02-08-2025
Where Luxury Travelers Should Book To See Europe's Rare 2026 Eclipse
Noctourism was outlined as one of the top travel trends for this year. getty
With solar activity anticipated to peak at levels not seen in decades this year, interest in the night skies is soaring.
In fact, noctourism was outlined as one of the top travel trends for this year, with nearly two-thirds (60%) of travellers seeking out experiences like star-bathing, stargazing and once-in-a-lifetime cosmic events, including the Northern Lights.
And Europe is set to witness one of its most anticipated celestial events for decades next year: the continent's first total solar eclipse in 27 years.
On 12th August 2026, the first total solar eclipse of this millennium will be visible from populated regions of Europe, offering people the extremely rare opportunity to experience this astronomical phenomenon from such an accessible continent.
The last solar eclipse visible only along a narrow corridor spanning Mexico, the U.S., and Canada drove a 15-fold spike in hotel searches and a 304% surge in flight bookings.
And given 2026 will mark the first time this rare phenomenon has been visible from Europe since 1999, the eclipse is expected to trigger a major surge in travel interest.
During a total solar eclipse, the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, completely blocking the Sun and dramatically darkening the sky. Stars and planets near the Sun suddenly become visible, and the Sun's shimmering outer atmosphere, the corona, appears as a stunning silver halo around the Moon.
And those in the path of totality can witness the thrilling moments just before and after peak eclipse, including the spectacular "diamond ring" effect, when the last sliver of sunlight creates a brilliant flash that resembles a diamond on a ring.
Iceland and northern Spain are expected to be two of the best places to see the event in its totality.
'What makes this particularly special is how the shadow of the eclipse is set to cut across some of Europe's most dramatic landscapes, particularly Iceland's volcanoes and waterfalls in Snæfells Glacier National Park,' says Grant Holmes, Vice President of Travel at luxury travel community ASMALLWORLD.
'It will also pass over northern Spain, where cities like A Coruña, Bilbao, and Zaragoza—renowned for their culinary scenes—will be treated to a spectacular view of the eclipse in its totality." Where to See the Solar Eclipse in Totality in 2026 Watch the solar eclipse from a hot spring in Iceland
Luxury travel operator Eskimos is offering an unforgettable eclipse viewing experience with front-row views from infinity-edge pools overlooking the North Atlantic. This comprehensive package includes a one-hour pre-eclipse infotainment session at the renowned Harpa Music Hall on August 11th, paired with a two-night stay at premium accommodation in Reykjavík.
Watch as the Moon's shadow sweeps across the dramatic Icelandic landscape, steam rising into the darkening sky, and previously-invisible stars and planets come into view, all the while you soak in a 100°F geothermal pool. Experience the eclipse from a private spa house in the Icelandic mountains
For complete privacy and tranquillity, Naut Lodge is an exclusive lakeside retreat in Borgarfjörður, just over an hour from Reykjavík. The fully restored lodge features one spacious suite and seven elegant double rooms, each with a private bathroom, ideal for families, friends, or intimate getaways.
Guests can witness the eclipse surrounded by mountains and immersed in pristine Icelandic nature, from the comfort of the lodge's private Spa House, relaxing in the sauna, hot and cold tubs, with lakeside views as the Moon's shadow passes overhead. Chase the eclipse with astronauts in the pristine Arctic wilderness
Join an extraordinary 14-day Total Solar Eclipse cruise expedition following the path of the 16th total solar eclipse of the 21st century as it sweeps between Spitsbergen and Iceland.
Aboard PONANT's intimate expedition vessel, you'll witness this celestial phenomenon guided by astronauts Claudie and Jean-Pierre Haigneré, who bring unparalleled expertise to this once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event.
As totality transforms the Arctic sky, you'll be positioned in some of Earth's most spectacular and remote landscapes—from the dramatic mountains of Spitsbergen to the world's largest fjord system at Scoresby Sound, and the volcanic majesty of Jan Mayen Island.
Between eclipse viewing, explore this pristine wilderness through Zodiac excursions with expert naturalist guides, kayak among icebergs, and cruise alongside towering glaciers while searching for polar bears, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, whales and countless seabirds.
