Icetrek

An Intimate Small-Group Solar Eclipse Adventure

Snæfellsnes Solar Eclipse Experience – August 12

Experience the solar eclipse in Iceland’s most dramatic landscapes

Duration:

9-10 hours

Difficulty:

Easy

Group size:

Small Group

Season:

Summer

Transport:

4×4 Sprinter

Photography:

PRO Photos and Tips included

Pickup:

Reykjavik Area

Region:

Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Free Cancellation:

48 hours after booking, then non-refundable. Book by February 28 and save 10%.

Introduction

Experience the Snæfellsnes Peninsula on a small-group 4×4 tour timed to witness the rare solar eclipse of August 12. Departing Reykjavík at midday, this 9–10 hour journey combines Iceland’s iconic landscapes with a specially selected eclipse viewing location, complete with a portable dinner pack, refreshments, eclipse glasses, and a celebratory drink before returning to Reykjavík in the evening.

Early Booking Offer: Enjoy a 10% discount when you book by February 28.

Price From

Currency Final payment is charged in ISK. Converted prices are for reference only.

Per person · Small group tour

Free cancellation (see tour-specific policy)  

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Northern Lights & Day Tours: Free cancellation within 48h of booking

Easy booking with instant confirmation

Travel & medical insurance suggested

Operated by licensed local guides

No hidden fees · Small groups only

Got questions or need a private booking?

Seasonal availability · Book early

Tour Itinerary

A rare solar eclipse, experienced in a small group against the dramatic landscapes of West Iceland.

Join us for a 9–10-hour small-group journey to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula—often called “Iceland in Miniature”—combined with the opportunity to safely witness one of nature’s most extraordinary celestial events. Traveling by 4×4 Super Jeep, this shared tour departs Reykjavík at 12:00 PM, timed to arrive at an ideal location for eclipse viewing in the late afternoon/early evening.

Pickup and drop-off are included from designated locations in Reykjavík, making this an easy and seamless way to experience both Iceland’s iconic scenery and a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse.

The Journey West

Heading west from Reykjavík, we enjoy a scenic drive toward the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, where glaciers, volcanic formations, fishing villages, and rugged coastlines create one of Iceland’s most diverse regions. Traveling later in the day allows us to take advantage of softer light and flexible routing based on weather and conditions.

Highlights Along the Way

Our route includes carefully selected stops, which may vary slightly depending on conditions and timing:

  • Borgarnes – A short stop to stretch your legs and take in views across Borgarfjörður.

  • Kirkjufell Mountain – One of Iceland’s most photographed peaks, offering a classic Snæfellsnes photo opportunity when conditions allow.

  • Snæfellsnes Coastline & Villages – Experience the peninsula’s raw beauty with scenic stops showcasing lava fields, coastal cliffs, and traditional fishing communities.

Solar Eclipse Experience

As the afternoon transitions into early evening, we arrive at a specially chosen viewing location. Here, guests can enjoy a portable dinner pack in a peaceful natural setting, allowing time to relax and take in the surroundings before the eclipse begins. Sodas and juices are provided, along with certified eclipse viewing glasses to ensure safe observation.

As the moon passes in front of the sun, we pause to witness this rare moment together, followed by a celebratory drink to mark the occasion—an unforgettable highlight set against Iceland’s dramatic landscape.

Return to Reykjavík

After the eclipse, we begin our return journey to Reykjavík, arriving later in the evening after approximately 9–10 hours on the road. This shared, book-in basis tour offers a comfortable, well-paced experience designed for travelers seeking something truly special.

Good to know

Solar Eclipses Are a Natural Phenomenon

A solar eclipse is a rare astronomical event governed by precise celestial timing, but local viewing conditions depend on weather and cloud cover. While the eclipse itself will occur, clear visibility can never be guaranteed, and nature ultimately determines how much of the event is visible.

Flexible Routing for Best Viewing Conditions

While the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is our base, the exact route and eclipse viewing location remain flexible. Our guides continuously assess cloud cover and local weather throughout the day to position the group in the best possible location for safe and clear eclipse viewing.

Small Groups for a Better Experience

Group sizes are kept small to ensure a relaxed atmosphere, clear communication with your guide, and the flexibility to access scenic locations that larger vehicles cannot reach—especially important for timing and positioning during the eclipse.

Dress for Changing Conditions

This outdoor experience takes place in the afternoon and early evening. We recommend warm, layered clothing, a weatherproof jacket, and sturdy footwear. Conditions can change quickly, and proper attire will greatly enhance your comfort during eclipse viewing.

Tour Timing & Duration

The tour departs Reykjavík at 12:00 PM and runs approximately 9–10 hours, with timing structured around the eclipse window in the late afternoon / early evening. The day’s schedule and stops may be adjusted slightly to accommodate weather and optimal viewing conditions.

Viewing Equipment & Inclusions

Certified eclipse viewing glasses are provided for safe observation. Before the eclipse, guests can enjoy a portable dinner pack in a scenic setting, along with sodas and juices. A celebratory drink is included to mark this once-in-a-lifetime moment before the return to Reykjavík.

Cancellation Policy – Special Event

Due to the unique nature of this one-day, special-event tour, cancellations made within 48 hours of booking are accepted for a full refund. After this period, the tour becomes non-refundable, as availability, logistics, and inclusions are secured specifically for the solar eclipse experience.

