Stunning lava fields, hot springs and geothermal pools are all within reach in 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, this 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. Here are some places to watch the total solar eclipse on the Reykjanes Peninsula:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Just northwest of Keflavík, this northernmost point of the Reykjanes Peninsula is already a popular location for aurora hunters, so expect crowds.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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If you want to experience the eclipse in a place where a torrent of steam rises from mud pools, this 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.’
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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.
Press anywhere on the map to see local circumstances.
Jamie Carter is the author of Complete Guide to the Total Solar Eclipse 2026, The Eclipse Effect and When Is The Next Eclipse? A traveler’s guide to total solar eclipses 2026-2034
