A total solar eclipse crossed parts of Europe on Wednesday, drawing millions of spectators to witness the once-in-a-generation celestial event. The Moon passed between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily plunging parts of the region into darkness.
According to reports from CNBC, the path of totality stretched across parts of Greenland, northern Spain, and Iceland, while other parts of Europe, including the U.K. and France, experienced a partial eclipse. It was the region’s first total solar eclipse since 1999, making the event a rare draw for both local residents and international visitors.
Businesses capitalize on the spectacle
The influx of tourists provided a significant boost to retail and hospitality businesses, with some hotels in Iceland and northern Spain charging over $1,000 per night during the peak viewing period. The surge in demand extended to eclipse merchandise, particularly solar eclipse glasses, which saw hundreds of people queuing outside shops to secure a pair.
The scenes echoed the eclipse’s historic significance, as crowds gathered in prime viewing locations across the affected regions. While the full eclipse was visible only in a narrow corridor, the partial phases were widely observed across the continent, adding to the widespread excitement.
As the Moon’s shadow moved across the Atlantic and into Europe, the event offered a memorable experience for those fortunate enough to be in the path of totality, and a profitable opportunity for businesses that catered to the surge in demand.
Source: www.cnbc.com — https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/13/europe-solar-eclipse-iceland-spain.html
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