Where to watch the eclipse in the Westfjords

If you want to experience the longest totality in Iceland — at 2 minutes 13 seconds — it’s to the country’s remote northwest you should go. This region, called the Westfjords, is known for its fjords, cliffs, mountains, valleys and remote villages. It’s a wonderland for anyone after wildness and solitude, though the latter may be in short supply on August 12, 2026. Ponant’s Le Lyrial cruise ship will bring eclipse chasers to Ísafjörður — one of the most beautiful fjords in Iceland — the night before the eclipse, before sailing into the center of the path on eclipse day. 

Around 450 kilometers (280 miles) from Reykjavík and a six-hour journey, the Westfjords peninsula can also be reached via the Baldur car ferry between Stykkihólmur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Brjánslækur on the Westfjords, just south of Flókalundur. Whether you arrive by ferry or by car, this is where the adventure begins. 

The August 12, 2026 total eclipse is the first to be seen from the Westfjords since March 30, 1131. The Moon's umbral shadow crosses the Westfjörds in 3 minutes and 27 seconds. It first makes landfall at Straumnes in Hornstrandir nature reserve at 17:43:28.

• Number of residents within the path of totality: ~7300

Eclipse chasers that find themselves in the Westfjords are also recommended to check out information from Visit Westfjords.

Eclipse timings for Westfjords

Interactive eclipse map of the Westfjords

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.

Traffic control and road closures in the Westfjords

On August 12, 2026, traffic control starts at 12:00 (noon) and finishes after the eclipse (19:00). Drivers are urged to be patient and expect much longer travel times.

The following roads in the Westfjords will be temporary one-way:

• Örlygshafnarvegur (612) to Látrabjarg. Limited number of people will be allowed to go the cliff.

• Rauðasandsvegur (614). Limited number of people will be allowed to Rauðasandur.

• Barðastrandarvegur will be one-way from 12:00 to 19:00.

• The road to Bolafjall will be closed to the public. Buses will take people up the mountain for a fee.

Advice for eclipse chasers in the Westfjords

• Arrive early, preferably the day before – stay the night if allowed and possible.

• Prepare for large crowds if weather allows.

• Prioritise access and good weather instead of the duration of totality. The difference in duration between Patreksfjörður and Látrabjarg is only 9 seconds. In Patreksfjörður, however, all service is available, i.e food, parking and toilets.

• 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.

Where to watch the eclipse in the Westfjords

Since this is a mountainous region, for the eclipse, it will be best to keep away from the mountains and get to the southwest region of the Westfjords. As well as clear sightlines to the eclipse, totality will last longer here. From Flókalundur, route 62 travels west towards the most southwestern point, with route 612 leading to the latter.

The Westfjords region can be challenging for drivers. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for its mix of paved and gravel roads, with limited services and cellphone service. Come prepared, have the EasyPark and Parka apps on your phone, and check road.is for road conditions, and vedur.is for weather warnings. Also, bear in mind that the Westfjords have limited darkness in August, with only about an hour of semi-darkness. 

Here are some places to watch the total solar eclipse in the Westfjords: 

Látrabjarg

2 minutes 13 seconds

The westernmost point in Iceland and the closest place to the center line of the path of totality, Látrabjarg’s cliffs are home to millions of puffins, northern gannets, guillemots and razorbills. “They will probably be silent during the eclipse,” says Sævar Helgi Bragason at Eclipse2026.is. “It’s a gorgeous site and it would be a very interesting place to view the eclipse, but the road leading there is not very good — and there may be some congestion on the way in and out.” Látrabjarg is also a dangerous place; in 2010, a tourist fell to his death from the 100-meter cliffs, so authorities will likely make the site secure — and may restrict numbers. It’s very remote, at the end of road 612. 

• Learn more: Total solar eclipse at Látrabjarg Nature Reserve in the Westfjords - What you need to know

Breiðavík Beach

2 minutes 11 seconds

Also on road 612, just shy of Látrabjarg, is Breiðavík, a west-facing beach that’s sure to be busy on eclipse day. A vast sandy beach, the only landmarks in this wide-open region are Breiðavíkurkirkja — a white church with a red roof — and Hotel Breidavik (which also has a campground). 

• Learn more: Total solar eclipse at Látrabjarg Nature Reserve in the Westfjords - What you need to know

Tungurif ‘Golden Beach’

2 minutes 7 seconds

Although it’s north-facing, Tungurif ‘Golden Beach’ on road 612 is easier to get to than Breiðavík or Látrabjarg, though still considered remote. Blessed with golden and white sand, its wide-open vistas make it perfect for viewing an eclipse from. Hotel Latrabjarg is close by. 

Rauðasandur beach

2 minutes 5 seconds

Reached via route 614, Rauðasandur (red sands) beach is about 10 km long, providing endless viewpoints for eclipse chasers. Its reddish tones change with the light, which should mean a fascinating show on eclipse day as the light fades. Here you’ll also find Saurbaejarkirkja, a black church with a red roof, with a car park. 

Garðar BA 64 shipwreck

2 minutes 2 seconds

If you’re after a unique foreground for an eclipse, try this wreck of an old whaling and fishing vessel on the shoreline of the Patreksfjordur fjord. Accessed via road 612, there’s plenty of space to park here. 

Barðastrandarsandur

1 minute 54 seconds

Eclipse chasers after the longest totality possible will likely push into the farthest southwest corner of the Westfjords, leaving more accessible places to the east much quieter. What this stunning white sand beach on road 62 lacks in the length of totality it makes up for in expansive views.  

Hellulaug hot spring

1 minute 36 seconds

It’s often cold in the Westfords in summer, and it will get colder still during the eclipse. So why not try totality from a hot spring? On the oceanfront surrounded by rocks, Hellulaug is just north of Flókalundur, up from where the ferry docks at Brjánslækur.

Krosslaug hot spring

1 minute 46 seconds

Another hot spring on road 62, there’s free parking here and changing facilities. A donation fee is requested, which can be paid via QR code. It’s across the road from a few guesthouses.

Useful links

• Visit Westfjords

• Book a tour in the Westfjords

• Rent a car and support eclipse2026.is at the same time