Total solar eclipse of April 8th 2024 with the sun peaking from behind the moon creating. a diamond ring effect. Totality with bright corona visible against dark blue sky with a few clouds.
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When is the next total solar eclipse? If you missed April 8, 2024—or it left you wanting more—it’s time to start planning for mainland Europe’s first total solar eclipse since 1999. On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the Moon will pass directly in front of the sun, casting its shadow across parts of Greenland, Iceland and Spain. For a few minutes, the day will turn to twilight, the sun’s corona will appear and one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles will unfold over a variety of spectacular landscapes. Here’s everything you need to know to plan the ultimate eclipse trip.
A total solar eclipse can only be seen within a very narrow path of totality. On August 12, 2026, the Moon’s shadow will trace a path roughly 5,133 miles (8,260 km) long and up to about 182 miles (293 km) wide that sweeps across Earth from the Arctic to the Mediterranean Sea.
It begins in northern Siberia, Russia, clips eastern Greenland, crosses western Iceland and then moves into northern Spain before exiting just to the east of the Balearic Islands. Anywhere outside that path—even just a few miles—will see only a partial eclipse.
The path of totality sweeps near Iceland and over Spain on August 12, 2026.
Michael Zeiler/GreatAmericanEclipse.com
The exact time depends on where you are. In Greenland, totality arrives in the afternoon, with the sun relatively high in the sky. In Iceland, it occurs in the late afternoon, while in Spain it becomes an early evening event, beginning shortly before sunset.
Wherever you watch from, totality will be brief. The maximum possible duration is 2 minutes 18 seconds, though almost all eclipse chasers on land will see slightly less. The longest duration occurs over the ocean near Iceland—meaning that unless you’re on a well-positioned cruise ship, you won’t quite reach the maximum.
Unlike the 2024 eclipse across North America, this one comes with a twist: The sun will be relatively low in the sky.
Nowhere along the path does it rise above about 26 degrees from the horizon, and in Spain, it may be just a few degrees above the western horizon. That creates stunning visual possibilities—a “sunset eclipse” with the corona glowing above distant landscapes—but also increases the risk of obstruction. Clouds, hills, buildings or even distant haze can block the view. Although the weather forecast will prove critical on the day, choosing a location with a clear western horizon is essential in Spain.
Beautiful Snæfellsjökull National Park in Western Iceland
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Each region along the path offers a very different experience, with some particularly dramatic landscapes set to play host to totality.
A Coruña famous ancient roman Hercules Tower - Tower of Hercules Coastal Lighthouse and City and Harbor Aerial View from the Atlantic Ocean.
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Welcome to the dilemma of eclipse-chasing: better weather versus better geometry. Inland Spain generally offers the best chance of clear skies in August, particularly in regions like Castilla y León. Coastal areas and islands may also have strong prospects, but the very low sun angle means even thin cloud layers near the horizon could obscure the eclipse.
By contrast, Iceland and Greenland offer higher sun positions during totality, making viewing easier if skies are clear—but cloud cover is less predictable.
What makes the 2026 eclipse especially compelling is what happens after the eclipsed sun goes down. In fact, it’s very rare for so many astronomical events to align with a total solar eclipse.
The eclipse coincides with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, one of the year's most active. Under dark skies, it’s possible to see dozens of meteors per hour, with the Milky Way stretching across the sky. That’s a reason to go to Spain.
In Iceland and Greenland, the nights are shorter and lighter, effectively ruling out all but the very brightest of “shooting stars.” However, there is still a slight chance of seeing the aurora borealis. Spending several nights in these regions—particularly in the weeks after the eclipse—will vastly increase the odds of witnessing the northern lights.
As a bonus for all locations, on August 12, very bright Venus will reach 50% lit and enter its crescent phase as it comes closer to Earth, making it a great target for a small telescope.
A meteor crossing the night sky over the Milky Way in a sunflowers field in Spain during the Perseid meteor shower. (Photo by Marcos del Mazo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
LightRocket via Getty Images
Planning early is essential. August is peak travel season across Europe, and demand for accommodation within the path of totality will be high. Arrive at least a couple of days in advance to scout locations and monitor weather forecasts.
Although you don’t have to avoid traveling on the day of the eclipse (it takes place later in the day), expect roads to be congested in Iceland and Spain in the few hours before and after the eclipse.
Most importantly, stay flexible. Experienced eclipse-chasers always have backup locations and are prepared to move if conditions change.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
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