Nothing gets us mortal beings revved up more than dazzling astronomical events, which is why the real-life land of fire and ice is hosting a major festival to celebrate its rare solar eclipse coming next summer.
The Iceland Eclipse festival will take place from 12 to 15 August 2026, with four days of festivities honouring the celestial phenomenon on Iceland’s Snæfellsnes peninsula.
But this is not just any eclipse, folks. The last one in the country was in 1954, so next year (at 5.47pm, to be exact), expect two wondrous minutes of total darkness while the sun and moon align. And we’re not exaggerating when we say this is a once-in-a-life time event: it won’t happen again until 2196.
Oh, and on top of all this, the upcoming eclipse aligns perfectly with the peak of the Perseids meteor shower, meaning you’ll have the chance to be a witness to astounding meteors without the threat of light pollution.
Artists, scientists, musicians, and visionaries will be on the bill for this festival, combining music, art, nature, technology, wellness, and connection. Expect tonnes of dancing and live music (headliners already include Berlioz and Meduza³), large-scale art installations, intellectual talks, cosmic rituals and interactive experiences specifically designed to move follow the eclipse.
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You can choose to stay in either private accommodation or local rentals within Hellissandur, a tiny fishing town of 450 people known as Iceland’s ‘Street Art Capital’ (it has the highest mural density in the country). But, to fully immerse yourselves, why not opt of the onsite camping or glamping passes? You couldn’t really find a more idyllic landscape to do so.
Co-created by IMXP, an immersive experiences platform, and Secret Solstice, Iceland’s music and culture festival that takes place under the midnight sun, the goal of this event is to unite Icelanders with global communities and while honouring the cultural traditions of eclipse gatherings and reshaping them for the future.
‘As someone who calls this land home it is incredibly meaningful to return with a project as rare and special as Iceland Eclipse,’ said Fred Ólafsson, founder of Secret Solstice. ‘This partnership is a chance to co-create something truly memorable for both Icelanders and the global community during one of the most extraordinary celestial events of our time.’
So, will you be queuing to snag some literal once-in-a-lifetime tickets? You should, and you can register your interest here.
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