This short break is the perfect way to experience the total solar eclipse in Iceland on 12 August 2026. You’ll have a hire car throughout, giving you the freedom and flexibility to arrive in a prime viewing spot for this exceptionally rare, celestial event as the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily plunging the landscape into darkness as the stars and planets become visible during the daytime. There’s also time to explore some of Iceland’s most emblematic landscapes, either in the Golden Circle region or on the South Coast, ranging between majestic waterfalls, explosive geysers and black sand beaches. The delightful Hotel Ranga is your base – a cosy, timber-clad lodge with an excellent restaurant and access to outdoor hot tubs.
Iceland 2026 Solar Eclipse Short Break
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Witness the 2026 total solar eclipse from the perfect vantage point, alongside the chance to explore some of Iceland’s most extraordinary landscapes.
» 4 day tailor-made self-drive
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £2,780 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
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Day 1 » Fly to Keflavik (11 August 2026)
Your adventure begins with a flight from the UK to Keflavik, where you’ll pick up your hire car and drive to Hotel Ranga, a cosy ranch-style hotel within striking distance of the iconic attractions in Iceland’s Golden Circle and South Coast regions. The drive takes just under two hours if passing through the outskirts of Reykjavik, or just over two hours if you follow the coastal road via Grindavik and Eyrarbakki.
You may wish to book a visit to the Blue Lagoon en route, which is just 20 minutes away from the airport – a fabulous way to start your trip (but be sure to check for potential road closures, pending the latest volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula). On arrival at Hotel Ranga, you can look forward to a delicious Icelandic welcome dinner at the restaurant, and perhaps enjoy a relaxing soak in one of the outdoor hot tubs.
Stay: Hotel Rangá, South Iceland
Meals: Dinner
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Day 2 » Witness the solar eclipse (12 August 2026)
Today marks the highlight of your trip – the chance to witness the 2026 total solar eclipse from one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural settings. As Hotel Ranga sits just outside the path of totality, you’ll need to drive to a prime viewing location to fully experience this celestial event. At around 16:47 GMT, the partial eclipse will begin, with full totality expected at approximately 17:48 GMT, before concluding at 18:47 GMT. We recommend setting off early and allowing extra time, as local roads are likely to be busy.
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula, around three hours and 20 minutes away, is an excellent option – not only for its proximity to the point of maximum eclipse (where totality will last close to two minutes), but also for its staggeringly beautiful landscapes. A packed lunch is included for your journey. Alternatively, for a shorter drive, you could head to Reykjavik or find a suitable viewing point on the Reykjanes Peninsula, roughly 90 minutes away. Clear skies will, of course, be essential for the best visibility – so a slice of good fortune will be needed on the day.
Stay: Hotel Rangá, South Iceland
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 3 » Explore the Golden Circle or South Coast (13 August 2026)
Fresh from the excitement of the solar eclipse, today is an ideal opportunity to explore the iconic sights of either the Golden Circle or the South Coast – both of which provide a superb snapshot of Iceland’s natural beauty. If you opt for the Golden Circle, the main three stops are Thingvellir National Park (where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet along a spectacular rift valley), Geysir Geothermal Area (home to bubbling mud pots and explosive geysers) and the majestic Gullfoss waterfall. We also highly recommend a hike around Kerid Crater and a stop at the Secret Lagoon (pre-booking required).
If you choose to focus on the South Coast, the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss are must-visits, both tumbling dramatically from a height of 60 metres. For a geothermal soak in one of Iceland’s oldest pools, tucked into the side of a mountain, Seljavallalaug is well worth checking out. Then, we suggest continuing along the Ring Road to the picturesque village of Vik and the nearby Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – one of Iceland’s most renowned natural attractions.
Stay: Hotel Rangá, South Iceland
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 4 » Return to UK (14 August 2026)
After breakfast, make your way back to Keflavik Airport in time for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Witness the 2026 total solar eclipse from the perfect vantage point, alongside the chance to explore some of Iceland’s most extraordinary landscapes.
» 4 day tailor-made self-drive
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
» Price from: £2,780 pp incl. flights
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