Where to watch the eclipse on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and West Iceland

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.

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

• Number of residents within the path of totality: ~17.000

Interactive eclipse map of Snæfellsnes and West Iceland

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 for Snæfellsnes and West Iceland

Traffic control and road closures in Snæfellsnes and West Iceland

In Snæfellsnes, traffic control will start at 12:00 (noon) and end at 19:00 (evening):

• Útnesvegur (574) from Búðir to Ólafsvík will be one-way.

Hvanneyri: The village on the path's edge

In West Iceland, the village of Hvanneyri is at the edge of the path of totality. When correcting for the lunar limb profile, the westernmost house in the village is within 600 metres from totality. People who live in Hvanneyri is therefore encourage to move within the path.

Advice for eclipse chasers in Snæfellsnes and West Iceland

• 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.

• 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 Snæfellsnes and West Iceland?

Here are plenty of locations to consider watching the eclipse on Iceland’s magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula. 

Iceland Eclipse Festival, Hellissandur

2 minutes 7 seconds

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.

Ingjaldshóll Church

2 minutes 6 seconds

Just inland from Hellissandur, Iceland’s oldest concrete church has wide-open views and the mighty Snæfellsjökull as a backdrop. 

Skarðsvík Beach, Snæfellsnes Peninsula

2 minutes 9 seconds

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. 

Öndverðarnesviti Cape

2 minutes 10 seconds

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. 

Svörtuloft lighthouse

2 minutes 9 seconds

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. 

Saxhóll Crater

2 minutes 8 seconds

For the ultimate moonscape, head to Saxhóll, a volcanic crater with a walkway and a fabulous view of Snæfellsjökull. 

Djúpalónssandur black sand beach

2 minutes 8 seconds

For a black sun above black sand, head to Djúpalónssandur, which has spectacular rock formations and the remains of a shipwreck on the beach. 

Lóndrangar View Point

2 minutes 6 seconds

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. 

Bárður Snæfellsás Statue and Gatklettur

2 minutes 4 seconds

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). 

Búðir black church

1 minute 55 seconds

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. 

Ytri Tunga

1 minute 45 seconds

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. 

Useful links

• Visit West Iceland

• Snæfellsjökull National Park

• Book a tour in the Snæfellsnes peninsula