On August 12, 2026, it will suddenly go dark in the middle of the day: A total solar eclipse will pass over parts of Europe when the sun completely disappears behind the moon for up to two minutes. It is an event that is rarely seen on this continent, which is why special events and trips are already being offered around the solar eclipse.
From music festivals to historic train rides to cruises on the open sea. Currently, Iceland and Spain are particularly popular travel destinations, but the natural spectacle will also be clearly visible in Germany.
The totality zone, the narrow strip on Earth where the moon's umbral shadow travels during a solar eclipse, will pass in 2026 over Iceland, Spain and parts of Greenland, among other places. There, the sun will be completely covered by the moon, for up to two minutes depending on location. The longest totality lasts according to "Weltraum aktuell" about 2 minutes and 18 seconds and can be found west of the Icelandic coast near the Hvallátur archipelago.
Festivals in Iceland: Experience the Solar Eclipse with Music or Meditation
Those who want to observe the natural spectacle in a very special atmosphere can visit one of numerous events being held around the solar eclipse. One of them takes place in Iceland near Reykjavík: Musician Björk (60) is hosting the Eclipse Rave Echolalia in Hafnarfjörður. Visitors will enjoy DJ sets and live performances by Arca, Ronja and Sideproject and will receive special solar eclipse glasses. During totality, it will be dark there for just over a minute.
Another major event is taking place on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. The multi-day Iceland Eclipse Festival combines music, lectures by scientists and astronauts, as well as meditations. The region is among the best observation sites in the country.
Solar Eclipse in Spain: Music Festivals, Train Rides and Boat Tours on Offer
Preparations are also in full swing in Spain. The totality zone passes over A Coruña, León, Zaragoza, Valencia, as well as Mallorca and Ibiza, among other places. The Iberia Eclipse festival will take place in Vinuesa. During the crucial minutes, the music will completely stop so that visitors can consciously experience the solar eclipse.
On Mallorca, the event will also be combined with historic train and boat tours: The traditional Sóller Railway will first take guests to the sea, before boats depart to observe the eclipse.
Up to 90 Percent Visible: The Solar Eclipse Can Also Be Observed in Germany
The event can also be observed from Germany, though only as a partial solar eclipse. Depending on the region, however, 85 to 90 percent of the sun will be covered, according to "Wetter.com" the strongest partial eclipse in the country until 2075. The eclipse is best seen in the south and southwest, for example in Freiburg, Konstanz or Munich: Here, the obscuration values reach the maximum on German soil at up to 90 percent.
Particularly spectacular: In many places, the sun will set in a crescent shape. For good visibility, cloud-free skies and an unobstructed view toward the west or northwest are crucial.
Everywhere, eye protection remains important: The solar eclipse may only be observed with suitable solar eclipse glasses according to ISO standard.
