The Solheimasandur plane wreck is a US Navy Douglas C-117D that crash-landed on 21 November 1973 and still sits on black sand on Iceland's South Coast. From the marked car park, it is about 3.5 to 4 km each way, or about 15 minutes each way by shuttle bus. The car park is roughly a 2 to 2.5 hour drive east of Reykjavik.
The story of the Solheimasandur DC-3 plane wreck
The aircraft at Solheimasandur was a US Navy Douglas C-117D, a Super DC-3 variant. It crash-landed on Solheimasandur on 21 November 1973.
The plane went down in severe icing conditions after both engines lost power. All crew members on board survived the crash-landing.
Afterward, the aircraft was written off and its fuselage was abandoned on the black sand, where it still sits. Decades of weather, graffiti, and visitors have left the fuselage stripped but broadly intact.
Where the wreck is on the South Coast
The wreck lies on the black-sand plain of Solheimasandur on Iceland's South Coast. It sits just off Route 1 between Skogafoss and the village of Vik.
For trip planning, the marked car park is roughly a 2 to 2.5 hour drive east of Reykjavik.
Walking to the wreck from the car park
Driving onto the sand is not allowed, so visitors park at the lot and continue on foot or by shuttle.
From the car park it is about 3.5 to 4 km each way to the wreck. The walk takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes each way over flat black sand. The track is marked with posts and is easy to follow in clear conditions.
The shuttle bus alternative
If you do not want to walk the full route, a shuttle bus runs between the car park and the wreck. The ride takes about 15 minutes each way.
What to expect: exposure, weather, and photography
The route and site are fully exposed to wind and weather with no shelter along the way. Bring sturdy footwear and warm, layered clothing for the exposed crossing.
Before setting out, check conditions on safetravel.is and road.is.
For photos, the stark fuselage on black sand is one of Iceland's most photographed and filmed spots.
Visiting the plane wreck on a South Coast tour
If you are comparing options that include this stop, a South Coast plane-wreck day tour is one specific format. Start with South Coast tours for the wider set of booking details and live pricing.
Allow time for the road
Check the Driving Distance Calculator when deciding how Solheimasandur Plane Wreck: walk or shuttle belongs in the rest of your itinerary.
