If you’ve been asking when is the next solar eclipse worth traveling for, the answer is just weeks away. On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the North Atlantic and parts of Europe, offering millions the chance to witness one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The next total solar eclipse visible in Europe occurs on August 12, 2026. Here’s what you need to know:
WHEN IS THE NEXT TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE?
The next total solar eclipse occurs on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The eclipse path begins over northern Russia at sunrise, crosses eastern Greenland and the North Atlantic, then reaches western Iceland before northern Spain and Portugal near sunset.
This total eclipse will last up to 2 minutes 18 seconds near Iceland’s coast, with roughly 1 minute 42 seconds to 1 minute 50 seconds in northern Spain. Another total eclipse follows on August 2, 2027, across North Africa and the Middle East.
UNDERSTANDING THE 2026 ECLIPSE
Along a narrow path, the moon fully covers the sun’s disk, plunging the landscape into twilight and revealing the solar corona. This total phase only occurs within the path of totality, roughly 240–300 km wide.
Other eclipse types include:
The 2026 eclipse path runs from northern Russia across Greenland, western Iceland, the North Atlantic, northern Spain, and northern Portugal. Timing varies by location; in Iceland, totality is mid-afternoon, while in Spain and Portugal, it occurs about an hour before sunset.
PATH OF TOTALITY: WHERE TO SEE TOTALITY
The shadow begins at sunrise in northern Russia, crosses eastern Greenland, then western Iceland—where the longest totality on land occurs near the Westfjords with 2 minutes 18 seconds of totality.
In Iceland, the path crosses the Snæfellsnes and Reykjanes Peninsulas and Reykjavík, where totality lasts about one minute. The shadow then crosses the North Atlantic, reaching northern Spain and Portugal with totality low in the western sky.
BEST PLACES TO SEE TOTALITY IN ICELAND
Iceland offers accessible and stunning viewing spots with dramatic landscapes.
Westfjords: The longest totality (2m18s) occurs here. Consider staying at Hotel Ísafjörður or Hótel Djúpavík for proximity and comfort.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Near Saxhóll Crater, expect about 2 minutes 8 seconds of totality. Hotels like Fosshotel Hellnar and Hótel Búðir provide excellent bases.
Reykjanes Peninsula: Close to Keflavík Airport, Reykjanes Lighthouse area offers 1m41s totality. Hotel Keflavik and Northern Light Inn are good options.
Reykjavík: The capital experiences about one minute of totality. Stay centrally at Hotel Borg or Canopy by Hilton for easy access to viewing spots.
Mid-August weather can be changeable with frequent clouds; flexibility and backup locations are advised.
BEST PLACES TO SEE TOTALITY IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL
Northern Spain and a small part of northern Portugal also lie in the path, with generally better weather odds.
Spanish regions in the path include Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla y León, La Rioja, and the Basque Country. Towns like Becerril de Campos (Castilla y León) offer about 1m42s totality. Hotels such as Parador de León and Hotel NH Collection Palacio de Burgos are recommended.
In Portugal, only a narrow northern slice near the Spanish border experiences totality. Consider staying in Braga at Hotel Bracara Augusta or in Porto at Pestana Vintage Porto.
Totality occurs low in the western sky about an hour before sunset, making elevated sites with clear western horizons ideal.
PARTIAL ECLIPSE VISIBILITY
Outside the path of totality, a broad region will see a significant partial eclipse:
Even 95–99% partial coverage never produces total darkness or reveals the corona.
COMPARING THIS ECLIPSE TO PAST AND FUTURE EVENTS
Total solar eclipses are rare for any location, visible roughly every 400 years from the same spot.
Iceland last saw a total eclipse in 1954; after 2026, the next won’t be until about 2196. Spain last had one in 1905; the next after 2026 is in 2053.
Following 2026, total eclipses occur in 2027 across Africa and the Middle East, and in 2028 over Australia and New Zealand.
OBSERVING SAFELY: GLASSES, EQUIPMENT, AND WEATHER
Never look directly at the sun without certified eclipse glasses (ISO 12312-2) during partial phases. Only during totality is it safe to view without protection.
Bring:
Weather is critical. Iceland has over 70% cloud probability in August; northern Spain has 20–35%. Be prepared to move to clearer spots.
Pack accordingly:
Book accommodations early and respect local guidelines.
Only if your city lies within the path of totality. Many towns in western Iceland, northern Spain, and northern Portugal will see totality; most other European cities will see a partial eclipse. Use interactive maps from NASA or TimeandDate to check your location.
Clouds can block the view, but you’ll still notice darkening and temperature drop. Be flexible and ready to travel to clearer skies.
No, the eclipse occurs during daylight. However, mid-August marks the start of aurora season in Iceland, so you may see northern lights on nights around August 12.
Up to 2 minutes 18 seconds in the Westfjords of Iceland, about 2 minutes 8 seconds on Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and roughly one minute in Reykjavík. In Spain, totality ranges from 1m36s to 1m50s depending on location.
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