This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse amid the otherworldly landscapes of Iceland on 12 August 2026. With the freedom and flexibility of a hire car, this itinerary is designed to bring you to the perfect viewing location when this exceptionally rare spectacle takes place, 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. Besides marvelling at this extraordinary astronomical event, you’ll also have ample time to take in Iceland’s myriad natural and cultural wonders as you explore the famous sights of Reykjavik, the Golden Circle and the South Coast, where geothermal lagoons, thundering waterfalls and black sand beaches await.
Iceland 2026 Solar Eclipse Self-Drive
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At a glance…
An exceptionally rare chance to witness a total solar eclipse in one of the most extraordinary destinations on Earth.
» 6 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: £3,285 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
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Day 1 » Fly to Iceland (10 August 2026)
Your trip begins with a flight to Keflavik, where you’ll collect your hire car and drive to your hotel, beautifully situated in a quiet, peaceful spot in the Golden Circle region. Take some time to settle into your stylish, Scandi-chic room and perhaps enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot tub. Later on, you may fancy heading to the bar for a drink or two before a delicious welcome dinner is served at the on-site restaurant, whose menu features an enticing selection of both Icelandic and international dishes.
Stay: Hotel Grimsborgir
Meals: Dinner
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Day 2 » Explore the Golden Circle (11 August 2026)
You have the whole day free to explore the spectacular Golden Circle region at leisure. The three main stops (Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss waterfall) are all less than an hour's drive away, so there's ample time to see the highlights without having to rush. An addition, we also recommend making a stop at Kerid, a volcanic crater lake that's just 10 minutes away from the hotel. And, if you fancy a geothermal soak, be sure to make a stop at Secret Lagoon (pre-booking required).
Stay: Hotel Grimsborgir
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 3 » Witness the solar eclipse (12 August 2026)
Today is the big day, as you’ll have the chance to witness the 2026 total solar eclipse in one of the most spectacular settings on the planet. As Hotel Grimsborgir isn't quite within the path of totality, you’ll need to drive to an optimal viewing location in order to watch this rare, otherworldly spectacle as the Moon passes directly between the Sun and the Earth, plunging the sky into darkness as the stars and planets come into view. It’s anticipated that the eclipse will begin at 16:47 GMT, reaching total darkness at around 17:48 GMT and finishing at around 18:47 GMT. We strongly advise leaving plenty of time and getting into position well in advance, as the roads will be much busier than usual.
Heading to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula (around a three-hour drive) is an ideal option as you will be closer to the point of maximum eclipse, experiencing a totality of around two minutes. It also happens to be one of the most breathtaking regions of Iceland, with an astonishing array of dramatic landscapes to take in throughout the day. We have included a packed lunch for the journey. If you'd prefer to cut down the driving distance, you could instead make your way to Reykjavik or a viewing spot on the Reykjanes Peninsula (around one hour's drive). Do bear in mind that clear skies are needed for the best view of the eclipse, so a little luck will be required regarding the weather conditions on the day.
Stay: Hotel Grimsborgir
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 4 » Explore the South Coast (13 August 2026)
Fresh from the thrill of yesterday’s solar eclipse, today offers the chance to explore some of Iceland’s many other natural wonders along the South Coast. First, we recommend stopping at the majestic Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls before continuing to the picturesque village of Vik and the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach. You might also consider taking a small diversion to go for a swim in one of Iceland's oldest swimming pool, Seljavallaug, tucked away on the edge of a mountain. This whole region really is a treasure trove of awe-inspiring sights, so we recommend prioritising a handful of standout attractions and planning your route accordingly.
Stay: Hotel Grimsborgir
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 5 » Explore Reykjavik (14 August 2026)
Today is an ideal opportunity to explore Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital city. A good place to start is Hallgrimskirkja, the iconic Lutheran church that towers over the city, offering wonderful panoramic views from the observation platform at the top. From here, you might fancy taking a stroll down Skólavörðustígur (more commonly known as Rainbow Street) and Laugavegur, where you’ll find plenty of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. It’s also well worth continuing down to the waterfront to check out Harpa (the glass concert hall) and the Sun Voyager monument.
If time allows, take a trip to Sky Lagoon, one of Iceland’s finest geothermal lagoons, located just a 10-15 minute drive away in nearby Kopavogur. You may also consider checking out excellent Perlan Museum, situated atop the wooded Öskjuhlíð Hill, as well as Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, where locals come to sunbathe and swim in the summer months. Or, you could head out on a whale watching excursion departing from the Old Harbour.
Stay: Hotel Grimsborgir
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 6 » Return to UK (15 August 2026)
Return to Keflavik today as your Icelandic adventure comes to an end. Depending on your flight time, you might have time for a soak in the Blue Lagoon before you head to the airport – bearing in mind that it can be closed at short notice due to ongoing volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Meals: Breakfast
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To book call us on:
At a glance…
An exceptionally rare chance to witness a total solar eclipse in one of the most extraordinary destinations on Earth.
» 6 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: £3,285 pp incl. flights
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