Iceland is preparing for a rare total solar eclipse on 12 August, with thousands of visitors expected to head to the country's western regions.

Iceland is preparing for a rare total solar eclipse on 12 August, with thousands of visitors expected in the country's western regions to witness the Moon completely blocking out the Sun. It will be Iceland's first total eclipse since 1954, and the first visible from Reykjavík since 1433. The next is not expected until 2196.

The western Snæfellsnes Peninsula is expected to be one of the best vantage points in Iceland — and in the world. In the fishing village of Hellissandur, home to around 400 people, preparations are already underway for a dramatic influx of visitors.

The peninsula will also host the five-day Iceland Eclipse festival at the foot of the Snæfellsjökull glacier, overlooking the North Atlantic. Festival director Mitch Morales says the event draws an unusual mix of people.

"Something I really love about eclipse is that it attracts the astrology crowd and the astronomy crowd. We have a lot of astronauts and astrophysicists. We also have a lot of spiritual leaders and people that are exploring the edges of consciousness."

Up to 20,000 additional overseas visitors are expected, adding to an already busy season in a country of fewer than 400,000 people. Hotels have reportedly been booked months, and in some cases years, in advance.

Andrea Martin, a tourist from Maine who saw the 2024 eclipse across North America, travelled to Iceland for the full experience. "The difference between 99.9 partial eclipse and 100% total eclipse is 100% different experience. It is magnificent. It is outstanding. There aren't even words for it."

Reykjavík, the Reykjanes Peninsula, Snæfellsnes and the Westfjords are expected to offer the best views. Anyone watching should use ISO-certified eclipse glasses, as looking directly at the Sun without protection can cause permanent eye damage.

Source: Euro News

--Agencies