Where are the recommended places to watch the eclipse?
You can explore viewing locations across West Iceland using the map on this page.
By clicking on a location, you can see the timing of the eclipse and the expected duration of totality for that specific area.
We strongly recommend that visitors use the designated gathering sites (Safnstaðir) located in towns across the region.
These locations are prepared to receive visitors and provide access to essential services such as toilets, parking, and assistance if needed.
Being in or near a town also means closer access to emergency services, fuel, food, charging facilities, and shelter if weather conditions change.
Recommended gathering sites
Designated viewing sites are available in the following communities:
- Akranes — Breið (by the lighthouse)
- Borgarnes — old town and the harbour
- Stykkishólmur — by the harbour
- Grundarfjörður — with the view of Krikjufell in town
- Ólafsvík — by the coastline
- Rif — by the coastline
- Hellisandur — by the coastline
These locations are monitored, accessible, and better suited to handle large numbers of visitors.
What about remote locations such as Öndverðarnes?
Öndverðarnes and other remote locations in the Snæfellsjökull national park offer some of the longest duration of totality during the eclipse. For this reason, they have received significant attention in the media, and many visitors are expected to travel there.
However, these areas have limited capacity and fewer services than locations in towns. Access roads may be narrow, parking is restricted, and facilities such as toilets, fuel, and food are limited. Weather conditions can change quickly, and travel times may be longer than expected. In remote areas, emergency response times may also be longer.
Visitors who choose to travel to remote locations should plan carefully, allow extra time for travel, and be prepared for limited services.
Our recommendation
Arrive early, stay late, and come prepared.
Allow extra time for travel and parking, plan to remain at your location after the eclipse, and bring warm clothing, food, water, and any supplies you may need for several hours outdoors.
Choosing a designated gathering site in a town will help ensure a safer and more comfortable experience for everyone.
What time does the eclipse start, reach maximum, and end?
The timing and duration of the eclipse vary depending on where you are in West Iceland.
The length of totality ranges from about 2 minutes and 9 seconds in the westernmost locations to only a few seconds in other areas.
The times below provide a general reference for West Iceland region.
Timing of events
Partial eclipse begins — 16:45
Totality begins — 17:45
Maximum eclipse — 17:46
Totality ends — 17:47
Partial eclipse ends — 18:46
Visitors should be in position well before totality begins, as conditions and travel times may vary across the region.
How early should I arrive at my viewing location?
Arrive early, stay late, and come prepared.
Large numbers of visitors are expected across West Iceland on eclipse day. Travel times may be longer than usual, and parking areas and viewing sites may fill quickly.
We recommend arriving well in advance of the eclipse and allowing extra time for travel, parking, and walking to your viewing location. After the eclipse ends, traffic delays are also likely, so plan to stay for some time before leaving.
Bring warm clothing, food, water, and any supplies you may need for several hours outdoors. Weather conditions can change quickly, and services may be limited in some areas.
Planning ahead will help ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Will there be parking at viewing sites?
Yes — parking will be available at designated viewing sites, but capacity will be limited.
Parking areas are being prepared at the official gathering sites across West Iceland. These locations are selected because they can accommodate visitors safely and provide access to basic services.
However, demand is expected to be high, and some parking areas may fill quickly. Traffic delays are also likely, especially close to the time of the eclipse.
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, share vehicles where possible, and follow directions from staff and signage on site.
Please do not park along roadsides or in areas that are not designated for parking, as this can create safety risks and block access for emergency services.
Arrive early, stay late, and come prepared.
Can I stop on the side of the road to watch the eclipse?
No — stopping on the side of the road is not recommended and may be dangerous.
Stopping along roads can block traffic and hinder emergency services that need to act quickly in case of an incident. Even short stops can create unsafe conditions, especially on narrow roads or in areas with limited visibility.
We strongly encourage visitors to use designated viewing sites, parking areas, or official gathering locations where it is safe to stop and watch the eclipse.
Plan your journey in advance and allow extra time to reach your chosen location.
Will roads be congested or closed on eclipse day?
Yes — heavy traffic and some temporary road restrictions are expected on eclipse day.
Large numbers of visitors will be travelling across West Iceland, and delays are likely before and after the eclipse. Traffic management measures will be in place to keep roads safe and ensure that emergency services can respond quickly if needed.
Additional police, search and rescue teams, firefighters, rangers, and medical staff will be working across the region throughout the day.
