For those who have experienced a total solar eclipse, the memory tends to linger long after the sky brightens again. The sudden darkness, the cooling air, and the crowd’s collective gasp create a moment that feels both surreal and deeply human. In August 2026, skywatchers will get another rare chance to witness this natural spectacle across parts of Europe.
A total solar eclipse will occur on Aug. 12, and it is already inspiring travelers to plan far ahead. From icy coastlines to historic cities, several destinations fall directly in the path of totality, offering unforgettable viewing opportunities.
Witnessing a total solar eclipse is widely considered a bucket-list experience for people fascinated by natural phenomena. During totality, the moon completely blocks the sun, revealing the wispy solar corona and plunging the landscape into an eerie twilight.
“It is one of life’s most memorable experiences, in my opinion,” says Alex Filippenko, a distinguished professor of astronomy at the University of California, Berkeley. Filippenko has witnessed 20 total solar eclipses and says the August event will be his 21st. “No matter how much people describe it, and no matter how many photographs, or even videos, you look at, the actual event is far better.”
What should travelers know before booking a trip?
Some dedicated eclipse chasers, known as umbraphiles, plan years in advance. With interest growing, travelers are advised to make bookings as early as possible and watch for cancellations or wait lists.
Filippenko stresses that being inside the path of totality is essential. “Ninety-nine percent coverage isn’t enough because even a little bit of the sun’s disk is very bright, making the sky too bright to see the solar corona,” he says.
Beyond location, travelers should consider cloud cover, precipitation, wildfire smoke, and how high the sun will be during totality. Since the eclipse itself lasts only minutes, experts recommend choosing a destination worth enjoying before and after the event, as per a report by AOL.
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Where are the best places to see the eclipse?
Greenland
The path of totality crosses eastern Greenland, where cruise ships offer one of the most practical viewing options. Several expedition companies are planning sailings timed around the eclipse.
“These are just momentous events that will raise the hair on the back of your neck,” says Paul D. Maley, a retired NASA engineer who has witnessed 30 total solar eclipses. He notes that while interior Greenland may offer clearer skies, limited transportation makes cruise viewing more feasible for most travelers.
Iceland
Western Iceland offers several strong viewing options, including the Westfjords, the Snæfellsnes peninsula, and the Reykjanes peninsula. Reykjavík will experience totality for the first time since 1433.
Visit Iceland estimates about a 40 percent chance of clear weather. Maley advises flexibility, calling Iceland a “big cloud magnet,” and suggests travelers be ready to move if clouds roll in, as per a report by AOL.
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Spain
Spain is expected to be one of the most popular and accessible destinations. The path of totality passes through a wide stretch of the country, including cities such as León and Zaragoza.
“Spain is the most cost-effective place to go to, and it has reasonably good prospects of seeing the eclipse,” Maley says, while cautioning that clouds or wildfire smoke remain possible due to the sun’s low position on the horizon.
Those who can’t make the 2026 event won’t have to wait long for another chance. A total solar eclipse on Aug. 2, 2027, will pass through southern Spain, northern Africa, and parts of the Middle East.
Maley describes the 2027 event as the “longest eclipse for the rest of our lifetimes,” with some locations seeing more than six minutes of totality.
The eclipse will occur on Aug. 12, 2026.
Which countries offer the best views?
Greenland, Iceland, and Spain are among the top locations in the path of totality.
A total solar eclipse will occur on Aug. 12, and it is already inspiring travelers to plan far ahead. From icy coastlines to historic cities, several destinations fall directly in the path of totality, offering unforgettable viewing opportunities.
Why is the 2026 total solar eclipse such a big deal?
Witnessing a total solar eclipse is widely considered a bucket-list experience for people fascinated by natural phenomena. During totality, the moon completely blocks the sun, revealing the wispy solar corona and plunging the landscape into an eerie twilight.
“It is one of life’s most memorable experiences, in my opinion,” says Alex Filippenko, a distinguished professor of astronomy at the University of California, Berkeley. Filippenko has witnessed 20 total solar eclipses and says the August event will be his 21st. “No matter how much people describe it, and no matter how many photographs, or even videos, you look at, the actual event is far better.”
What should travelers know before booking a trip?
Some dedicated eclipse chasers, known as umbraphiles, plan years in advance. With interest growing, travelers are advised to make bookings as early as possible and watch for cancellations or wait lists.
Filippenko stresses that being inside the path of totality is essential. “Ninety-nine percent coverage isn’t enough because even a little bit of the sun’s disk is very bright, making the sky too bright to see the solar corona,” he says.
Beyond location, travelers should consider cloud cover, precipitation, wildfire smoke, and how high the sun will be during totality. Since the eclipse itself lasts only minutes, experts recommend choosing a destination worth enjoying before and after the event, as per a report by AOL.
ALSO READ: Quote of the Day by Kendrick Lamar: 'I learned, when I look in the mirror…'—Top quotes by the most awarded rapper in Grammy history
Where are the best places to see the eclipse?
Greenland
The path of totality crosses eastern Greenland, where cruise ships offer one of the most practical viewing options. Several expedition companies are planning sailings timed around the eclipse.
“These are just momentous events that will raise the hair on the back of your neck,” says Paul D. Maley, a retired NASA engineer who has witnessed 30 total solar eclipses. He notes that while interior Greenland may offer clearer skies, limited transportation makes cruise viewing more feasible for most travelers.
Iceland
Western Iceland offers several strong viewing options, including the Westfjords, the Snæfellsnes peninsula, and the Reykjanes peninsula. Reykjavík will experience totality for the first time since 1433.
Visit Iceland estimates about a 40 percent chance of clear weather. Maley advises flexibility, calling Iceland a “big cloud magnet,” and suggests travelers be ready to move if clouds roll in, as per a report by AOL.
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Spain
Spain is expected to be one of the most popular and accessible destinations. The path of totality passes through a wide stretch of the country, including cities such as León and Zaragoza.
“Spain is the most cost-effective place to go to, and it has reasonably good prospects of seeing the eclipse,” Maley says, while cautioning that clouds or wildfire smoke remain possible due to the sun’s low position on the horizon.
What if you miss the 2026 eclipse?
Those who can’t make the 2026 event won’t have to wait long for another chance. A total solar eclipse on Aug. 2, 2027, will pass through southern Spain, northern Africa, and parts of the Middle East.Maley describes the 2027 event as the “longest eclipse for the rest of our lifetimes,” with some locations seeing more than six minutes of totality.
FAQs
When is the 2026 total solar eclipse?The eclipse will occur on Aug. 12, 2026.
Which countries offer the best views?
Greenland, Iceland, and Spain are among the top locations in the path of totality.
