August 12 solar eclipse: how to see it in Switzerland (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Maximum coverage in Switzerland up to 92% on 12 August 2026
• In Lugano peak of 91.83% at 20:19:58
• Necessary ISO 12312-2:2015 certified goggles
• Race for protective goggles throughout the Confederation

Key facts

• What: Partial solar eclipse visible in Switzerland and total in other areas of Europe
• When: 12 August 2026, peaking between 20:17 and 20:20
• Where: Switzerland, with particular visibility in Geneva and Lugano
• Who: ESA, IRSOL and residents of Switzerland
• Amount: Sun coverage between 90% and 92% depending on the Swiss location

On August 11, 1999, another famous partial eclipse reached between 93% and 94% of the Sun's coverage in our country, leaving indelible memories in many people who lived through thatevent. Now, the wait is about to end as on August 12, 2026 a new great celestial phenomenon will affect Europe and Switzerland. The scientific director of the European Space Agency (ESA), Carole Mundell, highlighted that the eclipse is not just a scientific moment or an incredible alignment of celestial bodies, but a deep link between human beings on Earth and the cosmos.

Due to the complex geometries between the Sun, Moon and Earth, the moment of observation varies according to geographical location. The total eclipse will begin its journey in northern Siberia, then touch the Arctic, pass through Greenland and head towards the west coast of Iceland, where it will touch the

Operational details

The low position of the Sun on the horizon will make the show particularly suggestive but, at the same time, it will require a lot of attention for the observation phase. The coincidence with the sunset makes it necessary to carefully choose the point from which to admire the phenomenon. It will be essential to identify a height that offers the horizon completely free to the west, thus allowing you to follow without obstacles the entire development of the sunset partially covered by the Moon.

The interest of the population is already very high, as evidenced by the race for protective glasses registered in the days before the event. At 20:17 on Wednesday, August 12, when 91% of the solar disk will be covered by the Moon, eye protection will be the top priority for anyone who decides to attend the celestial show. On the national territory, scientific institutions and research centers have taken action to offer moments of guided observation. For example, the Istituto Ricerche Solari Aldo e Cele Daccò (IRSOL) in Locarno organized an event open to the population to observe the phenomenon in Cardada together with a team of experts, although the organizers reported the rapid exhaustion of available places due to the high demand.

Security and international initiatives

ESA has also planned similar initiatives, choosing to gather scientists and onlookers in León, Spain, broadcasting the entire evolution of the event live

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Key points

Preparing to watch the partial solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, requires logistical planning and advance verification of safety devices. Anyone wishing to observe the phenomenon from Swiss territory must obtain glasses compliant with the ISO 12312-2:2015 standard with a CE mark in good time, as high demand is already depleting stocks in specialized shops and online.

For those not participating in organized events, such as the one already sold out in Cardada by IRSOL of Locarno, the best strategy is to identify in advance a high-altitude vantage point, for example in the Ticino or Swiss mountains, that guarantees an unobstructed view towards the west. Since the peak in Switzerland is expected between 8:17 PM and 8:20 PM, with local differences such as 91.83% recorded in Lugano and 92.73% in Geneva, it is advisable to reach the chosen location before 7:30 PM, the moment when the silhouette of the Moon will begin to overlap the solar disk.

Operational advice and useful tools

Managing the evening also requires attention to travel, especially if choosing high-altitude locations that require the use of ski lifts or mountain paths during evening hours. To delve deeper into daily activity planning, check management costs, or manage your family budget in view of outings and events in the region, consult cost of living.

Finally, for those who wish to examine their financial situation or the impact of expenses related to leisure and cultural activities in Switzerland, it is possible to use our dedicated calculation tool available at salary calculator.

Source: rsi.ch