Planned road restrictions in West Iceland
Temporary one-way traffic will be implemented on the following roads:
One-way traffic from Útnesvegur (574) will begin at 12:00 on 12 August 2026.
After the eclipse, traffic will be directed back along the same route.
These measures are designed to:
- Maintain access for emergency services
- Reduce the risk of congestion and accidents
- Improve safety for all road users
Visitors are asked to follow instructions from police and traffic controllers at all times.
Our advice to visitors
Arrive early, stay late, and come prepared.
Travelling earlier in the day and allowing time after the eclipse before leaving will help reduce congestion and make travel safer and more predictable.
Planning ahead is the best way to avoid delays and ensure a smooth experience for everyone.
Do I need special glasses to watch the eclipse safely?
Yes — you must use special solar eclipse glasses or a safe viewing method to watch the eclipse.
Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the Sun. Safe eclipse glasses are designed with special filters that block harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation and reduce sunlight to safe levels.
When you need to wear eclipse glasses
- You must wear them during all partial phases of the eclipse (before and after totality).
- During totality, only when the Moon completely covers the Sun, is it safe to briefly remove them. Put them back on as soon as any part of the Sun becomes visible again.
What to look for
Safe eclipse glasses should:
- Be labelled with the international safety standard ISO 12312-2
- Be free from scratches, holes, or damage
- Fit securely and cover your eyes completely
This standard confirms that the glasses are designed specifically for direct viewing of the Sun.
The website: https://solmyrkvagleraugu.is/ has a selection of eclipse glasses for sale.
Where can I find toilets and basic facilities?
Toilets and basic facilities will be available at designated gathering sites (Safnstaðir) in towns across West Iceland.
These locations have been selected because they can safely accommodate visitors and provide access to essential services such as toilets, parking, waste disposal, and assistance if needed. Many sites are located near sports centres, campsites, or community facilities where services are already in place.
Facilities may be limited in remote areas, and services such as food, fuel, and charging stations may not be available outside towns.
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and use the designated gathering sites whenever possible.
Arrive early, stay late, and come prepared.
Bring any personal items you may need for several hours outdoors, including food, water, warm clothing, and necessary supplies.
Where can I camp or stay overnight?
Visitors planning to stay overnight in West Iceland should use designated campsites, guesthouses, or other registered accommodation.
Camping and overnight stays in campervans or motorhomes are generally only permitted at organised campsites or in locations where overnight stays are clearly allowed. Accommodation and campsite capacity may be limited, especially during the solar eclipse, so advance planning is strongly recommended.
You can find information about campsites, facilities, and booking options on our camping page:
See campsites and overnight accommodation
What should I do if the weather is bad at my location?
Weather conditions in West Iceland can vary significantly between locations. It may be cloudy in one area while conditions are clearer elsewhere. However, visitors are strongly advised not to make sudden travel decisions at the last minute, as this can create congestion and reduce safety for everyone.
The best approach is to choose your viewing location in advance, arrive early, and be prepared to remain there for the duration of the event.
Avoid unnecessary driving during the hours leading up to the eclipse.
August is summer in Iceland, but weather conditions can still change quickly. Even in summer, temperatures may be low, winds can be strong, and rain is common — especially when standing outdoors for several hours.
For reliable and up-to-date information, use official sources:
If weather conditions become unsafe — such as strong winds, poor visibility, or hazardous road conditions — follow guidance from local authorities and emergency services.
Arrive early, stay late, and come prepared.
Bring warm and waterproof clothing, food, water, and any supplies you may need for several hours outdoors.
How crowded will the viewing locations be?
It is difficult to predict exactly how many people will be at each viewing location. However, very large crowds are expected across West Iceland, and many sites will reach capacity.
Parking spaces, camping areas, and services are limited in many locations, and some areas may fill up earlier than expected. Once a site is full, access may be restricted or redirected to another location.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to reach their chosen destination.
Arrive early, stay late, and come prepared.
Arriving early will help you secure parking and settle safely before peak traffic begins. Staying after the event will help reduce congestion and allow emergency services and traffic management to operate effectively.
Being prepared with food, water, warm clothing, and necessary supplies will ensure you can remain comfortable even in busy conditions.
Is accommodation required to be booked in advance?
Yes. Accommodation in West Iceland is limited during the eclipse period.
Most hotels and guesthouses have been fully booked for a long time, in many cases for over two years.
