The last total solar eclipse was 456 days ago in North America, and the next one is in 400 days in Europe. On Aug. 12, 2026, a short totality will darken the day as seen from eastern Greenland, western Iceland and northern Spain.
There are fabulous travel experiences to be had, from the fjords of Scoresby Sun and a festival on Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula to the plains of Spain and a sunset eclipse from the Balearic Islands. However,
Why This Eclipse Will Be So Busy
The total solar eclipse in 2026 will be the first in mainland Europe since 1999 when totality flashed across the globe from the U.K. to India via Eastern Europe and the Middle East. According to Timeandate.com, approximately 71 million people viewed it. Most Europeans have not seen a total solar eclipse in so long that they will travel — mainly to Spain, but also to Iceland. Here’s why there will be so much demand for this eclipse:
- The “Great North American Eclipse” got so much global attention that the world’s population has been reminded of the wonder of total solar eclipses — and wants to experience one.
- Iceland has not seen a total solar eclipse since 1954.
- Spain has not seen a total solar eclipse since 1906.
- In Spain, the path of totality just misses Barcelona or Madrid, meaning millions of Spaniards will travel.
- In Spain, the path of totality’s prime locations are in regions limited in accommodation.
- The Balearic Islands, although popular with tourists and boasting many hotels, are small places — they tend to book up quickly.
Why You Should Book Your Eclipse Trip Very Soon
If the above reasons are driving demand, there’s another very specific reason why you should try to book your travel arrangements as soon as possible. On August 12 this year, a number of articles will be published and a lot of fuss will be made about the one-year countdown to mainland Europe’s first eclipse in a generation. Demand will spike for plane tickets, hotels and organized tours. If you can secure a spot before the one-year countdown, you may have a chance to book travel and accommodation. So book now — or risk missing one of nature’s grandest spectacles.
Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Spain
On Aug. 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will cross northern Spain, with key cities including León, Palencia and Burgos, where clear skies are likely. It’s crucial to note that in Spain, the eclipse occurs just before sunset, which means a dramatic experience — but also an uncertain one. Sightlines must be checked out in advance using this new map from the Instituto Geográfico Nacional. Coastal regions may experience more variable weather, but August typically brings warm, dry conditions that are ideal for eclipse viewing.
Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Iceland
Reykjavík will lie within the path of totality for a rare total solar eclipse. Totality in the capital is expected to last approximately 1 minute. The moon’s umbral shadow will move across the western part of Iceland, with Reykjavík, the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Westfjördurprime views. Weather-wise, Iceland tends to have a lower chance of clear skies in August than Spain; however, a sunny day is still entirely possible. Eclipse chasers should read Iceland’s excellent weather forecasts and have a vehicle to travel to this late-afternoon eclipse,
Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Greenland
A rare Arctic eclipse experience is available in Greenland, where a cluster of approximately a dozen cruise ships will gather on August 12, 2026. The favored location is Scorsby Sund, where there’s a good chance of a clear sky, thanks to Greenland’s topography.
Disclaimer: I am the author of the Complete Guide to the Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Greenland, Iceland and Spain and editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
