Municipalities to switch off lights and close roads for eclipse

Municipalities in the capital region will switch off street lighting and close roads to enhance the darkness during the total solar eclipse, mbl.is reports.

Residents have been asked to check their own lighting systems to prevent automatic garden and stairway lights from switching on while the eclipse is at its peak.

Vigdís Másdóttir, communications and marketing manager at Kópavogur Municipality, has participated in a working group organised by the Marketing Office of the Capital Region. She said switching off street lighting had been a major focus in recent weeks.

“The municipalities have joined forces and intend to switch off the lighting under their control,” Vigdís said.

Streetlights on major roads, including Miklabraut, Hafnarfjarðarvegur and Breiðholtsbraut, will remain on in accordance with police recommendations. The aim is to ensure traffic safety and allow emergency responders to travel without difficulty if needed.

An interactive map of road closures is available on solmyrkvi2026.is and the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration website. Information about the closures and their timings is also available on island.is.

Vigdís said people were expected to gather in several places, but encouraged residents to enjoy the eclipse from home.

“We want people to be at home enjoying it, because it will be wonderful wherever you are,” she said.