Provided the skies remain clear, The Hague will offer the opportunity to observe a striking partial solar eclipse on Wednesday 12 August 2026.
A total solar eclipse will cross parts of Greenland, Iceland, Spain and Portugal. The Netherlands is outside the path of totality, but viewers here can still see a deep partial eclipse, during which the Moon will cover almost 89 per cent of the Sun’s visible surface.
Video: European Space Agency – ESA
What time is the eclipse in The Hague?
The partial eclipse will begin in The Hague at approximately 19:16, when the Moon starts to move across the Sun.
Maximum eclipse will occur at around 20:11. At this point, the Sun will appear as a narrow crescent.
The eclipse will end at approximately 21:03. Exact timings may vary slightly depending on the viewer’s location.
What will the eclipse look like?
The Sun will not disappear completely from view in The Hague. Instead, it will gradually become a narrow crescent as the Moon passes in front of it.
At maximum eclipse, the Sun will be low in the sky, at an altitude of only around eight degrees. Viewers will therefore need a clear, unobstructed view towards the west or north-west.
The low position of the Sun could make the eclipse particularly striking from the coast. However, buildings, trees and clouds close to the horizon could easily block the view.
Daylight should become noticeably dimmer, and the surrounding landscape may take on an unusual colour. Even with most of the Sun covered, however, the remaining visible portion will still be intensely bright and unsafe to look at without suitable eye protection.
Where to watch the eclipse in The Hague
Open locations with a broad view towards the western horizon will provide the best chance of seeing the eclipse.
Possible viewing locations include the beaches and dunes at Scheveningen and Kijkduin, as well as other open spaces without buildings or trees blocking the setting Sun.
Because the Sun will be so low, even a narrow bank of cloud near the horizon could obscure the eclipse. Check the local weather forecast before deciding where to watch.
How to watch the eclipse safely
Never look directly at the Sun without safe solar-viewing equipment, even when most of it is hidden by the Moon.
Use eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer made specifically for direct observation of the Sun. The manufacturer should be able to demonstrate that the viewer meets the requirements of the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.
An ISO or CE logo printed in an online product description is not, by itself, proof that a product has been properly tested. The American Astronomical Society recommends buying from a manufacturer or authorised reseller whose solar viewers have been independently verified.
Ordinary sunglasses, including very dark sunglasses, do not provide adequate protection. Smoked glass, exposed photographic film and homemade filters are also unsafe.
Inspect eclipse glasses before using them. Do not use glasses if the lenses are scratched, punctured, torn, loose or separating from the frame.
Put the glasses on before looking towards the Sun. Turn away from the Sun before removing them.
Eclipse glasses must not be used to look through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses. Optical equipment concentrates sunlight and requires a purpose-made solar filter fitted securely over the front of the equipment.
Where to obtain eclipse glasses
Certified eclipse glasses can be purchased from astronomy retailers and reputable manufacturers. Look for glasses made specifically for direct solar observation that comply with the ISO 12312-2 safety standard.
Check both the manufacturer and the individual seller when buying through an online marketplace. A listing for a recognised brand does not necessarily guarantee that every third-party seller is authorised or that the exact product delivered is genuine.
Delivery time is now also an important consideration. Some specialist suppliers are quoting delivery periods of five to ten days, which may be too late for the eclipse on Wednesday 12 August.
The Hague Online does not endorse a particular seller and cannot guarantee the authenticity, safety, availability or delivery of products sold by third-party retailers.
An alternative if you cannot obtain glasses
The eclipse can also be observed indirectly using a simple pinhole projector. This allows an image of the Sun to be projected onto a surface without looking directly at it.
Do not look at the Sun through the pinhole. The projected image should be viewed with your back towards the Sun.
Weather permitting, the eclipse should provide The Hague with one of its most memorable astronomical sights of the year.
More information and sources
European Space Agency: Solar eclipse on 12 August 2026
https://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Press_Releases/Join_ESA_for_a_total_solar_eclipse_on_12_August_2026
European Space Agency: Global eclipse map
https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2026/05/Total_solar_eclipse_12_August_2026_Global_map
Time and Date: Eclipse information for The Hague
https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/netherlands/the-hague?iso=20260812
Astronomie.nl: Gedeeltelijke zonsverduistering op woensdag 12 augustus
https://www.astronomie.nl/nieuws/gedeeltelijke-zonsverduistering-op-woensdag-12-augustus-4832
American Astronomical Society: How to view a solar eclipse safely
https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety
American Astronomical Society: How to identify safe eclipse glasses
https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/how-to-tell-if-viewers-are-safe
American Astronomical Society: Suppliers of safe solar viewers and filters
https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/viewers-filters
Image: Israel Torres via Pexels
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