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Partial solar eclipse · 12 August 2026

Where to watch the 2026 solar eclipse in Zurich

Zurich sees a deep partial eclipse on 12 August 2026 — about 90.5% of the Sun covered at around 20:17 CEST, with the Sun only ~3° above the horizon.

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Maximum~20:17 CESTZurich · Switzerland · 12 Aug 2026

Duration~1h 44m of partial eclipseThis is the full partial eclipse from first to last contact. There is no totality here — the Sun is never completely covered, so there is no corona and no moment when it is safe to look without protection.

Sun altitude~3° above the WNW horizonlow in the west — an open horizon is essential

Coverage90.5% (partial)Zurich is OUTSIDE the path of totality. About 90.5% of the Sun is covered at maximum — a deep partial eclipse, but not a total one. The corona never appears and the sky does not go dark.

Clear-sky odds Mixed, valley-dependent · ≈56%Swiss and Alpine weather in August varies sharply by valley; afternoon build-ups are common but often clear by evening.

Counting down to maximum

—days —hrs —min —sec

Zurich sees a deep partial eclipse on 12 August 2026 — about 90.5% of the Sun covered at around 20:17 CEST, with the Sun only ~3° above the horizon.

Below: Zurich's exact timings, the best open viewpoints, why your eclipse glasses never come off here, and where the real totality is.

The timeline

When the eclipse happens

~19:24 CESTPartial begins — first "bite" out of the Sun

~20:17 CESTPartial — ~1h 44m of partial eclipse. Glasses off only if total.

~20:42 CESTEclipse ends ~21:08 CEST

The eclipse runs from about 19:24 to 21:08 CEST, with maximum at around 20:17 and the Sun ~3° above the west-northwest horizon. The Sun sets at 20:42 CEST, during the eclipse, so the later stages happen below the horizon — an open west-northwest view is essential.

Where to set up

The best places to watch

Uetliberg

Mountain · city's own summit

Best height and horizon

Zurich's house mountain gives a commanding view west over the city and lake — the strongest option for a Sun barely 3° up.

Lake Zurich promenade

Lakeside · open water

Flat open sightline

The lakefront gives a low, unobstructed view along the water.

Lindenhof

Elevated · old town

Height in the centre

The historic terrace above the Limmat gives a modest but useful elevation.

Zürichberg heights

Elevated · wooded

Long views over the city

The wooded hill east of the centre gives height and open outlooks west.

West and south-west for deeper coverage

More of the Sun covered

Geneva ~93%

Coverage deepens markedly toward Geneva and the French border.

Local astronomy societies and science centres often organise safe public viewing with filtered telescopes — worth checking closer to the date.

Plan your trip

Where to stay near the eclipse

Accommodation around the viewing area for eclipse night (11–13 Aug 2026). Compare hotels and rentals live on the map below.

The weather call

Will the sky be clear?

Swiss and Alpine weather in August varies sharply by valley; afternoon build-ups are common but often clear by evening.

The deciding factor here is simply whether the sky is clear at the right moment. Check the forecast in the final 48 hours and, if you can, keep the option of moving to a gap in the cloud.

Plan the day

Your eclipse-day checklist

Certified ISO 12312-2 / CE eclipse glasses — one pair per person
Glasses stay ON for the entire eclipse — there is no safe moment here
An open west-northwest horizon — the Sun is only ~3° up
Arrive before 19:24 to catch first contact

Check the cloud forecast in the final 48 hours
Never look through a camera, phone or binoculars without a proper solar filter
Pinhole projection is a safe way for groups to watch together
If you want totality, it is northern Spain — not here

Watch it safely

However you’re watching, watch it safely

Every Absolute Eclipse product is independently certified and made in the EU. There’s no safe moment to look unaided here — keep certified eyewear on the entire time.

ISO 12312-2 certified
CE · EU 2016/425 PPE
Made & shipped in the EU

Zurich eclipse FAQ

Will Zurich see a total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026?

No. Zurich is outside the path of totality and sees a partial eclipse, with about 90.5% of the Sun covered at maximum. It is a striking sight through eclipse glasses, but the corona does not appear and the sky does not go dark. The path of totality crosses northern Spain.

What time is the eclipse in Zurich?

The partial phase begins at about 19:24 CEST and maximum — 90.5% coverage — comes at roughly 20:17 CEST. The Sun sets at 20:42 CEST, during the eclipse, so the later stages happen below the horizon — an open west-northwest view is essential.

Do I need eclipse glasses in Zurich?

Yes, for the entire eclipse without exception. Because the Sun is never fully covered, there is never a safe moment to look with the naked eye. Even at 90.5% coverage the remaining sliver is dangerously bright. Certified ISO 12312-2 / CE glasses stay on from start to finish.

Where should I watch from in Zurich?

The Sun is only about 3° above the horizon, so you need an open, unobstructed view to the west-northwest. Buildings, hills and trees in that direction will hide the deepest phase.

Will the weather be clear in Zurich on eclipse day?

Swiss and Alpine weather in August varies sharply by valley; afternoon build-ups are common but often clear by evening.

Keep exploring the path

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