The Sólheimasandur Plane Crash is one of the top things to see in Iceland, but many don’t know much about it. It’s a little over two hours away from Reykjavik and only about 20 minutes from Vik on the southern coast of Iceland. It’s in such a remote location on one of Iceland’s famous black beaches that it’s worth a stop on any Iceland road trip.
During our time in Reykjavik, we rented a car and drove south. By chance, we saw a bunch of cars on the side of the road. We decided to pull over and saw people walking down a bath to the water. We thought why not try it out and see what all the hype was about. We were so glad we did. In fact, it’s made it to my top stops when driving from Reykjavik to Vik! Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Iceland’s plane wreck!
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What is the Sólheimasandur Plane Crash?
On July 4th, 1973, a U.S. Navy DC-3 airplane ran out of fuel and crash-landed on the black sand beach at Solheimasandur, Iceland. Luckily, everyone in that plane made it out alive. The most popular theory is that the pilot had simply changed over to the wrong fuel tank during a storm. The crew was forced to land on a frozen river at Sólheimasandur. The aircraft was written off and the remains are still lying on the black sand beach very close to the sea.
Seeing a plane wreck up close is a unique experience. The plane is relatively intact making it a photographer’s dream. Depending on when you visit, you might even be able to see the Northern Lights on this visit.
The DC-3 Plane Wreck is on a black sand beach – discover more black sand beaches in Iceland here.
Getting to the Sólheimasandur Plane Crash
The crash is located in South Iceland, near the town of Vik. You’ll drive along the beautiful south coast of Iceland on Route 1 (the Ring Road). Including passing one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, Skogafoss. From there, cross a small river and you’re almost there.
Unfortunately, you cannot see the plane from the road. There aren’t any signs for the plane on the road either. However, there is a small parking lot on the side of the road that looks like it is in the middle of nowhere.
There is a parking lot near the road for all cars and buses. Vehicles are now forbidden to drive there. Driving is forbidden because to get there you have to drive on black sand in a 4WD. The sand can be pretty soft in places and you don’t want to get stuck.
Be sure to wear comfortable, flat shoes to walk to the plane. It’s about an hour’s walk one way on a flat road.
There is a makeshift path to follow, but there aren’t any lights, just reflective tape. So if you’re like us and visiting in the afternoon when it might be dark on your way back, be sure to bring a flashlight to make it easier to get back. Be especially careful if you’re traveling in winter! There can be severe icing on the path and the reflective lights can be covered.
If you want to plug it into your GPS, the GPS coordinates for the DC-3 Plane Crash is 63.459523, – 19.364618
Travel Tip: The emergency number in Iceland is 112.
Walking to the DC-3 Plane Wreck
The scenery of this white abandoned airplane wreckage on the Sólheimasandur black sand beach is quite cool and surreal and the landscape around is pretty amazing too.
While the view is the same because there isn’t much, the feeling of isolation lays on you like a blanket. It’s hard to judge distance because the landscape doesn’t change on the flat ground. It felt as though we were walking in outer space, on untouched land.
If you don’t want to walk to the plane crash, there is now a shuttle that leaves every 30 minutes and takes you to the plane. For more information, visit here. You can also do a guided tour of Southern Iceland and see all of the highlights of this area.
The view is actually like a sci-fi movie and is an amazing photographer’s paradise in every respect.
Please be patient and respectful in getting your pictures – it is a tourist destination which means people are all over the place.
While some people choose to walk on the plane, it can be dangerous to do this. We also want this to be around for future travelers, so please be respectful of the plane wreck so it can be around for a long time to come.
Other Photographs of the Super DC-3 Plane Crash
These are some of my favorite photos of the Sólheimasandur Plane wreck to inspire your visit! The white plane on Sólheimasandur beach is a powerful photo opportunity.
(These are not my photos – these are from Unsplash with appropriate credit to the photographers. The rest of the photos are mine.)
Read More about Iceland
Free Things to do in Reykjavik
10+ Beautiful Waterfalls in Iceland
Best Stops while Driving from Reykjavik to Vik
Save “Visiting the Iceland Plane Crash” for later
I had lots of outdoor sights on my list for Iceland. SO it was interesting to see the Sólheimasandur Plane Crash spot and learn more about this different kind of stop on a return visit. The plane wreck must have been a strange site in the middle of the field. Good to know there is a shuttle to take you out.
I’m really disappointed we didn’t stop here during our road trip around Iceland – I mean we were right there! We visited Skogafoss one morning, and I distinctly remember my friend mentioning the plane crash and that it wasn’t worth a visit. I wish I would’ve known then what I know now! If I ever make it back to Iceland, this will definitely be on my itinerary. The walk you described actually reminds me a bit of the walk to Gjain, which was also an hour long and across a lava field. Xx Sara
I’m so glad you mentioned to be respectful of the crash site and not stomp all over it. I think some people forget to be respectful in this kind of scene.
p.s. OMG the photo of the aurora next to the wreck! I realize it’s not your photo, but what an amazing sight!!
there are SO many pictures of people on the plane! It’s sad! And I know – it’s gorgeous! That’s why I had to include it!
I admit I never heard about this place! It seems a bit spooky but it is a chance to take some epic photos, especially with the northern lights!
Iceland is such a dreamy destination! Thanks for sharing this lovely guide – hopefully I get to visit soon 🙂