Total solar eclipse 12 August 2026
On Wednesday, 12 August 2026, a solar eclipse will be visible from Iceland, and residents of Hafnarfjörður will be in a unique position to experience this rare natural phenomenon in their hometown. The total eclipse will be visible in Hafnarfjörður for about one minute, and the entire process will last for around two hours from the afternoon into the evening.
Let's enjoy a special moment in Hafnarfjörður.
On Wednesday, 12 August 2026, a solar eclipse will be visible from Iceland, and the people of Hafnarfjörður will be in a unique position to experience this rare natural phenomenon in their hometown. The total eclipse will be visible in Hafnarfjörður for about one minute, up to 68 seconds in Völlunum, and the entire process will last for about two hours from the afternoon into the evening. The City of Hafnarfjörður encourages residents to enjoy the total eclipse at home, within walking distance, or at a suitable location in their local area. This will help to reduce unnecessary traffic, ease the burden on infrastructure and emergency services, and contribute to a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
The Hammer and the Love Lake at Ásvellir
The Hammer and Ástjörn at Ásvellir are areas that the City of Hafnarfjörður particularly recommends as good places to gather and watch the midnight sun. Residents are also encouraged to choose a location that best suits them, close to their home or accommodation, and to use walking, cycling or public transport where possible. At Víðistaðatún, the singer Björk will be hosting the Echolalia festival, along with Smekkleysa, and a large number of visitors are expected. Residents and visitors are therefore encouraged to plan ahead, anticipate increased traffic, and be patient, as queues or temporary congestion may form.
When is the midnight sun seen in Hafnarfjörður?
The partial eclipse begins in Hafnarfjörður at around 16:47 and the total eclipse begins at around 17:48. Peak occurs shortly afterwards and the total eclipse ends at around 17:49. The partial eclipse then ends at around 18:47. The duration of the total eclipse varies slightly depending on the location in the town, or about 65 seconds in the North Town and the Hill, 66 seconds in the town centre, and up to 68 seconds in the Fields. This will be the first time a total eclipse has been seen in the capital region since 1433. The next total eclipse visible here will not be until 26 May 2245.
Eclipse glasses for children
The City of Hafnarfjörður is providing all children in Hafnarfjörður, aged 17 and under, with solar eclipse glasses. The glasses can be collected from the Hafnarfjörður Folk Museum, in Hafnarborg, and at the City of Hafnarfjörður's service centre at Strandgata 8–10.
It is essential to use safe, certified solar eclipse glasses when observing the sun during a partial eclipse, both before and after totality. Only during totality, when the moon fully covers the sun, is it safe to remove the glasses for a short time. Put them back on as soon as any part of the sun becomes visible.
Home is best – and our local environment
Most residents in the west of the country can enjoy the midnight sun from their home or within walking distance. In Hafnarfjörður, it is therefore not necessary to travel long distances to experience the event. Residents are encouraged not to make short journeys by car unnecessarily during the event, and to instead choose a safe and convenient location in their local area. Through a collective effort, we can reduce traffic, protect sensitive areas and make it easier for emergency services to carry out their duties. Visitors to the town are also encouraged to choose a viewing spot near their accommodation, arrive in good time and stay for a while after the darkness falls.
Let's be well prepared and proceed with caution.
- Familiarise yourself with timetables, routes, the weather forecast and official information before setting off.
- Allow for increased travel time and possible pressure on roads, car parks and services.
- Walk, cycle or use public transport where possible.
- Take water, food, essential medication and appropriate clothing if staying outdoors.
- Make sure you have enough fuel or charge in your vehicle if you are travelling further.
- Follow the instructions of the police, emergency services and staff in the area.
- Keep your eyes on the road, not your phone, and be patient in traffic.
Weather and experience
The sky doesn't need to be completely clear to experience the darkness. High cloud cover won't necessarily spoil the experience, but heavy weather and rain can have an impact. Even if the visibility isn't perfect, the change in light itself will be unique when darkness falls for a short while.
Further information
Residents and visitors are encouraged to follow information from the City of Hafnarfjörður, the government, the police and emergency services as the time gets closer.
Further information can be found at Government information portal on the blackout, on an interactive map of where and when the eclipse is seen and on Sævar Helgi Bragason's educational portal about a solar eclipse in 2026.