Walk Distance
4 km each way
8 km round trip across flat black sand from the car park
Sólheimasandur: the DC-3 Plane Wreck on the Black Sand
A broad black sand plain on Iceland's South Coast, home to the much-photographed wreck of a 1973 US Navy DC-3 aircraft.
Location
South Iceland
Between Skógafoss & Vík • Route 1
Quick Answer
A US Navy DC-3 crash-landed on Sólheimasandur in 1973; the fuselage still sits on the black sand plain. Reaching it means a flat 4 km walk each way from Route 1.
Sólheimasandur is a broad glacial outwash plain (sandur) stretching between the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and the Atlantic coast on Iceland's South Coast. The plain is famous worldwide as the resting place of a US Navy Douglas DC-3 aircraft that crash-landed here on November 24, 1973, after running out of fuel in icing conditions. All crew survived, but the stripped fuselage was left on the black sand, where it has become one of Iceland's most photographed landmarks: a silver-grey fuselage on an open expanse of dark volcanic sand with no other feature visible in any direction. The walk to the wreck is 4 km each way across flat, exposed terrain, which adds to the sense of isolation.
Sources and page update
Updated: 2026-09-10
No driving on the sand plain. 8 km round-trip walk required. Dress for exposure; no shelter on the plain.
For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.
Official sources to check
Wreck Year
1973
US Navy DC-3 (C-117D) forced landing; all crew survived
Terrain
Flat black sand
Featureless glacial outwash plain with no shelter or landmarks
What to Expect
DC-3 Plane Wreck
The weathered fuselage of a 1973 US Navy aircraft resting alone on the black sand plain
Vast Black Sand Plain
A featureless glacial outwash plain stretching to the horizon in every direction
Photography Landmark
One of Iceland's most photographed subjects, in any weather or light
Flat Easy Walk
The 4 km path is flat and straightforward, suitable for most fitness levels with proper footwear
Eerie Atmosphere
No trees, buildings, or landmarks; the plain feels completely empty
No Driving Allowed
Leave your car at the designated parking area and use the marked walk or operator shuttle.
Getting There
Start at the signed Plane Wreck Shuttle parking by Route 1. Use the operator’s map to locate it rather than parking at the Sólheimajökull glacier turnoff. The wreck is about 4 km from the parking area, so walking is an approximately 8 km return outing. The shuttle takes about 10–15 minutes each way; confirm your allotted return time before leaving the car park.
Best Time to Visit
The plane wreck is accessible year-round, but conditions vary significantly. June through August offers the easiest walking conditions, longest daylight (up to 21 hours), the shuttle bus option, and temperatures around 10-14°C. May and September have good light and fewer crowds. October and November bring the first aurora season opportunities with enough daylight for the walk. December through February has just 4-6 hours of daylight, so headlamps are needed for the walk in darkness, but snow-dusted sand and low-angle light make winter photographs distinctive. March and April see improving daylight with still-quiet conditions. Overcast days in any season create the moody, desaturated atmosphere many photographers prefer. For northern lights photography with the wreck as foreground, September through March offers the darkest skies. Wind exposure on the plain is significant year-round, so dress in windproof layers regardless of season.
The shuttle operator’s current page lists return transfers as included and shelter as excluded. A ride shortens the journey; it does not provide a sheltered place to wait at the wreck. Schedule and inclusions checked September 10, 2026.
Planning help
Sólheimasandur FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.
What is the history of the DC-3 plane wreck?
On November 24, 1973, a United States Navy Douglas DC-3 (C-117D) ran out of fuel and crash-landed on the Sólheimasandur black sand plain. All seven crew members survived the forced landing. The fuselage was stripped of usable parts and left in place, where it has remained for over 50 years and become one of Iceland's most recognizable landmarks.
How long is the walk to the plane wreck?
The walk from the designated parking area on Route 1 to the plane wreck is approximately 4 km each way (8 km round trip) across flat, featureless black sand. Allow about 45–60 minutes each direction. The terrain is easy but monotonous, with no landmarks or shelter. Bring water and dress for changing weather, as the exposed plain offers no protection from wind or rain.
Is there a shuttle to the DC-3 wreck?
Icelandic Mountain Guides operates the Plane Wreck Shuttle from the Route 1 parking area. Its page lists daily departures from 10:00, with the last departure at 17:00 depending on daylight. Confirm the return slot and schedule for your date.
Can I photograph the plane wreck at night?
Yes, the plane wreck is accessible 24 hours a day and is a popular night photography subject. Under the northern lights (September–March) or the Milky Way, the wreck works well as a foreground. Bring a headlamp for the walk in and out, dress very warmly, and be aware that the featureless terrain can be disorienting in darkness; use GPS or follow the marked path carefully.
Country reference: Iceland statistics.