Campsites are available across the region, but many of them do not operate booking systems. This means that availability is typically on a first-come, first-served basis.
The only reliable way to secure a camping spot is to arrive early.
A full list of campsites in the West Iceland — including locations and contact information — can be found here:
Campsites
Visitors are encouraged to plan their stay well in advance and to allow extra time for travel, as campsites may fill quickly.
Arrive early, stay late, and come prepared.
Are emergency services available at viewing locations?
Yes. Emergency services will be operating across West Iceland during the eclipse, including police, search and rescue teams, fire brigades, and healthcare services. Additional personnel will be on duty to support public safety and respond to incidents if needed.
In an emergency, call 112.
Many designated gathering sites in towns have been selected because they are close to essential services and can be supported more effectively in case of emergencies.
However, resources are limited, and response times may be longer in remote areas or during periods of heavy traffic. Visitors should plan ahead and take responsibility for their own safety and preparedness.
Choosing viewing locations in or near towns will provide faster access to assistance, facilities, and information if needed.
Arrive early, stay late, and come prepared.
Bringing necessary medications, food, water, and appropriate clothing — and allowing extra time for travel — will help ensure you can remain safe even if conditions become busy or services are delayed.
What happens if an emergency occurs?
Emergency services will be operating across West Iceland during the eclipse, including police, search and rescue teams, fire brigades, and healthcare services. Additional personnel will be on duty to support public safety and respond to incidents if needed.
In an emergency, call 112.
Many designated gathering sites in towns have been selected because they are close to essential services and can be supported more effectively in case of emergencies.
However, resources are limited, and response times may be longer in remote areas with difficult access or heavy traffic. Visitors should not assume immediate assistance in all locations, particularly outside towns.
Everyone can help maintain safety by planning ahead, following instructions from authorities, and choosing appropriate viewing locations.
Arrive early, stay late, and come prepared.
Bring necessary medications, food, water, and appropriate clothing, and ensure your vehicle is fuelled and ready for travel.
Are there restrictions on accessing certain areas?
Yes. Temporary access restrictions and traffic controls will be in place in some areas across West Iceland on eclipse day. These measures are designed to manage large crowds, maintain safety, and ensure that emergency services can respond quickly if needed.
For example, some roads will operate under temporary traffic management.
On the Snæfellsnes peninsula, Útnesvegur (574) will operate as one-way roads starting at 12:00 on 12 August 2026. After the event, traffic will be directed back along the same routes.
In addition, the road to Öndverðarnes will be closed to general traffic.
Visitors will instead be transported to the viewing area by shuttle buses, with parking available at the designated departure point. This arrangement is necessary to manage traffic safely and protect visitors in an exposed mountain environment.
Other locations may also have temporary restrictions, limited parking, or controlled access depending on local conditions.
Visitors are encouraged to:
- Follow road signs and instructions from police and staff
- Respect closures and restricted areas
- Plan their route in advance
- Allow extra time for travel
These measures are in place to keep everyone safe and to ensure that the event runs as smoothly as possible.
Arrive early, stay late, and come prepared.
How far in advance should I travel to West Iceland?
Visitors are strongly encouraged to arrive in West Iceland at least one day before the eclipse, and preferably earlier if possible.
Travel distances within the region are long, road conditions can vary, and very large numbers of visitors are expected. Delays are likely on the day of the event, particularly on roads leading to popular viewing locations.
Arriving in advance will give you time to settle safely, become familiar with your surroundings, and avoid unnecessary stress or last-minute travel.
Same-day travel to West Iceland is not recommended, especially for those travelling long distances.
Staying after the eclipse is just as important as arriving early. Once the event ends, many people may try to leave at the same time, which can lead to heavy traffic and slow travel. Allowing extra time before departing will help reduce congestion and make travel safer for everyone.
Arrive early, stay late, and come prepared.
Planning your arrival ahead of time and remaining at your location after the event will help traffic move more safely and allow emergency services to operate effectively.
Will food, fuel, and supplies be available?
Yes. Food, fuel, and basic supplies will be available in towns across West Iceland. However, demand is expected to be significantly higher than normal— especially on the day of the eclipse.
West Iceland are made up of small communities with limited capacity. Shops, fuel stations, and restaurants operate on a local scale, and visitors should not expect large supermarkets or round-the-clock services.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to prepare in advance.
Fuel your vehicle before travelling to your viewing location, bring enough food and water for several hours, and ensure you have any essential supplies you may need for the day.
