With its otherworldly landscapes, Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula has long drawn nature lovers and aurora hunters, and on 12 August 2026, it will add eclipse chasers to its admirers.
Around two hours from Reykjavík, Snæfellsnes is often called “Iceland in Miniature” thanks to its mix of geological features found across the country. There are lava fields and black sand beaches, jagged sea cliffs and the glacier-capped stratovolcano Snæfellsjökull, famously featured in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. If you’re after wide-open vantage points that double as scenic backdrops for eclipse viewing, Snæfellsnes is going to be hard to beat.
Fortunately, the region is well-served by a network of paved roads, with Route 54 encircling much of the peninsula and Route 574 (Utnesvegur) offering a spectacular loop through Snæfellsjökull National Park. The loop is where eclipse chasers in rental cars will likely head, drawn by the promise of a totality lasting up to 2 minutes and 9 seconds. It’s also worth noting that the north coast is best avoided on eclipse day, with popular destinations like Kirkjufell offering poor visibility of the totally eclipsed sun, which will be 25 degrees above west-southwest at 5:45 p.m. GMT. It’s therefore on the west and south coasts of Snæfellsnes that eclipse chasers should aim for.
There’s no need for a 4x4 on Snæfellsnes 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 plenty of locations to consider watching the eclipse on Iceland’s magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
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Taking place from 12-15 August, 2026, Iceland Eclipse Festival — organised by IMXP and Secret Solstice — will be an immersive four-day “leave-no-trace” event for 3,333 eclipse chasers.
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Just inland from Hellissandur, Iceland’s oldest concrete church has wide-open views and the mighty Snæfellsjökull as a backdrop.
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Route 579, a track leading from Route 574 (Utnesvegur), will take you to Skarðsvík, a golden sandy beach that will fool you into thinking you’re in the Mediterranean. Watch the waves.
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The longest totality on Snæfellsnes will be experienced at Öndverðarnes, its westernmost point. Also on Route 579, it’s home to a small orange lighthouse and a rocky lava shoreline.
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The third observation site on Route 579, close to the western tip, is Svörtuloft, a bright orange lighthouse on rocky cliffs. There’s parking and a viewing platform here, and plenty of seabirds.
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For the ultimate moonscape, head to Saxhóll, a volcanic crater with a walkway and a fabulous view of Snæfellsjökull.
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For a black sun above black sand, head to Djúpalónssandur, which has spectacular rock formations and the remains of a shipwreck on the beach.
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These rock formations carved from volcanic basalt are an iconic photo opportunity. Parking is close to a distant viewpoint, with a coastal path that takes you closer.
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This sculpture, representing the first visitor to Snæfellsnes — and who it’s named after — will be a popular place for eclipse chasers. It’s got lots of parking spaces and is very close to the iconic Gatklettur (Arch Rock).
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Having shelved plans for weddings on eclipse day, this small black wooden church on the south coast will likely attract eclipse chasers just as it does aurora hunters. It’s remote, but close to the Budir Hotel.
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How do seals react to darkness during the day? If you want to find out — or you’re after a location that’s easy to reach and with plenty of parking — head to Ytri Tunga, which has golden sand, harbor and grey seals, and a fine view of Snæfellsjökull.
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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
