Iceland's Total Eclipse Experience 2026

Travel Type

Self-Drive

Duration

6 Days/5 Nights

Country

Iceland

Embark on an extraordinary journey to witness one of nature’s rarest spectacles – a total solar eclipse – set against the dramatic landscapes of Iceland. On this self-drive holiday, you’ll have the chance to observe the August 12th, 2026, eclipse in this legendary land of volcanoes, glaciers, and endless wonder. There’s also plenty of time to explore the magical Snaefellsnes Peninsula and other iconic sites, like Geysir, the Gullfoss Waterfall, Reynisfjara, and the mighty Eyjafjallajökull glacier. You’ll also enjoy a fascinating lecture focusing on eclipses and astronomy.

Inclusions

– 5-night accommodation in standard rooms with private facilities (2 nights in Reykjavik and 3 nights in the countryside)
– 6 meals: 5 breakfasts, 1 2-course dinner with coffee / tea, and 1 pre-dinner drink
– Astronomy / science lecture with interesting facts
– Special eclipse viewing glasses
– 5-day car rental, automatic transmission. Includes unlimited kilometers, CDW, theft protection, free in-car WI-FI, free second driver, and pick up / drop off at Keflavik International Airport
– Carbon offsetting through Kolvidur, the Iceland Carbon Fund (ICF)
– The Iceland Travel App which has interesting information about the areas your tour visits

Exclusions

Flights – Additional vehicle insurance, fuel, tolls, GPS – Baggage porterage at airport/hotel – Personal travel insurance (highly recommended) – Meals and drinks unless indicated – Admissions and activities other than those indicated – All other items not mentioned in the Inclusions.

Additional Information

Note

Total solar eclipses visible from land are a rare and remarkable event, and this is your opportunity to witness one in Iceland – a country as unique as the eclipse itself. On the afternoon of August 12th, 2026, Snaefellsnes Peninsula promises to be one of the prime global locations for this breathtaking event. Please note that we cannot promise clear skies on the day of the eclipse. Similar to northern lights, viewing of an eclipse depends on the weather and atmospheric conditions. While these are beyond our control, we will make every effort to provide you with an unforgettable experience on Eclipse Day.

Important information regarding F-Roads in Iceland:

Please note that on F-Roads in Iceland, only 4×4 vehicles are permitted. F-roads or mountain roads (the F standing for “Fjall” which translates to “mountain”) lead you to the heartland of Iceland and are only open for a short time during summer. If you are planning on driving into the highlands, be sure that you have a four-wheel-drive jeep with good ground clearance to tackle the rough terrain and cross rivers. Kaldidalur, alongside Langjokull glacier is an example of an area requiring travel on F-roads, however there may be other areas in Iceland that require travel on such roads.

DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN ICELAND (AUGUST 10, 2026)

Once you have landed at Keflavik Airport, please pick up your luggage and head through customs. Collet your rental car at the airport and proceed to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we suggest that you take some time to explore the Reykjanes Peninsula (a UNESCO GeoPark site) before you head to Reykjavik. Reykjanes is a great introduction to Iceland’s unique geology and volcanoes. You’ll see unusual and stunning craters, lava cliffs, fissures, and the Mid-Atlantic ridge itself. You can even walk on a bridge that divides Europe and North America. We also recommend a stroll in the surreal Krysuvik area where you can view quirky colourful mud pools and steam vents bubbling away. Reykjanes is home to the renowned Blue Lagoon, and you might enjoy the change to relax in the azure waters (+$).
Important: admission to the Blue Lagoon needs to be booked in advance.
Please note: Hotels in Iceland start check-in around 14:00 (2:00pm), and early check-in is not guaranteed. Most hotels will be happy to store your luggage if you are not able to check in early.

Accommodation : Reykjavik for 1 night

DAY 2 REYKJAVIK AREA – THINGVELLIR - BORGARFJORDUR (APPROX. 240KM)

Start your adventure with a visit to Thingvellir National Park. This beautiful area of lava fields, lakes and canyons is the heart and soul of Icelanders. Thingvellir is the spot where Vikings formed a parliament and met annually to discuss important issues affecting the nation. Today, the Icelandic parliament is the oldest continuous parliament in the world. Thingvellir is also a geological paradise. The park lies in a rift valley that marks the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. Scenic trails around the park lead to historical sites, old ruins, and beautiful views of the area, including a view of a waterfall. Head into the charming West Iceland region of Borgarfjordur, one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets. If you have a 4WD vehicle, you can also take a scenic highland wilderness track, Kaldidalur, alongside Langjokull glacier to Borgarfjordur (car category F or higher required*). Borgarfjordur is one of our favourite areas to find local handicrafts and tasty treats. Visit the beautiful Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, and the enormous Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in Europe. This evening, join us for an engaging eclipse lecture in Borgarnes town. Enjoy insights about the upcoming eclipse. You’ll learn amazing information about Iceland’s geology and what happens in the skies above the Land of Fire and Ice. You’ll also learn what to expect during the eclipse. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink and dinner after the lecture. Overnight in the Borgarfjordur area.
*Important: Kingly note that on F-Roads or mountain roads in Iceland, only 4×4 vehicles are permitted (please see information in the details tab)

