Reykjavík is a fantastic city for photography, offering stunning cityscapes, coastal views, and vibrant street scenes. But in 2026, it becomes even more special—one of the best places in Iceland to witness and capture the total solar eclipse. With totality lasting between 45 seconds and 1 minute 8 seconds, Reykjavík provides a unique opportunity to photograph both the celestial event and the awe-struck crowds gathered to watch it.

The duration of totality will vary slightly depending on your exact location within the city. Areas farther west, such as Grótta, will experience totality for slightly longer, with up to 1 minute and 6 seconds, while locations more inland may have durations closer to 45–50 seconds. This difference is due to Reykjavík being near the northern edge of the eclipse’s path, where the Moon’s shadow moves quickly across the landscape.

We've written two in-depth articles about Why Iceland is the Perfect Destination for the 2026 Total Solar Eclips and listed some of the Best Eclipse Viewing Spots in Iceland —to help you plan your experience.

While Iceland offers incredible locations across the country, Reykjavík itself is a fantastic place to see the eclipse unfold. From Harpa’s glass façade reflecting the darkened sky to silhouettes along the waterfront, the city offers breathtaking compositions for eclipse photography.

Whether you're capturing the moment of totality or the reactions of those watching in wonder, Reykjavík is an unforgettable setting for this rare event!

Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Why Iceland is the Perfect Viewing Destination

Iceland is the closest destination to the maximum eclipse point, where totality lasts the longest. This makes it an ideal viewing location, offering smaller crowds, milder summer temperatures (perfect for a "coolcation"), and breathtaking landscapes as the backdrop for this rare celestial event.

Unlike the Northern Lights, which appear unpredictably, a total solar eclipse is brief but extraordinary—with darkness lasting just over two minutes in Iceland. To make the most of it, careful planning is essential—being in the right place at the right time makes all the difference.

Read our guide to the Total Solar Eclipse in Iceland in 2026

Find the Perfect Eclipse Viewing Spot in Iceland with This Essential Eclipse Map

First and foremost, you need to check out this excellent eclipse map. Zoom in all the way to the streets of Reykjavík and click on a point to see the exact direction of the Sun from your chosen spot, as well as the shadows cast by landmarks. The dark areas on the map indicate where shadows will fall, meaning the Sun will be blocked from view in those spots.

Using this invaluable tool will not only help you find an unobstructed location to fully experience the eclipse but also allow you to plan your composition in advance—considering how you want to frame your shot and which landmarks to include in your photograph.

Iconic Photography Locations in Reykjavík

If you study a collection of images of Reykjavik, chances are that it’s likely to contain certain common denominators: Sun Voyager, Harpa, Hallgrímskirkja and Perlan for starters. These iconic spots are a must – and not just for photographers coming to Reykjavik. That popularity is a bonus when you’re figuring out how to reach them, because they’re all connected by the city’s Hop On, Hop Off sightseeing bus.

Sólfar Sun Voyager Sculpture

The sleek curves of this beautiful sculpture would be enough by themselves to make this a photographer’s favourite, but the reflective quality of the stainless steel used in its construction make this an absolute delight. It’s rare not to find someone posing beside it in summer, especially at sunrise or sunset when a soft pink glow is cast, so consider an off-season visit. Snow on top of Mount Esja in the background is a further bonus.

Based on the map, the Sun will be positioned toward the city skyline rather than over the bay during the eclipse. This means that if you want to include the Sólfar (Sun Voyager) sculpture in your shot with the eclipse in the background, you'll need to carefully choose your viewing location.

The best spot for capturing this composition is the small inlet around the sculpture, but space there is limited. Since many photographers and eclipse watchers will likely gather in this prime area, it's essential to arrive early and secure your spot for the best possible angle.

Harpa

Viewing the 2026 total solar eclipse from Harpa in Reykjavík will be a unique experience, but there are some challenges to consider. The Sun will be positioned toward the city skyline rather than over the bay, meaning you won’t see the eclipse reflected on the open ocean.

The map shows that parts of Harpa and nearby buildings will cast significant shadows, which could obstruct your view if you’re too close. To ensure an unobstructed sightline, it's best to position yourself west or southwest of Harpa, closer to the water. However, Harpa’s glass facade will offer stunning reflections of the darkened sky, creating an incredible photo opportunity

Alternatively, consider capturing the eclipse from inside Harpa, where its glass facade could create a stunning reflection of the darkened sky. The building’s geometric windows may frame the event beautifully, offering a unique perspective while sheltering you from the elements.

Hallgrímskirkja

The area around Hallgrímskirkja will likely be a popular viewing location, but if you want to include the tower in your photo, positioning will be key. The Sun will be located toward the city skyline rather than directly above or behind the church, so if you want to capture the eclipse with Hallgrímskirkja in your frame, you’ll need to find a strategic spot.

