Total solar eclipse Aug. 12
There's no place like home. Enjoy the total eclipse close to home.
Iceland will experience a total solar eclipse on Aug. 12 — one of the most remarkable natural events in recent memory. This will be the first total eclipse visible from Reykjavík since June 17, 1433. Spectators in the Westfjords, Snæfellsnes, West Iceland, the capital area, and the Reykjanes Peninsula will also get a view of the eclipse.
Because totality passes directly over the capital area, it will be one of the best places in the country to experience the eclipse. Reykjavík residents won't need to travel far to witness this extraordinary phenomenon. By choosing a viewing spot close to home, everyone can help ensure public safety and protect sensitive habitats.
Residents across western Iceland can enjoy the eclipse right from home, while people in other regions will see a partial eclipse.
Enjoy the eclipse close to home
We encourage Reykjavík residents to experience the eclipse as close to home as possible. Watching the eclipse from your own neighborhood offers a unique experience, with great viewing spots located throughout the city.
Every neighborhood in the city will offer a clear view of the eclipse.
Eclipse times in Reykjavík:
The partial eclipse begins at 4:47 p.m., and totality begins at 5:47 p.m. Totality will last between 46 and 63 seconds, depending on the neighborhood.
Find more information on Sævar Helgi's educational portal.
We encourage residents to gather in open neighborhood spaces, such as local parks or school grounds.
Green spaces in city neighborhoods:
- Landakotstún, Hljómskálagarður, Klambratún, Nauthólsvík, Skólavörðuholt, Öskjuhlíð, Veðurstofuhæð, Laugarnestangi, Seljatjörn, Hallsteinsgarður.
School grounds in city neighborhoods:
- Vesturbæjarskóli, Hagaskóli, Hlíðaskóli, Laugalækjarskóli, Vogaskóli, Breiðagerðisskóli, Réttarholtsskóli, Breiðholtsskóli, Fellaskóli, Seljaskóli, Árbæjarskóli, Norðlingaskóli, Rimaskóli, Húsaskóli, Dalskóli, and Sæmundarskóli.
This is just a sample of the city's school grounds — residents are welcome to choose whichever location works best for them.
Safety and responsible behavior
To ensure the best possible experience for everyone, we ask visitors to:
- Follow instructions from police, search and rescue teams, and on-site staff.
- Use only certified solar eclipse glasses or other approved equipment when viewing the sun before and after totality.
- Park only in designated spaces and keep emergency routes clear.
- Respect the natural environment and pack out all trash.
- Flying drones over crowds is prohibited during the eclipse, as they can disrupt the experience for others and create unnecessary safety risks.
Traffic and road closures in Reykjavík
To keep traffic moving safely, we urge visitors to walk or cycle to viewing locations in Reykjavík rather than drive.
Suðurgata will be closed to traffic at Hringbraut from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.. All side streets off Suðurgata will also close, except Þorragata, which will remain open for traffic heading toward Skerjafjörður. Strætó Public Transport's detour route to Skerjafjörður will run via Þorragata.
Ægisíða will be closed to vehicle traffic at Hofsvallagata, Fornhagi, and Dunhagi from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Lynghagi and Starhagi will also be closed to vehicle traffic during the same hours. Food trucks and restrooms will be available along Ægisíða and the Skerjafjörður shoreline.
City officials are putting these steps in place to prepare for heavy traffic in the area. These actions aim to keep traffic flowing, improve safety, and ensure emergency responders can access the area if needed.
Travel tips
Anyone traveling to see the eclipse should come well prepared and review all available travel tips before heading out.
Visitors should arrive early, stay longer, bring proper equipment, drive carefully, and remain patient. Heavy traffic is expected both before and after the eclipse.
Stay informed
We encourage everyone to monitor official updates, check the weather forecast, and follow instructions from police and emergency responders.