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation : Borgarfjordur area for 2 nights

DAY 3 ECLIPSE CHASING ON SNAEFELLSNES PININSULA (APPROX. 400KM)

Breakfast at your hotel. Today is the day! The eclipse is scheduled for later afternoon in Iceland’s far west. This will be the first total solar eclipse in Iceland since 1954, and with luck you’ll be part of the experience! Before heading to the viewing point, we suggest you explore the amazing variety of natural landscapes on Snaefellsness Peninsula and its national park. Known as “Iceland in a Nutshell”, Snaefellsnes features the different types of landscapes seen around Iceland. These include the distinctively photogenic Kirkjufell Mountain, the magnificent basalt formations near Arnarstapi village and the uniquely pebbled seascape of Djupalonssandur beach. The crown jewel is Snaefellsjokull glacier itself, which covers a dormant volcano. There are legends that a benevolent spirit lives on Snaefellsjokull and watches over the area. There is certainly a mystical atmosphere about Snaefellsnes, one which the approaching eclipse will enhance. As late afternoon approaches, it’s time to find the best viewing spot and prepare for the eclipse. The eclipse is expected to begin forming around 16:45 (4:45pm). The sky will dim, and the time will seem to stop as the moon’s umbral shadow falls across western Iceland. As the moon crosses between Earth and the sun, it will block all direct sunlight, turning bright daylight into dark twilight. If conditions are ideal, you will see the glowing corona of the sun and the beautiful “diamond ring” that forms around its edge. This total eclipse will last about 2 minutes, but the entire formation process takes about 2 hours. After an unforgettable day, return to your hotel for the evening. Overnight in the Borgarfjordur area.

Meals : Breakfast

DAY 4 ICELAND’S SOUTH SHORE (APPROX. 355KM)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive along the South Shore, and area of Iceland that is home to both volcanoes and glaciers. This is also some of Iceland’s best farmland, and you’ll pass by charming farmhouse, often with multi-coloured hers of horses grazing in the fields. If the skies are clear, you might see the area’s two most famous volcanoes in the distance: beautiful Mount Hekla (last eruption in 2000) and glacier-capped Eyjafjallajökull (last eruption in 2010). You might also catch a glimpse of the volcanic Westman Islands archipelago far out at sea. Stop at the spectacular waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Each waterfall is unique and makes perfect subject for a photo. Seljalandsfoss offers the rate chance to take a trail that leads behind the waterfall itself. Skogafoss waterfall is said to hide buried treasure; it also makes a great backdrop for a selfie. Head onwards to visit Reynisfjara beach. Take a walk on the black sand, admiring the extraordinary rock formations and thundering waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Perhaps you’ll drop by the charming town of Vik to enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee before heading to your overnight hotel in the Hella / Hveragerdi area.

Meals : Breakfast

Accommodation : Hella / Hveragerdi area for 1 night

DAY 5 THE GOLDEN CIRCLE - REYKJAVIK (APPROX. 310KM)

Today, you’ll visit the bellowed and famous Golden Circle wonders. Travel through peaceful farmland areas to the geothermal fields of Geysir. Footpaths lead around interesting bubbling mud pools and spouting hot springs. The most famous of these is the reliably erupting Strokkur geyser. We’re sure you will really enjoy photographing the various stages of the Strokkur as it erupts from the ground. The Gullfoss waterfall is s a short drive away. Many Icelanders believe Gullfoss is the most beautiful waterfall in the country. The sight of glacial water thundering down on two ledges into an enormous canyon is spectacular. A series of footpaths lead around the falls and give views of the cascades from different angles. While you are in the area, you might enjoy the change to relax in a geothermal hot pool at the enchanting Secret Lagoon or the lovely natural steam baths and pools at Laugarvatn Fontana Spa. After a day of wonders, head to the colourful capital of Iceland, Reykjavik. The rest of the day is open to explore the city’s vibrant culture. Overnight in Reykjavik.

Meals : Breakfast

Accommodation : Reykjavik for 1 night

DAY 6 FAREWELL TO THE LAND OF FIRE AND ICE (APPROX. 50KM)

Breakfast at your hotel. Drive back to Keflavik Airport, return your rental car and take your return flight home. If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon on your way to the city on your first day but have some free time today, you might want to use the opportunity en route to the airport. For this detour, please be sure to allow for at least 2 – 2.5 hours extra so you’ll have ample time at the Lagoon. Your rental car should be returned to the airport service area, which is located only 2 minutes from the airport building. A shuttle will then transport you to the departure hall.

Meals : Breakfast

Rates in CA$, per person, starting from,
Departure – 2026	Double Occupancy	Single Occupancy
August 10 Y-class vehicle (EDAN), economy, automatic 2WD (Toyota Yaris or similar)	4930	7685
August 10 O-class vehicle (IFAR), medium SUV, automatic 4WD (Kia Sportage or similar)	5735	9290

Product Code: IT

**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.

*** PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS. ***

Iceland’s Total Eclipse Experience 2026 – detailed itinerary