Minimum Numbers & Weather Conditions
This tour is subject to a minimum participation requirement of 6 guests. If the minimum number is not reached one month prior to departure, we reserve the right to cancel the tour and issue a full refund. Additionally, in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions, we reserve the right to cancel the tour for safety reasons. In such cases, guests will be notified as early as possible and offered a full refund.

Early Booking Offer: Enjoy a 10% discount when you book by February 28.

Frequently Asked Questions

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon moves directly in front of the sun, fully blocking it for a short time. When this occurs, daylight briefly fades, the sky darkens, and the sun’s outer atmosphere—known as the corona—becomes visible.
The next total solar eclipse visible from Iceland will take place on August 12, 2026.
Yes. Parts of Iceland fall within the path of totality for the 2026 eclipse, meaning observers in the right locations can experience complete totality if weather conditions allow.
The path of totality crosses western Iceland, including areas such as the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, parts of the Westfjords, and coastal regions around Breiðafjörður. Reykjavík will experience a partial eclipse, while areas farther west will see full totality.
Iceland sits close to the point of maximum eclipse, offering relatively long totality durations combined with wide-open landscapes, low light pollution, and dramatic natural scenery—ideal conditions for an unforgettable viewing experience.
The eclipse takes place in the late afternoon to early evening. Partial phases begin around 4:45–4:50 PM, with totality occurring roughly between 5:44 and 5:49 PM, depending on location. The full event, including partial phases, lasts close to two hours.
While total solar eclipses occur somewhere on Earth every year or two, any single location may only experience one every few hundred years, making the 2026 eclipse a truly rare event for Iceland.
The last total solar eclipse visible from Iceland occurred in 1954. After 2026, the next total eclipse visible from Iceland won’t happen until 2196.
You should never look directly at the sun without protection, except during the brief moments of totality. Proper eclipse viewing glasses are required before and after totality and are provided on this tour for safe viewing.
As totality approaches, the light softens, shadows sharpen, and temperatures may drop slightly. During totality, daylight briefly turns to twilight, the sun’s corona appears, and the atmosphere often feels surreal and emotional.
Beyond the eclipse itself, Iceland’s landscapes play a major role—glaciers, volcanic terrain, coastal cliffs, and changing light conditions all add to the experience. Mid-August also marks the early start of aurora season, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Book early, dress in warm layers, and be ready for changing weather. Having flexibility—especially with location—is key to maximizing visibility, which is why guided tours with adaptable routing are ideal.
Staying in Reykjavík offers the greatest flexibility and access to western Iceland. Those staying on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Westfjords, or Reykjanes Peninsula will be closer to the path of totality but should book well in advance due to limited availability.
There is no single “best” location. The best spot depends on cloud cover on the day. Western Iceland—including Snæfellsnes and Breiðafjörður—offers longer totality, but mobility and flexibility are the biggest advantages.
Yes. The August 12, 2026 eclipse is a confirmed total solar eclipse, and Iceland is one of the prime viewing locations in Europe.
In Europe, totality will be visible mainly in Iceland and parts of northern Spain. Other regions across Europe will experience a partial eclipse.
The next total solar eclipse after 2026 occurs on August 2, 2027, with totality visible across parts of southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, including locations such as Spain, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
Absolutely. August is peak travel season in Iceland, and the eclipse adds significant demand. Hotels, tours, and rental vehicles are expected to sell out far in advance, so early booking is strongly recommended.

Included

  • Small-group tour with professional driver-guide

  • Certified eclipse viewing glasses (for safe observation)

  • Pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavík

  • Portable dinner pack enjoyed in a scenic setting before the eclipse

  • Sodas and juices

  • Celebratory drink to mark the solar eclipse

Not Included

  • Food beyond the included portable dinner pack and refreshments

  • Personal clothing suitable for outdoor conditions (warm layers, jacket, sturdy footwear)

  • Camera equipment and tripods

  • Travel and medical insurance

  • Gratuities for your guide (optional)

Pickup Places

We pickup and drop of at hotels and bus stops in Reykjavík. Pickup and drop of place is chosen from a list when the tour is booked.

information about pickup and drop of can be seen here:    Pickup & Drop off Information

What To Bring

Warm, Layered Clothing
Thermal base layers, a warm insulated jacket, and a weatherproof outer layer are recommended. Temperatures can drop in the late afternoon and early evening, especially when standing still during the eclipse.

Sturdy Footwear
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes or hiking shoes with good grip are recommended for uneven or rocky terrain.

Hat & Gloves
Even in August, wind and cooler temperatures can make a noticeable difference when viewing outdoors.

Camera or Smartphone
Bring a camera or phone to capture the landscapes and the moment of the eclipse. Your guide can offer general tips on positioning and timing.

Personal Items
Any personal medications or items you may need during the tour.

An Open Mind & Flexibility
Weather and cloud cover can change quickly. Flexibility is key, and adapting our route helps maximize the overall experience.

Gallery

Dates & Times

Free cancellation (see tour-specific policy)  

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Trekking Tours: Free cancellation within 48h of booking

Easy booking with instant confirmation

Travel & medical insurance suggested

Secure Booking & Live Availability

You’ll be redirected to our secure booking system to see real-time availability and pricing for this tour.

Secure checkout • No hidden fees • Licensed local operator • Small Group Only

Talk to our team

Have questions or need more information? Whether you’re looking for a private or custom tour or just have a question—we’re here to help.