders where the total eclipse will be visible. Considerable traffic congestion can be expected in the days before and after the eclipse.
People who plan to travel to witness the total eclipse are encouraged to plan their journeys in good time, familiarise themselves with their route and destination, and stay longer. Travellers are encouraged to be well prepared, including by bringing food, water, medicines and suitable clothing, and making sure their vehicles have enough fuel or charge. As always, it is important to drive carefully and keep your eyes on the road - not on your phone.
In the parts of the country where the total eclipse will be visible, suitable gathering points have been designated for people to watch the eclipse within easy reach of services.
At a small number of selected locations where pressure may be high and conditions challenging, it has been decided to restrict access, manage traffic or close specific roads. People are encouraged to familiarise themselves with this information and respect instructions and restrictions.
It is essential to use safe and certified eclipse glasses when watching the eclipse. Safe eclipse glasses have special filters that reduce harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation. Glasses must be worn during the partial phases, both before and after totality. Only during totality, when the Moon completely covers the Sun, is it safe to remove them for a moment. Put them back on as soon as any part of the Sun becomes visible.
Preparations have been coordinated by the authorities for the total eclipse, including preparedness, traffic management, visitor reception, nature conservation, and public information. Essential for welcoming large numbers of visitors safely. Many institutions and emergency responders each have their own important role for residents and visitors to enjoy the experience on this remarkable day.
The sky does not need to be completely clear during the eclipse. A veil of high cloud will not interfere, but rain and overcast conditions are not ideal. Even so, it will still be possible to experience something quite: darkness for one to two minutes.
People are encouraged to follow information from the authorities, check the weather forecast and follow instructions from the police and emergency responders.
• Government information portal: https://island.is/v/almyrkvi-2026/hvar-og-hvenaer
• Sævar Helgi’s educational portal: https://solmyrkvi2026.is/almyrkvi-a-solu-2026

General

Best at home

Solidarity

By choosing a suitable location at or near their home, everyone can help safeguard public safety and reduce traffic. Sævar Helgi Bragason, astronomy communicator, will watch the total eclipse from his home in the capital area. People can use an interactive map to see how the total eclipse will appear from their homes.

Guidance

The authorities encourage people in western and southwest Iceland not to travel by car unless necessary, but instead to enjoy this unique and historic event at home or in their local area.

Impact

Increased pressure is expected on transport, natural areas, infrastructure and emergency responders where the total eclipse will be visible. Considerable traffic congestion can be expected in the days before and after the eclipse.

Travellers

People who plan to travel to witness the total eclipse are encouraged to plan their journeys in good time, familiarise themselves with their route and destination, and stay longer. Travellers are encouraged to be well prepared, including by bringing food, water, medicines and suitable clothing, and making sure their vehicles have enough fuel or charge. As always, it is important to drive carefully and keep your eyes on the road - not on your phone. In the parts of the country where the total eclipse will be visible, suitable gathering points have been designated for people to watch the eclipse within easy reach of services.

Closures

At a small number of selected locations where pressure may be high and conditions challenging, it has been decided to restrict access, manage traffic or close specific roads. People are encouraged to familiarise themselves with this information and respect instructions and restrictions.

Glasses

It is essential to use safe and certified eclipse glasses when watching the total eclipse. Safe eclipse glasses have special filters that reduce harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation. Only during totality, when the Moon completely covers the Sun, is it safe to remove them for a moment. Put them back on as soon as any part of the Sun becomes visible.

Coordination

Preparations have been coordinated by the authorities for the total eclipse, including preparedness, traffic management, nature conservation, visitor reception and public information. Essential for welcoming large numbers of visitors safely. Many institutions and emergency responders each have their own important role for residents and visitors to enjoy the experience on this remarkable day.

Weather

The sky does not need to be completely clear during the eclipse. A veil of high cloud will not interfere, but rain and overcast conditions are not ideal. Even so, it will still be possible to experience something unique: darkness for one to two minutes.

Information

People are encouraged to follow information from the authorities, check the weather forecast and follow instructions from the police and emergency responders.
Government information portal: https://island.is/v/almyrkvi-2026.
Sævar Helgi’s educational portal: https://solmyrkvi2026.is/almyrkvi-a-solu-2026

Core messages – bullet points

Residents in western Iceland (within the path of totality) – “Best at home”

Watch the event at home or in your local area.

