How to safely watch the 2026 solar eclipse in the Netherlands

A rare total solar eclipse will pass over parts of Europe on the evening of Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Anyone in the Netherlands can also take a peek at the special celestial event, as a partial solar eclipse will be visible.

When is the solar eclipse visible in the Netherlands?

On August 12, the same day that the Perseids meteor shower is peaking, the Netherlands is set to witness “the largest partial solar eclipse visible until 2081”, reports Watson. The moon will move in between the Earth and the sun, totally or partially obscuring it from view and causing Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain and Russia to turn from daytime into nighttime.

So, if you don’t want to wait another 55 years to experience the next total solar eclipse from the Netherlands, head outside on the evening of August 12. According to Weeronline, the solar eclipse will begin in the Netherlands at 7.16pm, peaking at around 8.11pm when around 88 percent of the sun is covered by the moon. The celestial event should be over at 9.03pm.  

Because a full solar eclipse won’t be visible from the Netherlands, it won’t go completely dark. "So, unlike with a total eclipse, we won't experience that strange feeling of night, even though it's daytime. But there will be a noticeable decrease in brightness, as we will only be seeing 10 percent of the sun," explains Georges Meynet, honorary professor of astronomy at the University of Geneva.

Where to watch the partial solar eclipse in the Netherlands

The best place to see the solar eclipse in the Netherlands is with a view of the northwest, so head to a spot with an unobstructed view in that direction, such as a national park or beach. Alternatively, you can also head to a viewing location.

Several observatories and the University of Groningen are organising safe observation sites for the evening. The University of Groningen will set up viewing spots on Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland, the roof of Forum Groningen, Eemshaven, Lauwersoog and Noordpolderzijl, reports Hart van Nederland.

Copernicus Observatory from Haarlem is also setting up telescopes on the Bloemendaal boulevard as well as eclipse glasses to allow for safe viewing. Saturnus Observatory from Heerhugowaard is organising an observation location at the dunes near Petten. The Cosmos Observatory from Twente is setting up special solar telescopes at a farm in Lattrop. 

How to watch a solar eclipse safely

Visibility will depend on the weather, comments Michaël Cottier, science communicator at the FXB observatory: “If there are storm clouds in the west or fog, we will have problems.” As the sun will already be low in the sky, Cottier recommends heading to higher altitudes, such as on top of a hill with a view to the north west, for the best view. 

NASA also shared some tips on how to enjoy the event while remaining safe. The space agency recommended wearing ISO-certified eclipse glasses, rather than regular sunglasses, to protect your eyes while looking towards the sky. Avoid using binoculars, a telescope, or a camera that doesn’t have a solar filter. 

Parts of this article originally appeared on IamExpat Switzerland.