Iceland Eclipse: A Celestial Gathering in the Land of Fire and Ice

12–15 August 2026 | Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

Next summer, something extraordinary will unfold on Iceland’s mystical Snæfellsnes peninsula. On 12 August 2026, a rare total solar eclipse will sweep across the island – an astronomical phenomenon not seen there since 1954 and not set to return until 2196. For just over two minutes, the midsummer sun will vanish into shadow, as day gives way to night.

This celestial event is the headliner for Iceland Eclipse, a once-in-a-lifetime festival where nature, art, music, wellness, and innovation converge beneath the darkened skies. For four transformative days, seekers from across the world will gather in one of Earth’s most powerful landscapes to witness, connect, and co-create.

The Vision Behind the Festival

“Iceland Eclipse is not just another festival – it’s a cultural experiment,” explains Mihai Mija, Marketing Manager of the event. “The eclipse itself is our headliner. Everything else flows from that moment – a moment we want people to integrate into their lives through art, music, wellness, and connection.”

The festival is co-created by Mitch Morales of IMXP, known for curating community-oriented, decentralised events, alongside Fred Ólafsson of Secret Solstice, Iceland’s celebrated music and culture festival. Together, they’re shaping an experience that blends global creativity with local authenticity.

So far, participants (never simply “artists” or “speakers”) represent more than 16 countries and 100 cities worldwide – from Australia and Japan to Europe and the Americas. Visionaries range from wellbeing experts and astronauts to internationally acclaimed artists like Alex Grey and Allyson Grey.

“Everyone is a participant,” Mihai stresses. “Whether you’re on stage or in the crowd, everyone brings hidden talents and unique energy. That’s what makes this gathering so alive.”

Why Snæfellsnes?

The choice of location is no accident. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula – often called “Iceland in miniature” – is a landscape of surreal diversity: black sand beaches, lava caves, glacial peaks, and vast stretches of untouched wilderness. At its heart towers Snæfellsjökull, a glacier-capped volcano celebrated as one of Earth’s main energy centres and immortalised in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth.

The host town, Hellissandur, once a humble fishing village of 400 residents, is now Iceland’s “Street Art Capital.” The organisers intend not only to host the festival there but also to honour the local culture with sustainability, respect, and collaboration. Cars will remain at the town’s edge, encouraging participants to explore on foot, absorbing art, nature, and community.

What to Expect

Unlike most festivals that build towards a finale, Iceland Eclipse begins with its climax: the solar eclipse itself. What follows is a rich programme designed to help participants process, celebrate, and expand on the awe they’ve just witnessed.

Highlights include:

World-class music – Electronic acts, live bands, and boundary-pushing performances.
Transformative wellness – Meditation circles, sound journeys, breathwork, and workshops with global wellbeing leaders.
Cosmic rituals & fireside talks – From visionary thinkers to local storytellers.
Immersive art – Large-scale installations and collaborative mural projects.
Explorations of Iceland – Guided glacier hikes, geothermal bathing, lava tunnel tours, and whale encounters.

Accommodation spans from tents and glamping to bespoke rentals and campervans, creating a vibrant village atmosphere against the wild Icelandic backdrop.

And in a testament to its intimacy, just 3,333 tickets will be released. A deliberate choice, Mihai explains: “The number three symbolises creativity, joy, and connection. It’s intentional, not random – a reflection of the festival’s spirit.”

More Than a Festival – A Legacy

Already, Iceland Eclipse is attracting stories as unique as the event itself. One couple, engaged during the Texas eclipse, will return with their family to marry under Iceland’s celestial skies. Groups of travellers from across the globe are planning pilgrimages, drawn not only by the eclipse but also by the sense of tribe, intimacy, and shared wonder the festival inspires.

“It’s not your regular festival,” Mihai reflects. “It’s the eclipse, it’s Iceland, it’s the people, and it’s the local community welcoming us with open hands. That combination makes this a rare and deeply meaningful experience.”

Travel Notes

• Getting There: Direct flights from Europe and North America into Keflavík International Airport, followed by a scenic drive to Snæfellsnes. Campervan hire is highly recommended for flexibility.
• Stay: Options range from camping and glamping on-site to boutique rentals in Hellissandur. Book early – spaces are limited.
• When to Book: Tickets are capped at 3,333 and expected to sell quickly. Early reservations are essential.
• What to Pack: Layers for Iceland’s shifting weather, sturdy boots for hikes, and swimwear for geothermal bathing.

A Celestial Invitation

For those seeking more than entertainment – for those craving meaning, transformation, and connection with nature’s greatest wonders – Iceland Eclipse offers an invitation unlike any other.

As Mihai sums it up: “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The last solar eclipse in Iceland was in 1954, the next won’t come until 2196. To witness this in one of the world’s most mystical landscapes, alongside a global community of seekers – that’s truly special.”

Iceland Eclipse
12 – 15 August 2026
Snæfellsnes, Iceland
Sign up for ticket updates: eclipse.is