How often is there a total solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse happens a few times a year, but a total solar eclipse, also known as the path of totality, has not showin in Europe for 27 years.

When is the best time to see the total solar eclipse?

The Northern Lights begin to return to the Arctic at the end of August, but you'll still be greeted with long days of daylight during your August 2026 solar eclipse cruise to make the most of the environment in which you're sailing. The solar eclipse will occur in Greenland at 5.30pm on 12 August 2026 and in Iceland at 5:45pm.

How do you photograph a solar eclipse?

As you stand beneath the spectacle you'll certainly want to snap a photograph or two to take back home with you. Be sure to test your camera settings and attach a solar filter to your camera's lens to protect your camera and eyes before and after the actual total solar eclipse - just be sure to take off any lens filters, including the solar filter, during the path of totality, putting it back on when the second diamond ring appears. You should also be sure to focus manually, not using autofocus and it's recommended that keen photographers use a tripod. Rest assured, your expedition team will have you perfectly positioned in plenty of time to get prepped.

Solar eclipse cruises to book now for 2026

Scenic's 14-night voyage aboard Scenic Eclipse on 4th August 2026 from Longyearbyen to Reykjavík will be perfectly positioned to witness the spectacle of the total solar eclipse in the remote outskirts of Greenland from the luxurious Scenic Eclipse. Keep watch for wildlife in remote Svalbard, discover charming towns and rich history in Iceland, and soak in the scenery from the yacht's observation deck whilst sailing the magnificent fjord network of East Greenland.

For an even more adventure-focussed departure, AE Expeditions offer a similar itinerary aboard the 130-guest Greg Mortimer departing 2 August 2026, from Longyearbyen to Reykjavík. With guidance from your expert expedition team, you'll explore Svalbard and East Greenland - which is where you'll view the eclipse - with a highlight including the dramatic Scoresbysund, the world's longest fjord system, as well as additional optional activities on offer including kayaking and trekking.

HX Hurtigruten Expeditions will also embark and debark from the same ports but on a Greenland-intensive itinerary departing on 2 August 2026, viewing the eclipse from on board 335-guest MS Spitsbergen, with the ship's manoeuvrability and small size allows guests to get even closer to the stunning scenery that this part of the world is famous for, while Ponant have an excellent two-week voyage that explores Svalbard before Greenland, departing on 1 August 2026.

Polar experts Quark Expeditions also have a Reykjavík round-trip sailing on 3 August 2026 that includes witnessing the total solar eclipse in Iceland on 12 August, with highlights including crossing the Arctic Circle, Iceland's famous Westfjords and Greenland's Scoresbysund, alongside expert lectures and activities like whale watching, kayaking and more.