The Solheimasandur plane wreck is a US Navy DC-3 lying on a black sand plain on Iceland's south coast, reached by a walk of about 3.5 to 4 km each way from a parking area beside Route 1, or by shuttle. Driving to the wreck is forbidden. Most visitors see it on a day trip from Reykjavik, such as the South Coast Highlights and DC-3 Plane Wreck small-group tour, rated 4.5 out of 5 from 73 reviews, which includes the shuttle. This page contains partner links: if you book, we earn a commission at no cost to you.
Highlights
The DC-3 itself
A US Navy plane that ran out of fuel and landed on the beach in 1973. Everyone survived, and the abandoned fuselage has weathered on the sand ever since. Climbing on the wreck is prohibited; you may walk around it and take photographs.
The black sand walk
The trail from the car park is flat and open, with no shelter from the wind.
The shuttle
A shuttle runs from the Route 1 car park to the wreck, about 15 minutes each way, from 10:00 to 17:00. It can be pre-booked or arranged on site, and the tour above includes it.
The South Coast stops
On the guided tour the wreck is combined with Skógafoss, Reynisfjara black sand beach, Vík church, Dyrhólaey, the Sólheimajökull glacier and Seljalandsfoss.
Practical info
Tips
- The visit takes about 2 to 3 hours including time at the wreck if you walk. The South Iceland tourist board says the walk takes a little less than an hour each way, while another guide gives about 45 minutes each way for 3.5 km; allow the longer figure in bad weather. The attraction itself is free to visit. The car park is signposted off Route 1, about 8 km from Skógar when you are driving toward Vík, and the tourist board gives the postcode as 871. Wear sturdy boots and layers. In winter, daylight is short, the weather can change quickly and the area is easy to get lost in, so check the forecast and make sure you have enough daylight for the walk; the road to the car park can close in severe weather. Drones are generally allowed, but follow Iceland's drone rules and keep away from people and from the aircraft. Wild camping is restricted in the area. The guided tour listed here lasts about 13.5 hours with an 8:00 am start and hotel pickup from selected points; check the offer page for the price. For the whole route, see South Coast Iceland tours and Reykjavik to Vík day trip. On the same stretch: Skógafoss, Reynisfjara, Sólheimajökull and Vík.
How to get there
The wreck is on the south coast, on Route 1, about 8 km from Skógar toward Vík; the coordinates are 63.4907 N, 19.3634 W. A self-drive trip needs a car: see how to get around Iceland and Iceland car rental. Parking is at the lot beside Route 1, and you cannot drive onto the sand.
Opening hours
Nearby
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