Eclipse fever will be gripping the Visit Iceland stand (N8-400) at WTM London this November, with Iceland set to be one of the prime locations to witness a total solar eclipse on 12 August, 2026. This will be the first total solar eclipse visible in Iceland since 30 June, 1954, and the only one in the 21st century, with the next occurrence not until 2196.
West Iceland will be closest to the point of maximum eclipse, occurring just off Breiðafjörður Bay, between the tips of the Westfjords and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This location offers the longest duration of totality (two minutes and 18 seconds), allowing viewers to experience the full beauty of the eclipse.
The current solar maximum is also driving bookings for the Northern Lights this winter, and Visit Iceland is keen to show how astrotourism can also support responsible, rural travel by drawing visitors away from the capital and encouraging the protection of dark skies.
To support this, Iceland Travel, the longest established DMC in Iceland, has launched new shoulder season tours that focus on the lesser-known of Iceland during the quieter months.
Iceland Travel’s CEO Helgi Eysteinsson explains: “Iceland is a year-round destination with each season offering something unique – whether it’s a chance to spot the Northern Lights in winter or opportunities for walking and cycling during the summer months. We’re seeing growing demand for holidays during the off season, as clients seek immersive experiences that are locally led and less busy.”
New tailored tours include the three-day Kerlingarfjöll Deluxe Winter Highland Adventure. Guests are transferred to the Highland Base Hotel in the Kerlingarfjöll mountains in a “Super Jeep” designed to tackle the highland mountain roads. A two-night stay includes exhilarating outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, backcountry skiing and cross-country skiing and entrance to the geothermal baths.
Another addition is the winter-time Hidden Powers & Northern Lights tour, which gives clients a full immersion into the Golden Circle, including a visit to Unesco World Heritage Site Þingvellir National Park and the interactive Reykjavík Northern Lights Center.
While a summer-time Hidden Powers & the Midnight Sun version has guests meeting Icelandic horses at a traditional farm and tasting beer at the Smiðjan Brugghús Icelandic brewpub before taking a leisurely dip in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon.
Eysteinsson adds: “We continually strive to reflect current consumer travel trends whilst meeting the needs of clients, and by regularly reviewing and adapting our product offering, we’re ensuring that Iceland continues to be a destination which inspires and excites.”
