Total Solar Eclipse on August 12: Gathering Points and Viewing Locations

Wherever you choose to experience the total solar eclipse on the Reykjanes Peninsula on August 12, it promises to be a unique moment. A number of designated gathering points have been set up in urban areas, along with viewing locations in natural areas, offering different settings from which to experience the eclipse.

As a large number of visitors are expected, it is important to plan your journey in advance, check the conditions and facilities at your chosen location, and select a place that best suits your needs.

Gathering Points in Urban Areas

Designated gathering points have been established in towns across the Reykjanes Peninsula, where visitors can come together to experience the eclipse with access to essential services and facilities.

These gathering points generally offer better access to parking, toilets, services and other facilities than more remote natural areas. They are therefore particularly suitable for those who prefer to have services nearby or would like to experience the eclipse in a more accessible setting.

Designated gathering points can be found in Suðurnesjabær, Reykjanesbær, Vogar and Grindavík. See the designated gathering points here.

Viewing Locations in Natural Areas

For those who would like to experience the eclipse surrounded by nature, there are several viewing locations across the Reykjanes Peninsula.

These include Garðskagi, Hvalsneskirkja, Hafnarberg, the Bridge Between Continents, Gunnuhver, Reykjanes Lighthouse, Fagradalsfjall, Kálfatjörn and Brimketill. See the viewing locations in natural areas here.

Conditions and facilities vary between locations, so it is important to check access, parking, toilet facilities and other services before setting off. At some natural sites, facilities are limited and mobile phone coverage may be unreliable.

What if it is cloudy?

The weather forecast indicates that it may be cloudy on the Reykjanes Peninsula during the eclipse. However, a total solar eclipse can still be a spectacular experience even with clouds in the sky. As totality begins, daylight fades rapidly, darkness falls and the surrounding environment changes dramatically.

A total solar eclipse is not only about what you see in the sky. During totality, the landscape suddenly becomes dark in the middle of the day and the atmosphere changes within moments. Even if clouds obscure the Sun, experiencing the darkness and the rapid change in your surroundings can be unforgettable.

Icelandic astronomy communicator Sævar Helgi Bragason explains this in more detail on his Sólmyrkvi 2026 website, including what you can expect if clouds cover the Sun during the eclipse.

What happens if it is cloudy during the solar eclipse? – Sólmyrkvi 2026

Choose Your Location

Whether you choose to experience the eclipse in an urban area with easy access to services or out in nature surrounded by the landscapes of the Reykjanes Peninsula, it is important to come prepared.

Arrive early, allow extra time for travel and only park in designated parking areas. Do not stop or park along roadsides, and always follow signs and instructions at each location.

Explore gathering points and viewing locations.

See the map below for information on access and facilities, as well as the exact timing of totality at each location.