12 August 2026 Partial solar eclipse over Switzerland
near-totality around 20:18 91% of the sun covered
On 12 August 2026, an eclipse will cover more than 90% of the sun over Switzerland. It is a rare event, and it will not happen again before 2075. Here you will find everything you need to make the most of this extraordinary celestial spectacle.
Times in Switzerland
- Eclipse begins 19:25:22 Sun 12° high
- Maximum 20:18:54 91.3% · Sun 3.7° high
- Sunset 20:46:09 Coverage at sunset: 36%
- Eclipse ends 21:09:40 after sunset
Swiss local time (CEST, UTC+2), computed for Bern. Elsewhere in Switzerland the times shift by two to three minutes.
Where to see the eclipse?
The eclipse of 12 August 2026 is unusual in that it happens shortly before sunset, which promises a spectacle of colour.
But because the sun will sit very low on the horizon, you will need to choose your viewing spot carefully to make the most of it, as Switzerland is a mountainous country.
To help you maximise your chances of seeing it, we have prepared a map that tells you whether the eclipse will be visible from where you are.
Protecting your eyes
If you want to watch the eclipse, you must protect your eyes. Even with more than 90% of it covered, the sun stays bright enough to burn your retina in seconds, with no pain at all to warn you.
Ordinary sunglasses and smoked glass are not enough to protect you.
Our partner lunettes-eclipse.ch sells glasses certified to ISO 12312-2 that let you watch it safely, delivered within one working day in Switzerland.