The map indicates that the church’s western side will cast a significant shadow, meaning some areas directly in front of it may have obstructed views. If you want to capture both the eclipse and Hallgrímskirkja’s tower, you’ll need to move east of the church.

For a dramatic cityscape shot, you could consider photographing from a higher elevation, such as a rooftop or another elevated viewpoint, to include both the church and the darkened sky.

Photographing from the church tower could offer a breathtaking vantage point, allowing you to capture the city bathed in the eerie twilight of totality. However, space will be limited, so plan ahead if you hope to access the tower during the event.

Perlan

Another must for architecture fans is Perlan. Situated on the top of Öskjuhlíð hill on the outskirts of the city centre, it boasts a fabulous glass dome perched on six fat water tanks. It’s another spot that shines at sunset, when the sky turns orange behind the dancing musicians of Þorbjörg Pálsdóttir’s sculpture. As soft light bathes the city, you’ll appreciate the potential for extraordinary panoramas from Perlan’s lofty observation deck.

Perlan will be a prime and popular location for viewing the 2026 total solar eclipse in Reykjavík, offering an elevated vantage point with sweeping views of the city and surrounding nature. The Sun will be positioned toward the city skyline, and the observation deck will provide an excellent open space to take in the eclipse.

However, the map shows that parts of Perlan's structure will cast shadows during the event, so choosing the right spot on the deck will be important to ensure an unobstructed view. Arriving early is recommended, as Perlan is likely to attract many eclipse watchers.

For photographers, Perlan’s glass dome and reflective surfaces could create unique compositions, capturing both the eclipse and the changing light on the building itself. If you want to include the cityscape in your shot, position yourself on the western side of the observation deck for the best framing.

Grótta

Grótta Lighthouse will be one of the most spectacular locations in Reykjavík to watch and photograph the 2026 total solar eclipse. With unobstructed views over the ocean, you'll get a dramatic setting as the Sun darkens over the horizon. Totality will last 1 minute and 6 seconds, giving you ample time to capture both the eclipse and the reactions of those watching.

Since Grótta is a well-known photography and nature spot, it’s likely to be crowded. If you want more space while still enjoying an open view, consider heading to the nearby peninsula of Nesvör. This area also offers clear sightlines toward the eclipse, and the extra space makes it ideal for photographing people immersed in the moment, whether standing alone or gathered in small groups.

For the best experience, arrive early to scout your perfect composition—whether it's the lighthouse silhouetted against the eclipse, the vast ocean landscape, or the captivated crowd witnessing this rare celestial event.

Tjörnin

Tjörnin, Reykjavík’s iconic city pond, will be a beautiful and atmospheric location to watch the 2026 total solar eclipse. With the Sun positioned toward the city skyline, the reflection of the darkened sky on the water could create a stunning visual effect.

Since the area is spacious, there will be plenty of room for viewers, making it a great option if you want to photograph both the eclipse and the people gathered to watch it. The calm water could also provide dramatic mirror-like reflections of the dimming sky, adding depth to your photos.

For the best angles, consider standing along the eastern shore of the pond near Fríkirkjan, where you can frame the eclipse above the water. Alternatively, positioning yourself on the western side would allow you to capture the eclipse with the city’s historic buildings in the background. Either way, Tjörnin offers a serene yet dynamic setting for this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Practical Considerations for Viewing the Eclipse in Reykjavík

While Reykjavík offers fantastic locations to witness and photograph the 2026 total solar eclipse, weather conditions can be unpredictable. There is always a chance of cloud coverage, which could obstruct the view of totality. To maximize your chances of experiencing the eclipse under clear skies, it’s essential to check weather forecasts and cloud cover forecast in the days leading up to the event and be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary.

For those who want to increase their chances of a perfect view, we recommend our guided eclipse tour, which will take you out of the city in search of the best possible weather conditions. These tours are designed to provide optimal viewing locations, combining expert guidance with a focus on both clear skies and the longest possible totality duration.

Wherever you choose to watch from, planning ahead will ensure you make the most of this rare and breathtaking celestial event.

The Best Places to See the Total Solar Eclipse in Iceland - Top Viewing Locations on a Map

While Reykjavík is an excellent location to watch the total solar eclipse, there are places where the totality can last more than a minute longer than in Reykjavík. The further west you go, the longer the duration of totality. Whether you want to watch the eclipse from rugged coastal cliffs or a historic lighthouse, choosing the right spot can make all the difference.

Read our detailed guide to the top eclipse vieweing locations in West Iceland and why they stand out