Solar Eclipse

It's now less than a year until Iceland becomes the focus for eclipse tourism, as a total solar eclipse passes over the western side of the country.

12th of August is the date.

A lot of the accommodation in that area is likely to be booked up already, although there are options for those in camper vans etc. to travel into the region.

A report on RUV suggests that this is going to stretch Iceland's infrastructure due to the volume of expected visitors.

The eclipse will be visible in the western part of the country, in the Westfjords, Snæfellsnes, the capital area and Reykjanes peninsula. It will last the longest at Látrabjarg, where it will be visible for two minutes and thirteen seconds. Municipalities in this area have begun preparations.

According to information from the marketing office of the Westfjords, formal cooperation of the municipalities there regarding the eclipse has not yet taken off, but Vesturbyggð is far along in its own preparations. Vesturbyggð has set up a working group.

There the task is mainly focused on traffic control out to Látrabjarg, where it is expected that many will want to travel to see the eclipse.

Image source: Albatros Expeditions - one of several companies offering tours / cruises.