Designated gathering sites in towns have been selected because they are close to services such as shops, fuel stations, restaurants, and emergency support. Choosing these locations will provide better access to facilities and assistance if needed.
Restaurants and cafés may be busy, and in some cases, reservations may be required.
Arrive early, stay late, and come prepared.
Bringing your own food, water, and supplies — and ensuring your fuel tank is full — will help reduce pressure on local services and make your visit safer and more comfortable.
Where can I get reliable weather updates?
The most reliable source for weather information in Iceland is the Icelandic Meteorological Office:
The cloud coverage forecast shows expected sky conditions across the country and is particularly useful for planning where to watch the eclipse. The maps display how cloudy different areas are, helping visitors understand where clearer skies may be expected.
Visitors are encouraged to check forecasts regularly in the days leading up to the event and again on the day itself.
Remember that weather conditions can vary significantly between locations in the Westfjords, and forecasts may change as the event approaches.
Choose your location in advance, monitor conditions, and avoid last-minute travel decisions whenever possible.
Arrive early, stay late, and come prepared.
Can I camp outside designated campsites?
In most cases, non—visitors should use designated campsites.
Camping outside designated campsites in Iceland is heavily restricted. Overnight stays in campervans, caravans, or similar vehicles are generally only allowed at organised campsites or with explicit permission from a landowner.
There are a few limited exceptions for tents in very remote areas, but these are narrow and often difficult to apply in practice. For example, a small tent may be pitched for one night on uncultivated land only if there is no campsite nearby and no restrictions are posted.
Protected areas, popular destinations, and locations near roads or settlements often prohibit camping outside designated sites altogether.
Our recommendation
We strongly encourage visitors to stay at designated campsites.
Using official campsites helps to:
- Protect Iceland’s fragile environment
- Ensure access to toilets, waste disposal, and basic services
- Reduce pressure on local communities and emergency services
- Avoid fines or being asked to move
Planning to stay at a campsite is the safest and most reliable option — especially during busy periods such as the solar eclipse.
Camp sites in West Iceland can be found here
Can I sleep in my campervan in a parking area?
No — sleeping in a campervan in parking areas is generally not allowed in Iceland unless the area is specifically designated for overnight stays.
Overnight stays in campervans, motorhomes, or similar vehicles are typically only permitted at organised campsites or in locations where overnight parking is clearly allowed. Most parking areas, roadside stops, and tourist sites are not intended for overnight accommodation.
Sleeping in parking areas can create safety risks, block access for emergency services, and place pressure on local infrastructure — especially during busy periods.
We strongly encourage visitors to stay at designated campsites.
Campsites provide safe parking, access to facilities such as toilets and waste disposal, and help protect the environment and local communities.
Planning ahead and using official campsites is the safest and most reliable option — particularly during the solar eclipse, when demand for space will be high.
Camp sites in West Iceland can be found here
Are campfires or cooking allowed?
Open campfires are generally not allowed in Iceland.
Lighting fires outdoors is restricted because they can quickly become a safety hazard and damage fragile vegetation, especially in windy or dry conditions. Fires may not be lit where they could cause danger to people, property, or the environment.
In most campsites and natural areas, open campfires are prohibited altogether, and visitors are expected to use safer alternatives such as gas stoves or designated cooking facilities.
What is allowed
- Cooking with portable gas stoves or equipment designed for outdoor use
- Using designated cooking or barbecue facilities where they are provided
- Following any temporary fire restrictions issued by local authorities
What is not allowed
- Lighting open fires on the ground
- Building campfires in nature or near vegetation
- Using fire in places where it could create a safety risk
We strongly recommend using campsite facilities or portable cooking equipment and following all local instructions.
This helps protect the environment, reduces fire risk, and ensures emergency services can respond quickly if needed — especially during busy periods such as the solar eclipse.
Are there accessible viewing locations for people with reduced mobility?
Accessible viewing locations are available at many designated gathering sites in towns across West Iceland.
These locations have been selected because they provide better access to services and facilities, including paved surfaces, toilets, parking, and assistance if needed. Many sites are located near sports centres, community buildings, or public spaces designed to accommodate a wide range of visitors.
Accessible parking and step-free access are more likely to be available at these locations than at remote viewpoints or natural sites.
Visitors with reduced mobility are strongly encouraged to choose viewing locations in or near towns, where support services, emergency response, and facilities are more readily available.
