This Icelandic Festival Celebrates the First Total Solar Eclipse Since 1954
Talk about Midsommer! Iceland is about to have its first total solar eclipse in 70 years and of course it has created an awesome, life-altering festival around it.
On 12 August 2026, a rare total solar eclipse will darken the skies over Iceland – an astronomical event not seen in the country since 1954, and won’t happen again until 2196. For more than two minutes, over the town of Hellissandur, the midsummer Sun will vanish, setting the stage for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
At the moment of eclipse totality, a four-day journey will unfold on the western edge of Iceland; an immersive convergence of music, art, nature, technology, wellness, and connection on the mystical Snæfellsnes peninsula.
While most events build toward a celestial climax, Iceland Eclipse begins with it.
As the skies return to light, the festival flows into the eclipse afterglow with a curated program featuring Icelandic and international talent. Expect world-class electronic and live music, large-scale installations, thought-provoking talks, cosmic rituals, and interactive experiences—each element designed to move in rhythm with the eclipse’s energy.
Iceland Eclipse honors the long tradition of eclipse gatherings, reimagining them for a new era. Co-created by IMXP and Secret Solstice and supported by a global network of collaborators across music, art, space, and wellness. Together, they will welcome a community of creatives, futurists, and explorers reimagining what a festival can be: not just a celebration, but also a cultural experiment.
Festival guests will be immersed in Iceland’s rich landscape during their stay, with opportunities ranging from tent and glamping passes to bespoke accommodations and private stays in Hellissandur’s one-of-a-kind rentals.
“We are honored to continue the legacy of transformational eclipse festivals with this celestial gathering, set in mystic nature. Iceland Eclipse will bring experience-seekers from around the globe to celebrate and co-create our shared future,” says Mitch Morales, IMXP Founder.
“As someone who calls this land home it is incredibly meaningful to return with a project as rare and special as Iceland Eclipse,” says Fred Ólafsson, Founder Secret Solstice. “This partnership is a chance to co-create something truly memorable for both Icelanders and the global community during one of the most extraordinary celestial events of our time.”
Here’s what you can expect:
Regenerative approach: With a focus on sustainability, consciousness, education and purpose-driven gathering. There will be Leave-no-trace principles, local collaboration, and low-impact production.
Offsite adventures: Explore lava tunnels, walk on glaciers, bathe in geothermal springs. The offsite excursions are designed to integrate nature, culture, and awe into the festival journey.
Builders Residency: As part of the festival’s future forward vision Iceland Eclipse will host an Innovation Residency, from 12 July to 11 August 2026 across Hellissandur Rif and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This immersive program invites a curated group of 50 to 500 technologists, artists, visionaries and experienced designers to co-create meaningful, future-facing work inspired by Iceland’s landscape, culture, and the timing of the eclipse.
Innovation and sustainability: First-ever total solar eclipse festival in Iceland is guided by leave-no-trace principles and local collaboration.
Location Advantage: Snæfellsnes has low light pollution, making it ideal for celestial viewing and catching the peak of the Perseid meteor shower.
Snæfellsjökull: Is believed to be one of the main energy centers of the Earth. At 17:47 UTC, the total solar eclipse will reach full totality over Snæfellsnes, delivering over 2 minutes of complete darkness. It’s a rare astronomical event (last seen in Iceland in 1954, and next expected in 2196). The region’s glacier-capped volcano is featured in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Hellissandur: Known as Iceland’s “Street Art Capital” with the highest mural density in the country.
Geothermal Wonders: The peninsula is dotted with natural hot springs, lava fields, and black sand beaches.
Wildlife Encounters: Home to arctic foxes, seabirds, and frequent sightings of whales and seals.
Many visitors say Iceland’s wild landscapes awaken inner truth and spark deep personal transformation.
A curated convergence in the land of fire and ice, Iceland Eclipse welcomes a global community of seekers drawn to rare experiences, deep connections, and immersive nature exploration. With extremely limited capacity, this is an intimate gathering for those who crave meaning, creativity, innovation and community.
About the organizers
IMXP short for Immersive Experiences, empowers creators, brands, and organizations to design transformative gatherings that bridge physical and digital worlds through meaningful community experiments. Collaborating with local voices, we facilitate cultural exchanges in dynamic, immersive formats. Our goal is to re-envision experience co-creation toward sustainable event models in inspiring locations on our home planet and beyond.
Secret Solstice is the Icelandic music and culture festival held under the midnight sun. Born from our desire to create unmissable music experiences that are exclusive to us, from hosting the world’s only rave in a glacier to intimate performances in a 5000 year old lava tunnel or journeying to the centre of the earth for a concert. We push boundaries to provide that extra special offering that makes us one of the most unique festivals in the world.
Get tickets to Iceland Eclipse and more information here. Explore Iceland while you’re there! Shop for accommodation here.
