Discussions

Community discussions about Iceland — experiences, tips, and stories.

Solar Eclipse

August 12, 2026

On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse crosses Iceland — the path of totality runs over western Iceland, with Reykjavík near the centerline for a short window of daytime darkness in the early evening (around 17:43 GMT). It's a once-in-lifetimes event: the last total eclipse anywhere in Iceland was in 1954, Reykjavík hasn't seen one since 1433 — 593 years ago — and the country won't see another until 2196. Clear skies matter as much as location, so this is the place to plan it: where you'll watch from, how you're tracking the weather, travel and camping logistics, and tips for photographing totality.

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Northern Lights

September — March

The aurora borealis dances across Iceland's winter skies when darkness returns and conditions are clear.

☀️

Midnight Sun

June — July

The sun barely sets during Iceland's summer, painting the sky in golden light around the clock.

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Rainbows

Year-round

Iceland's constant mix of rain and low sun makes rainbows a near-daily sight — and the waterfalls put on the best show. Skógafoss is famous for a rainbow hanging in its spray on sunny afternoons, and Seljalandsfoss, Gullfoss, and the south coast all deliver. Share where and when you've caught the brightest ones, double rainbows, and your photos.

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Puffin Season

May — August

Millions of puffins nest along Iceland's coasts, especially in the Westman Islands and Látrabjarg.

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Lupines

June — July

Each summer, fields of Nootka lupine wash across Iceland in vivid purple and blue — brought in decades ago to help fight soil erosion, and now one of the island's most photographed summer sights. Bloom peaks around late June, with famous stretches near Vík, Stokksnes, and across the south and east. Share where you've found the best fields, timing and light tips, and your photos.

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Ice Caves

November — March

Crystal blue ice caves form inside glaciers each winter, accessible with guided tours.

🐋

Whale Watching

April — October

Humpback whales, minke whales, and dolphins feed in Iceland's nutrient-rich waters.

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Volcanic Activity

Year-round

Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Eruptions reshape the landscape and draw visitors worldwide.

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F-Road Season

June — September

Highland roads open in summer, revealing Iceland's remote interior — hot springs, volcanic deserts, and solitude.

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Berry Picking

August — September

Wild blueberries and crowberries cover the Icelandic highlands in late summer.

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Réttir (Sheep Roundup)

September

Farmers and volunteers gather sheep from the highlands in a centuries-old tradition unique to Iceland.

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Reindeer

Year-round · best autumn — winter

Wild reindeer roam only East Iceland, descended from a handful brought from Norway in the late 1700s. In summer they graze high in the highlands; as it turns cold they move down toward the lowlands and roads around the eastfjords, which is when most travellers spot them. Share where you've seen a herd and your photos.

🐴

Icelandic Horses

Year-round

Iceland's horses are a pure breed brought by settlers over 1,000 years ago and kept isolated ever since — none can be imported, and one that leaves can never return. Small, sturdy, and famous for a smooth extra gait called the tölt, they graze across the countryside all year. Share where you've spotted them, riding-tour tips, and photos.

🎿

Snow Sports

November — April

Skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling across Iceland's mountains and glaciers. Popular areas include Akureyri, the Westfjords, and Mýrdalsjökull.