Solar Eclipse 2026: Governance and Coordination in Rural Communities

The ITRC has been awarded a one-year grant from the Regional Research Fund (Byggðarannsóknarsjóður) to undertake the research project Solar Eclipse 2026: Governance and Coordination in Rural Communities, examining governance and coordination challenges associated with the 2026 total solar eclipse.

On 12 August 2026, a total solar eclipse will pass over parts of Iceland, attracting large numbers of visitors to the areas within the path of totality. While such events generate significant opportunities for destinations, they also place considerable demands on local infrastructure and services. Many of the affected areas are rural communities whose transportation networks, communications systems, emergency services, parking facilities, and public amenities are designed to meet every-day needs rather than accommodate a sudden influx of visitors.

The study focuses on West Iceland and the Westfjords, two regions expected to experience increased visitor activity during the eclipse. Its primary objective is to explore how municipalities and other key stakeholders prepare for and respond to a predictable, large-scale event that places substantial pressure on destinations, infrastructure, and service provision. Particular attention will be given to the role of governance, inter-organizational coordination, and decision-making processes in supporting effective destination management and maintaining operational resilience.

The research adopts a qualitative approach. Researchers will observe meetings of regional coordination and stakeholder groups in the months leading up to the eclipse to gain insight into planning processes and collaborative practices. Following the event, interviews will be conducted with key participants involved in its preparation and delivery to assess experiences, challenges, and lessons learned.

The project is led by Ása Marta Sveinsdóttir (asamarta@rmf.is), Eyrún Jenný Bjarnadóttir (ejb@rmf.is), and Vera Vilhjálmsdóttir (verav@rmf.is).