Part of Europe has seen an increase in hotel prices for August 12, 2026 due to the total eclipse. Hotel prices have increased dramatically as thousands of people plan their travel dates to watch the eclipse from within the path of totality which includes islands of Iceland, northern Spain and a small part of Portugal. One of the biggest astronomical surprises of the year has been the eclipse.
For a few minutes, the blotting out of daytime will change the sky to dark across a small track in the Northern Hemisphere. Based on the point of observation, totality will last only a few minutes. Those willing to travel far want to see the Moon totally block out the Sun have found Iceland and Spain to be the best place to go.
Reykjavik has had some of the biggest increases in prices. Historic Lighthouse data reveals hotel rooms in the capital city of Iceland now have an average rate of approximately $ 1012 per night during eclipsweek equating to almost twice the amount during the same time period in 2025 and 212%in excess of the average rate in 2026 for that city. Short term rentals are even higher in price at anaverage of about $ 1172 per night.
Spain too is experiencing a similar growth with tourism, though prices differ widely across regions. Certain Spanish cities, which lie in the eclipse path, have confirmed a drastic surge in hotel demand versus last year.
SiteMinder data indicated an increase in booking for 10 12 August ranging from 76% on year on year basis, and in some key areas where people will be able to see the eclipse, average daily rates increased by as much as 85%. What is Mostly notable is the large variation in the prices of Spanish destinations. While pressure has been very high for A Corua, Santiago de Compostela is still relatively cheap.
Lighthouse statistics show mean hotel room rates in Santiago are about $193, compared with around $315 in Bilbao and over $1,000 in Reykjavik. Further studies also demonstrate the degree to which prices have adjusted. An investigation of over 5,500 Spanish accommodation providers revealed large increases in numerous municipalities.
Soria and Len experienced some of the most significant changes, with reported increments of over 650% compared to previous time periods. This increase is a result of a straightforward issue of supply and demand: the path of totality is narrow, and so individuals searching for the greatest possibility of witnessing totality are flocking to a small handful of towns and cities. And, the hour of the eclipse inspires would-be viewers to think twice about where to go.
In Iceland, for instance, the Sun’s eclipse will be total in Reykjavk during early evening hours, and several regions in northern Spain are also anticipated to witness the Moon fully obscure the Sun. Weather becomes a factor here, though- clouds could make or break the day.
