Partial solar eclipse to cross Germany on August 12, 2026

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

When to see the partial solar eclipse in Germany

Next week, Germany is set to gaze upon “the largest partial solar eclipse visible until 2081”, according to 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 Germany, head outside on the evening of August 12. The event will begin in the northeastern part of Germany, reaching Greifswald at 7.12pm and Munich at 7.23pm. The eclipse will end around 9pm, when the sun has set across the country, although this will vary depending on where you are, reports Zeit.

In Germany, just a small, curved crescent of the sun will be visible, as 85 percent to 90 percent will be obscured by the moon. 

"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.

The best place to see the solar eclipse in Germany is in Freiburg, where 90 percent of the sun will be hidden. Residents there will get a bonus show as a large meteor shower should follow afterwards.

How to watch 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.

This article originally appeared on IamExpat Switzerland.