The black sand beach where a US Navy DC-3 plane crash-landed in 1973. The wreckage remains on the beach and has become one of Iceland's most photographed sites, requiring a 2-hour return walk from the parking area.
Sólheimasandur is a vast, flat black sand outwash plain in South Iceland near the village of Skógar, and its main draw is the rusted fuselage of a US Navy Douglas Super DC-3 that crash-landed on the sand in 1973 after running out of fuel; all crew survived and the wreck has sat exposed to the elements ever since. The sand is dark, fine volcanic material stretching for kilometres in every direction, with no dunes or vegetation, and the site is fully exposed to coastal wind with no shelter of any kind. This is not a swimming or sunbathing beach; the vibe is stark, empty, and photographic, drawing visitors almost entirely for the surreal wreckage rather than the shoreline itself, and the ocean is a further walk beyond the plane. Amenities are minimal: a car park off the Ring Road and a marked gravel walking trail are the only infrastructure, with no toilets, cafe, or shelter along the route. The wreck sits roughly 4 km from the car park each way, a walk of around an hour and a half to two hours round trip on flat, exposed terrain, though a private shuttle bus operates seasonally from the car park for a fee for those who prefer not to walk.
| Distance | 2 hours from Reykjavik |
|---|
Amenities
- car park
- marked walking trail
Good to know
- Best for
- photographers, solo, couples
Weather through the year in Iceland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Iceland.
Highlights
- Rusted 1973 US Navy DC-3 fuselage resting on open black sand
- Vast, flat volcanic plain with no vegetation for kilometres
- Popular film and music video filming location
- Seasonal shuttle bus option for those skipping the long walk
Tips for visiting
- Wear sturdy shoes, as the walk to the wreck is roughly 4 km each way on loose sand and gravel
- Bring water and windproof clothing, since there is no shelter or facilities along the route
- Check for the seasonal shuttle bus at the car park to shorten the trip
- Climbing inside the wreck is discouraged, as the metal edges are sharp and rusted
When to visit
Visit in the morning to avoid afternoon crowds and strong winds, and plan for several hours of daylight given the length of the walk.
Accessibility
The trail is flat but unpaved and covered in loose sand and gravel, making it difficult for wheelchairs; the seasonal shuttle bus is the only practical option for visitors with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to walk to the plane wreck?
The round trip is roughly 8 km and typically takes between one and a half and two hours on flat but exposed terrain.
Is there a fee to visit?
The car park and walking trail are free, but the seasonal shuttle bus that drives visitors closer to the wreck charges a fee.
Can visitors drive to the wreck?
No, private vehicles are no longer permitted on the sand; access is on foot or by the seasonal shuttle bus only.