If specific accessibility needs are required, it is recommended to review information about individual locations in advance and allow extra time for travel and arrival.
Arrive early, stay late, and come prepared.
Will power or charging facilities be available?
Yes. Electric vehicle charging stations are available in towns throughout West Iceland, with the largest concentration in Borgarnes.
These locations provide the most reliable access to power and services and are the recommended places to charge your vehicle before travelling to your viewing location.
However, remote locations and scenic viewpoints may not have charging facilities, and access to power cannot be guaranteed outside towns. Charging stations may also be busy during the eclipse period.
Visitors using electric vehicles are strongly encouraged to plan ahead.
Charge your vehicle fully before travelling, allow extra time for charging if needed, and do not rely on finding a charger at your destination.
Choosing viewing locations in or near towns will provide better access to services, support, and infrastructure.
Arrive early, stay late, and come prepared.
What happens if an emergency occurs?
If an emergency occurs, call 112.
Emergency services — including police, search and rescue teams, fire brigades, and healthcare services — will be operating across West Iceland throughout the eclipse period.
Follow instructions from emergency personnel, staff, or volunteers on site. They are there to help manage the situation safely and efficiently.
In most cases, the safest action is to remain where you are unless instructed to move. Unnecessary movement can create congestion and make it harder for emergency services to respond quickly.
Many designated gathering sites in towns have been selected because they are close to services and can be supported more effectively in case of emergencies.
Visitors can help keep themselves and others safe by planning ahead, following guidance, and preparing for several hours outdoors.
Arrive early, stay late, come prepared and stay safe.
Where are hospitals or medical services located?
Medical services are available in West Iceland, including healthcare centres in key towns across the region.
The main healthcare locations during the eclipse include:
- Akranes — Health Centre and Hospital
Address: Merkigerði 9, 300 Akranes
- Borgarnes — Health Centre
Address: Borgarbraut 65, 310 Borgarnes
- Ólafsvík — Health Centre
Address: Engihlíð 28, 355 Ólafsvík
- Grundarfjörður — Health Centre
Address: Hrannarstíg 7, 350 Grundarfjörður
- Stykkishólmur — Health Centre
Address: Austurgötu 7, 340 Stykkishólmur
- Búðardalur — Health Centre
Address: Gunnarsbraut 2, 370 Búðardalur
In the event of a medical emergency, call 112 immediately.
Visitors are encouraged to choose viewing locations in or near towns, where access to medical services and assistance is faster and more reliable.
Arrive early, stay late, and come prepared.
Is it realistic to travel to West Iceland and back on the same day?
For most visitors, travelling to West Iceland and returning on the same day is not recommended.
Distances are long, roads can be narrow and winding, and very large numbers of visitors are expected across the region. Travel times may be significantly longer than usual, particularly before and after the eclipse.
The period immediately after the eclipse may see heavy traffic, as many people attempt to leave at the same time. This can lead to delays and slow travel across the road network.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to arrive in West Iceland at least one day in advance and plan to remain in the area after the event.
If same-day travel is unavoidable, allow substantially more time than normal and be prepared for delays.
Arrive early, stay late, and come prepared.
Will there be alternative viewing locations if one site becomes full?
Yes. There are multiple designated viewing locations across West Iceland, and visitors may be redirected to another nearby site if their first choice reaches capacity.
However, space is limited across the region, and alternative locations may also fill quickly. Visitors should not assume that space will always be available at another site.
Traffic management measures, signage, and instructions from authorities will be used to manage access and maintain safety where needed.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to identify a primary location and an alternative location in advance.
Do not drive from site to site looking for space, as this can create congestion and make travel less safe for everyone.
Choosing designated gathering sites (Safnstaðir) in towns will provide the most reliable access to parking, services, and information.
Arrive early, stay late, and come prepared.
Can I fly a drone during the eclipse?
Please do not fly drones during the eclipse.
Drone flights can disturb wildlife, create noise, and interfere with the experience of other visitors. Drones are especially unpopular among eclipse observers, who often come for a quiet and focused viewing experience.
In Snæfellsjökull national park and other protected areas, drone flights may be restricted or require permission from the relevant authorities. If you plan to use a drone anywhere in Iceland, you must check the rules in advance and follow all restrictions for protected areas. The Environment Agency of Iceland states that drone flights in protected areas require following the proper protocol and applying for relevant permits where required.
For the eclipse, the best advice is simple:
Leave the drone packed away and enjoy the event from the ground.
