Photo: Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 de

Partial solar eclipse · 12 August 2026

Where to watch the 2026 solar eclipse in Munich

Munich sees a partial eclipse of around 89% on 12 August 2026, low in the west-north-west as the Sun sets behind the Bavarian horizon.

Partial eclipse Get certified eclipse glasses

Maximum~20:15 CESTBavaria · 12 Aug 2026 · maximum eclipse

Duration~1h 43m 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~2° above the WNW horizonlow in the west — an open horizon is essential

Coverage88.7% (partial)Munich is OUTSIDE the path of totality. About 88.7% of the Sun is covered at maximum — a substantial partial eclipse, but not a total one. The corona never appears and the sky does not go dark.

Clear-sky odds Mixed, better in the south · ≈58%Southern Germany tends to be warmer and clearer than the north in August, though Alpine and Black Forest convection can throw up evening cloud.

Counting down to maximum

—days —hrs —min —sec

Munich sees a partial eclipse of around 89% on 12 August 2026, low in the west-north-west as the Sun sets behind the Bavarian horizon.

Below: Munich's exact timings, viewpoints that clear the city skyline, why glasses stay on throughout, and where coverage gets deeper.

The timeline

When the eclipse happens

~19:22 CESTPartial begins — first "bite" out of the Sun

~20:15 CESTPartial — ~1h 43m of partial eclipse. Glasses off only if total.

~20:32 CESTPartial ends ~21:05 CEST

The partial eclipse runs from about 19:22 to 21:05 CEST, with maximum coverage of 88.7% at around 20:15. The Sun sets at 20:32 CEST, during the eclipse — so the later stages happen below the horizon and an open west-northwest view is essential.

Where to set up

The best places to watch

Olympiaberg

Elevated · parkland

Best open panorama in Munich

The hill in the Olympiapark is the city's classic viewpoint, rising clear of the surrounding buildings with a wide western outlook. The obvious gathering point.

Monopteros, Englischer Garten

Elevated · central

Open view over the park

The small temple on its mound gives a raised view west across the park and the city skyline — central and easy to reach.

Theresienwiese

Vast open ground

Flat and unobstructed

The Oktoberfest ground is a huge flat open space with clear sightlines and room for any number of people.

Hesselberg / open country north-west

Rural · elevated

Away from the city skyline

Heading out of the city to the north-west gives flat open farmland and a genuinely clear low horizon, well away from buildings.

West toward Freiburg for deeper coverage

More of the Sun covered

~90% in the south-west

Coverage increases toward the south-west corner of Germany. Freiburg and the Black Forest see around 90% — a meaningful improvement if you are willing to travel.

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?

Southern Germany generally has better August weather than the north, and Munich sees deeper coverage than Berlin or Hamburg.

The Sun is only ~2° up at maximum and sets during the eclipse.

Alpine convection can also push cloud across the evening sky.

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 ~2° up
Arrive before 19:22 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

Munich eclipse FAQ

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

No. Munich is outside the path of totality and sees a partial eclipse, with about 88.7% of the Sun covered at maximum. That is a striking sight through eclipse glasses, but it is not totality — the corona does not appear, the sky does not go dark, and there is no moment when it is safe to look without protection. The path of totality crosses northern Spain.

What time is the eclipse in Munich?

The partial phase begins at about 19:22 CEST and maximum — 88.7% coverage — comes at roughly 20:15 CEST. The Sun sets at 20:32 CEST, during the eclipse — so the later stages happen below the horizon and an open west-northwest view is essential.

Do I need eclipse glasses in Munich?

Yes, for the entire eclipse without exception. This is the most important difference from a total eclipse: because the Sun is never fully covered, there is never a safe moment to look with the naked eye. Even at 88.7% 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 Munich?

The Sun is only about 2° above the horizon at maximum, so you need an open, unobstructed view to the west-northwest. Buildings, hills and trees in that direction will hide the deepest phase.

Do I need eclipse glasses in Munich if it is only a partial eclipse?

Absolutely — and more so than during a total eclipse, because there is never a safe moment. At 89% coverage the remaining sliver of Sun is still blindingly bright and will damage your eyes. Certified ISO 12312-2 / CE glasses stay on for the entire event, start to finish.

Will the weather be clear in Munich on eclipse day?

Southern Germany tends to be warmer and clearer than the north in August, though Alpine and Black Forest convection can throw up evening cloud.

Keep exploring the path

Nearby regions to watch from

● Partial

Kilder: timeanddate.com · nationaleclipse.com · eclipsophile.com (vejr) · Gobierno de Aragón · BBC Sky at Night. Tidspunkter er lokale (CEST).