Where to watch the eclipse on the Reykjanes Peninsula

What’s the best place to watch the eclipse in Iceland? If you’re staying in Reykjavík but want to head out to a more rural or quieter location to experience the eclipse, the Reykjanes Peninsula is where to go. Close to the capital, but with plenty to explore, the Reykjanes peninsula in southwest Iceland is famous for its volcanic and geothermal activity. 

Perched on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are diverging, the Reykjanes Peninsula is the most populated region of Iceland in the path of totality on August 12, 2026. The farther west you travel into the Reykjanes Peninsula, the longer the totality will last, peaking at 1 minute 46 seconds at 5:48 p.m. GMT (though the partial eclipse will be visible for an hour either side). With the eclipse taking place 25 degrees above the west-southwest, there will be no problems with sight lines — just choose your location and experience one of nature’s greatest events. 

However, be sure to take extra care. The busiest road on eclipse day will be Route 45 along the coast.

Never stop in the middle or side of the narrow roads, keep away from the edge of cliffs (where recent volcanic activity has caused cracks to appear in some locations) and always stick to marked paths.

There’s no need for a 4x4 on Reykjanes since all roads are paved, but it’s always wise to plan ahead. Have the EasyPark and Parka apps on your phone, check road.is for road conditions, and vedur.is for weather warnings.

Interactive eclipse map of Reykjanes peninsula

Press anywhere on the interactive map below. Arrow appears that points towards where the eclipse will be visible in the sky. Window appears that shows exact timings, duration of totality and altitude of the Sun. The map also shows shadows cast by mountains during maximum eclipse at 17:45 on Wednesday August 12. Viewpoints are also marked on the map. Press the markings to learn more.

Eclipse timings in the Reykjanes peninsula

Use our interactive map for even more accurate timings.

Traffic control and road closures in Reykjanes peninsula

In Reykjanes peninsula. traffic control starts at noon (12:00) on August 12 2026 in the following roads:

• Garðskagavegur (45) from Nesvegur to Sandgerði

• Vatnsleysustrandarvegur (420) from Vogar to Kúagerði

Advice for eclipse chasers in the Reykjanes peninsula

• Prepare for large crowds if weather allows.

• Prioritize access and good weather instead of the duration of totality.

• Stay longer after the eclipse and wait for the traffic to subside.

• Fill up your tank or the car battery.

• Bring snacks and drinks.

• Bring outdoor clothes and sunscreen.

• Watch the cloud cover forecast and satellite views at icelandatnight.is

• Learn simple methods to watch the eclipse safely. Use our eclipse glasses and safe solar filters.

• If you're experiencing a total solar eclipse for the first time we do not recommend you take images.

• Do not fly drones. In protected areas, drones are not allowed. Drones are very unpopular among eclipse chasers.

• Do not play music during totality.

• Celebrate afterwards, no matter how the weather is. You'll never experience a total solar eclipse again in Iceland.

Total solar eclipses in the Reykjanes peninsula from the settlement to the year 3000

Duration of totality is longest possible duration in the Reykjanes peninsula.

• October 29 878 – 1m 14s (Reykjanestá)

• July 16 1330 – 0m 55s (Grindavík og Hafnir)

• June 17 1433 – 3m 23s (Reykjanestá)

• July 9 1469 – 0m 25s (east of Herdísarvík)

• August 12 2026 – 1m 49s

• May 26 2245 – 1m 9s

• May 26 2636 – 0m 50s (totality during sunset)

Where to watch the eclipse in the Reykjanes peninsula

Here are some places to watch the total solar eclipse on the Reykjanes Peninsula:

Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights Inn

1 minute 32 seconds

This iconic luxury spa is a geothermal lake within a lava field, famed for its mineral-rich, turquoise-blue hot water coming from the Svartsengi geothermal power plant next door. Not surprisingly, it’s planning a major eclipse event. 

Sundhnúkagígar eruption site

1 minute 32 seconds

Those wanting to see an eclipse and a volcanic eruption at the same moment should be hopeful, flexible and plan ahead. There have been nine eruptions since 2021 on the Reykjanes Peninsula, the most recent eruption at Sundhnúkur Crater Row. Stay informed on volcanic activity and arrangements, follow the Icelandic MET office for updates, and consider taking a tour. 

Keflavik Airport

1 minute 39 seconds

It’s not a glamorous location, but how often does a major international airport get a total solar eclipse? With plenty of parking, it could be a backup location if the small roads around Reykjanes get too busy. 

Garður Old Lighthouse

1 minute 40 seconds

Just northwest of Keflavík, this northernmost point of the Reykjanes Peninsula is already a popular location for aurora hunters, so expect crowds.

Hvalsneskirkja

1 minute 44 seconds

A small Christian church in Hvalsnes on the Reykjanes peninsula is unique because it’s built from carved basaltic stones from the region. Dating back to 1887, it’s a favorite among photographers. 

Hafnaberg Sea Cliffs

1 minute 45 seconds

If you want to get away from people and vehicles and see how nature acts in sudden darkness, head south of Hafnir into the black lava fields. From a parking area on Route 44, it’s a 30-minute walk to the seacliffs home to guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars and razorbills. 

Bridge Between Continents

1 minute 44 seconds

This location’s claim to be the dividing line between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates is dubious, but its footbridge will doubtless be busy on eclipse day. 

Gunnuhver hot springs

1 minute 45 seconds

If you want to experience the eclipse in a place where a torrent of steam rises from mud pools, Gunnuhver hot springs is where to come. What’s more, Gunnuhver has two car parks to the west and east. Gunnuhver is “what gives Reykjanes its name, which means ‘smoky point.’ 

Geirfuglinn (The Great Auk) at Valahnúkamöl

1 minute 46 seconds

The tuff layers, pillow lava and breccia of Valahnúkur make it a common location for tourists, but here’s also where to find the Geirfuglinn (The Great Auk), a sculpture created by the American artist Todd McGrain to commemorate a species hunted to extinction in the mid-18th century. There’s car parking here.

Useful links

• Visit Reykjanes

• Book a tour in the Reykjanes peninsula

• Rent a car for driving around Iceland