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Iceland: Trek to the Solar Eclipse 2026

10th Aug 2026 - 15th Aug 2026

6 days/Iceland /Moderate

Overview

Trip Summary | Iceland: Trek to the Solar Eclipse

Iceland is set to experience its first total solar eclipse of this century, and you could have front-row seats to this incredible astronomical marvel. We’re planning a special adventure to an already exciting destination to coincide with this rare phenomenon.

On Wednesday, 12 August 2026, the Moon’s shadow will sweep across the Westfjords, Snæfellsnes, and Reykjanes Peninsulas, with totality lasting up to 2 minutes and 18 seconds. As the skies darken in the afternoon, the Sun’s glowing corona will be revealed in a breathtaking celestial display.

This is not just a chance to witness an astronomical wonder; it’s also an opportunity to explore Iceland’s ethereal landscapes of volcanoes and mudpools, swim between tectonic plates that separate continents, enjoy delicious local cuisine, and be part of an unforgettable adventure.

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Fitness Requirements

This Iceland: Trek to the Solar Eclipse trek is graded moderate for someone of good physical fitness. While you are not trekking great distances over multiple consecutive days, you will spend time navigating various terrain underfoot. The exposed nature of Iceland also means you may experience inclement weather, which could change at short notice.

NB. To take part in the snorkelling activity at Silfra, you will be required to read and sign a medical statement. All those over 60 years old and those with certain health conditions will need a signature from your doctor to confirm your eligibility for this activity. Please note your GP may charge you for this service.

You will be accompanied by a local team who have excellent knowledge of the region. The team are first aid trained and will support you throughout this trip. You will also be accompanied by a Different Travel Company UK tour manager.

This trek is graded moderate for someone of good physical fitness. While you are not trekking great distances over multiple consecutive days you will spend time navigating various terrain underfoot. The exposed nature of Iceland also means you may experience inclement weather which could change at short notice.

NB. In order to take part in the snorkelling activity at Silfra, you will be required to read and sign a medical statement. All those over 60 years old and those with certain health conditions will need a signature from your doctor to confirm your eligibility for this activity. Please note your GP may charge you for this service.

Temperatures can typically peak to around 14°C during the day and drop to around 9°C at night; however, you must be prepared for variations to this which are out of our control. The weather during the adventure is likely to be dry with light winds, and rain is possible. Please note: the temperatures and conditions above are historically accurate, but climate change can impact the seasons, so you may experience uncharacteristic conditions during the trip, which are out of our control. The guides will assess the situation and make decisions to ensure the best enjoyment and safety of the group.

You will be provided with plenty of hearty Icelandic meals which typically include fish and lamb and will keep your energy levels high for each day of discovery. Please inform us in advance if you have any dietary requirements or preferences.

The minimum age is 18. It may be possible to participate if you are 16 or 17 years old but you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit. The ideal candidate would be fit, healthy and determined, open to adventure and adaptable to unexpected changes.

NB. In order to take part in the snorkelling activity at Silfra, you will be required to read and sign a medical statement. All those over 60 years old and those with certain health conditions will need a signature from your doctor to confirm your eligibility for this activity. Please note your GP may charge you for this service.

You will stay in a hotel for the duration of the trip. A single-occupancy hotel room may be possible subject to availability and payment of a single supplement.

This trek does not take place in an area of high altitude.

Itinerary

Eclipse Trail: Iceland by Foot

Day 1 (Monday 10 August 2026):

London – Reykjavik
Arrive in Reykjavík and transfer to Hotel Kvika, located on Iceland’s scenic southern coast. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 (Tuesday 11 August 2026):

Nesjavellir – Reykjadalur – Hveragerði
After a hearty breakfast, we head out to explore the geothermal area of Nesjavellir. Following a visit to the bubbling mud pools, we continue to the enchanting Reykjadalur valley, full of steaming volcanic solfatara vents, where you’ll have the chance to soak in the natural hot springs and warm river. From here, it’s just a short drive back to our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 (Wednesday 12 August 2026):

Snæfellsnes (or other area, depending on visibility)
Today is dedicated to witnessing the spectacular total solar eclipse taking place over Western Iceland this afternoon. The Moon’s umbral shadow will first touch land at Straumnes Lighthouse in the remote Hornstrandir region of the Westfjords at 17:43:28, where totality will last for 1 minute and 26 seconds. The shadow then sweeps south across the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Reykjavík, and the Reykjanes Peninsula. The full window of totality across Iceland spans from 17:43:28 to 17:50:07, offering a dramatic 6 minutes and 48 seconds of celestial wonder.

We’ll use this day to travel to the best possible viewing location, based on the latest weather forecasts. While the itinerary and sightseeing plans may adapt to eclipse conditions, you can be sure of more unforgettable encounters with Iceland’s extraordinary, otherworldly landscapes.
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 (Thursday 13 August 2026):

Þingvellir National Park – Reykjavik
A short drive takes us to Þingvellir National Park, where we’ll hike along the dramatic fault lines that separate the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. For those seeking an unforgettable adventure, there’s an optional opportunity to snorkel between the continents, a true once-in-a-lifetime experience! After exploring the park, we continue to Reykjavík for a celebration dinner in town, followed by an overnight stay at Hotel Cabin (or similar).
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Trek: approx. 10km

Day 5 (Friday 14 August 2026):

Reykjavik 
Today is free for you to explore Reykjavík at your own pace or join an optional excursion to the world-famous Blue Lagoon (additional cost applies).
Overnight: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 6 (Saturday 15 August 2026):

Reykjavik – London
Today we take the flight home to London.
Meals: Breakfast

N.B. This itinerary may change due to weather, the ability of the group and so on. We will do our best to keep to the itinerary, but we cannot be held responsible for changes outside of our control. In all circumstances, your guide and tour leader will have the final say in the interest of health and safety.

Costs & How to pay

Total trip cost: £2,994

  • Non-refundable deposit at the time of booking: £499
  • Remaining trip costs: £2,495 is due to be paid by 1 June 2026.
  • Your trip costs include flights, accommodation, meals as specified, guides, transfers as noted in the itinerary. Please also check the ‘What’s Included’ tab for full details.

Please contact us at accounts@different-travel.com for details on how to pay your deposit or trip costs by instalments.

 

Optional Snorkelling: £150pp

  • Snorkelling offers a surreal experience as you glide between two continents in the crystal-clear waters of the Silfra fissure.
  • This must be pre-booked and paid for in advance.

What's included

  • Return flights from London (inc. current taxes and fuel surcharges),
  • Transfers and transport in Iceland
  • Accommodation in hotels (5 nights)
  • Meals as specified
  • Local guides
  • Different Travel UK tour manager

What's not included

  • Lunch on Day 5
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips (£50-60pp)
  • Personal expenses (e.g. drinks, souvenirs etc.)
  • Vaccinations
  • Costs for signed medical form for snorkelling at Silfra

Have a question?

If you’ve a question about this challenge that you can’t find the answer to within the given information then complete this quick form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.