In most places in western Iceland, the total eclipse can be experienced from home or in the local area.
There is no need to travel long distances to experience the total eclipse.
Sævar Helgi Bragason, astronomy communicator, will watch at home.
In other parts of the country – outside the path of totality – a partial eclipse will be visible.
Use the map to see all information about the solar eclipse from your home

Avoid unnecessary short errands during the event.
People are encouraged to follow information from the authorities, check the weather forecast and follow guidance from the police, emergency responders etc.

Domestic and international visitors – “Be well prepared and take care”

Good viewing locations, designated gathering points and programmes have been prepared in all areas where the eclipse can be seen.

Choose a viewing location near your home or accommodation. This reduces pressure on the road system, services and emergency responders.

Traffic management, road closures and special public transport

Check where traffic restrictions or traffic management will be in place.

Arrive early and stay longer.

People who plan to travel to see the total eclipse are encouraged to arrive early and stay longer.
Travelling earlier in the day and waiting to depart until after the eclipse has ended can reduce traffic and support safer roads.

Be well prepared

Familiarise yourself with your route and destination and allow for longer travel times.
Bring necessary medicines, food, water and suitable clothing.
Make sure your vehicles have enough fuel or charge.
Maintain hygiene and ensure that food is stored under appropriate conditions.

Take care and keep your eyes on the road.

Do not focus on your mobile phone; keep your eyes on the road.
Respect speed limits and fasten seat belts.

Show patience.

Show patience when temporary queues form.
Follow instructions from authorities and emergency responders.
Use official information sources.

Respect nature and closures.

Visitors and residents are encouraged to follow instructions from emergency responders and respect restrictions in sensitive areas.

People are encouraged to follow information from the authorities, check the weather forecast and follow guidance from the police, emergency responders etc.

Everyone – “Eye safety - use eclipse glasses”

Safe eclipse glasses have special filters that reduce harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
Eclipse glasses must be certified and marked with the international safety standard ISO 12312-2.
Glasses must be worn during all partial phases, both before and after totality.
Only during totality, when the Moon completely covers the Sun, is it safe to remove them for a brief moment.

Education – “A unique event” (Educational material)

Sævar Helgi Bragason (Stjörnu-Sævar), geologist and astronomy communicator, has in recent years played an important role in educating at schools and workplaces and prepare the public for the event. Mr. Bragason also advises the authorities.
Why? Solar eclipses happen due to a remarkable coincidence. The Sun is 400 times farther from Earth than the Moon, but also 400 times larger in diameter. As a result, the Sun and Moon appear the same size in the sky, or 1/2 a degree. They fit together perfectly - but only if the alignment is right.
Does the sky need to be clear? The sky does not need to be completely clear. A veil of high cloud will not interfere at all, but the worst possible weather is overcast with rain. If the worst happens, we will still experience something quite unique: darkness falling for one to two minutes. We would at least get half of the experience.
The difference between a total and a partial eclipse. The path of totality is usually around 200 km wide. Outside it, you see only a partial eclipse, meaning the Sun is partly obscured. Partial eclipses are beautiful but nowhere near as spectacular as total eclipses. There is no such thing as a 99.9% total eclipse. The missing 0.1% is the difference between day and night. Be absolutely sure you are in the right place.
A rare path of totality. A total solar eclipse is a rare sight from any specific place on Earth. Calculations show that, on average, 375 years pass between total solar eclipses at a given location. For example, the last total eclipse visible from Reykjavík was 593 years ago, in 1433.
Sævar Helgi’s educational portal: https://solmyrkvi2026.is/almyrkvi-a-solu-2026

Specific – Coordinated government preparations (press conference)

The authorities have worked on coordinated preparations for measures related to the total eclipse - through Civil Protection, institutions, municipalities and the tourism sector.
A government steering group under FOR with the participation of all stakeholders.
An action plan for the country and for individual regions.
In all affected areas, work is under way on preparedness, traffic management, nature conservation, visitor reception and public information,
Robust preparation and good public information are key prerequisites for receiving large numbers of visitors safely.
Institutions and emergency responders each have their own important role for residents and visitors to enjoy the experience on this remarkable day. Among them are the Civil Protection, the Police, the Icelandic Coast Guard, the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration, the Icelandic Transport Authority, Iceland Tourist Board, the Icelandic Meteorological Office, Environment Agency of Iceland, municipalities, regional marketing offices and Business Iceland.