Reykjavik Hotels Surge to Over $1,000 a Night Amid Solar Eclipse Tourism Boom
In Reykjavik, Iceland, hotel and short-term rental prices surged to over $1,000 a night due to a rare total solar eclipse visible on August 12, 2026. This astronomical event, which also affected other parts of Europe such as the U.K., northern Spain, Greenland, and Portugal, led to a significant increase in travel demand. According to data from Lighthouse Intelligence, hotel prices in Reykjavik averaged $1,012 per night during the eclipse week, doubling the rates from the same period in 2025. Short-term rentals saw an even steeper increase, averaging $1,172 per night, marking a 178% rise from the previous year. Despite the initial high prices, last-minute discounts were observed, with rates dropping by 46% to 51% closer to the event date.