There is currently an active eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula. Grindavík and Fagradalsfjall areas are off-limits to visitors. However, air traffic and other areas in Iceland are not affected and Perlan is open to all visitors. Stay curious and follow @perlanmuseumiceland for real-time updates.

Discovering Iceland’s Iconic Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram photos of Iceland, chances are you’ve seen that hauntingly beautiful image of a weathered plane wreck, surrounded by nothing but endless black sand. That’s Sólheimasandur, and it’s even more surreal in person.

This abandoned DC-3 US Navy aircraft crashed on the Sólheimasandur beach back in 1973. Fortunately, all crew members survived. Since then, the wreck has sat eerily untouched on a black sand desert, drawing in thousands of travellers each year.

What Does Sólheimasandur Mean?

Sólheimasandur (pronounced SOHL-hay-mah-sahn-dur) breaks down into:

Sólheimar: “Home of the Sun” – a nearby farm or area.
Sandur: “Sand” or “sandy plain”

So, in a nutshell, Sólheimasandur translates to something like "The sandy plains of Sólheimar". Pretty fitting, considering you’ll be walking across an endless expanse of black volcanic sand.

black sand with a river in sólheimasandur

How to Get to the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

First, you have to get yourself to South Iceland. From Reykjavík, drive along Route 1 (the Ring Road) toward the south coast. The Sólheimasandur parking area is located between Skógafoss and Vík, about a 2.5-hour drive (165 km or 100 miles) from Reykjavík. Look for a sign that says “DC-3 Plane Wreck” or “Sólheimasandur Parking.” There is a dedicated lot located right off the Ring Road.

GPS Coordinates for the parking lot: 63.4912391, -19.3632810

Can You Drive to the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck?

No, you can't drive directly to the wreck. It was previously accessible by 4x4 vehicles, but due to environmental concerns and safety issues, driving to the wreck has been prohibited since 2016. The only legal way to reach the crash site now is on foot or by shuttle.

How Long is the Walk to Sólheimasandur?

This is where you’ll need to plan ahead. The walk from the parking lot to the plane wreck is about 3.5 to 4 kilometres (roughly 2.5 miles) one way, so you’re looking at 7 to 8 kilometres (5 miles round-trip).

Time needed: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour each way, depending on pace and weather conditions.
Terrain: Flat but exposed, with black sand stretching endlessly around you. It can feel like a post-apocalyptic movie set (in a cool way).
Important Tip: There’s no shelter, food, or water along the path. Dress for the weather and bring layers, even on sunny days, the wind can be brutal. Make sure you check the weather forecast before heading out on any hike in Iceland.

Shuttle Option

If you’re not up for the hike, good news, a local company offer shuttle services from the parking lot to the wreck site for a cost.

What to Expect at the Plane Wreck

Once you finally reach the site, whether hiking or via shuttle, you'll see what all the hype is about. The DC-3 wreck is eerily beautiful: a skeletal fuselage with its wings and tail long gone. There are no entry fees, fences, or guards; however, please be respectful and refrain from defacing or climbing on the wreck. It’s one of those places where silence speaks louder than words. The stillness, combined with the vast black sandscape, makes for a truly unforgettable moment.

When’s the Best Time to Visit?

Summer (June–August): Longer daylight hours, warmer temperatures, and shuttle availability make it a great time to go.
Winter (November–March): Visiting is possible, but the hike becomes more challenging due to snow, ice, and high winds. Check weather conditions and don’t go alone.
Sunrise and sunset offer incredible lighting for photography, giving the wreck that moody, cinematic vibe.

Safety Tips for Visiting Sólheimasandur

Wear waterproof shoes as the sand can be damp and gritty.
Dress in layers since the wind is no joke out here.
Don’t rely on phone signal; download offline maps.
Let someone know your plans if hiking solo.
Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to walk the full distance.

Visiting the Sólheimasandur plane crash site is one of those uniquely Icelandic experiences that blends nature, history, and mystery. Just be prepared for the walk, dress appropriately, and don’t forget your camera. You’ll definitely leave with stories—and shots—that’ll blow up your Instagram feed.