South Iceland
Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
About Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
The Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck is perhaps one of Iceland's most iconic and haunting attractions, drawing photographers and adventurers alike to its desolate location on the south coast. The skeletal remains of a US Navy Douglas Super DC-3 aircraft have rested on this vast stretch of black volcanic sand since November 24, 1973, when it was forced to make an emergency landing due to severe icing and a lack of fuel. Miraculously, all seven crew members on board survived the crash unharmed. Over the decades, the plane was stripped of valuable parts and left to the mercy of the elements. Today, only the fuselage, wings, and part of the tail remain, a stark, weather-beaten monument against the dramatic backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and the distant mountains. The wreck’s isolated beauty, combined with the stark contrast of its white aluminum against the black sand, creates an incredibly photogenic scene, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light casts long, dramatic shadows. Visiting the wreck requires a commitment. The site is located about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the parking lot, meaning an 8-kilometer (5-mile) round trip walk across flat, exposed terrain. This walk can be challenging, especially in strong winds, rain, or snow, so dressing in warm, waterproof layers is crucial. Alternatively, a shuttle service operates from the parking lot for those who prefer not to walk. Allow ample time for the trek and for exploring the wreck itself to fully appreciate its eerie charm and capture memorable photographs.
🐉 The Ghost of the Black Sand Sentinel
Locals whisper that on stormy nights, the ghost of the plane's last flight crew still wanders the black sands, eternally searching for the runway lights of Keflavík. Some claim to hear faint whispers of their voices carried on the wind, while others believe the plane itself is a portal, momentarily blurring the lines between the living and the lost in its desolate embrace.
📖 History of Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
The Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck is the remains of a US Navy Douglas Super DC-3 aircraft that crash-landed on the black sand beach of Sólheimasandur on November 24, 1973. The plane, originally a C-117D Skytrain (a Navy variant of the DC-3), was flying from Höfn in eastern Iceland to Naval Air Station Keflavik when it encountered severe icing, causing issues with its engines. Compounding the problem, the crew mistakenly switched to the wrong fuel tank, leading to a critical fuel shortage. Despite the perilous situation, the skilled pilot, Captain James Wicke, managed to execute a successful emergency landing on the vast, flat expanse of the black sand beach. Remarkably, all seven crew members on board survived the crash without any serious injuries, a testament to the pilot's expertise and a stroke of immense luck given the remote and harsh environment. Following the crash, most of the valuable equipment and parts were salvaged from the aircraft, but the fuselage itself was deemed too costly and difficult to remove from the remote location. It was abandoned to the elements, slowly decaying over the decades. The wreck remained relatively obscure for many years, known mostly to locals and a few adventurous travelers, until the rise of social media and its appearance in music videos and travel blogs propelled it into global fame as an iconic Icelandic landmark.
✈️ Why Visit
Capture an iconic, haunting photograph of a plane wreck on a vast black sand beach.
💡 Did You Know?
All seven crew members remarkably survived the 1973 crash, walking away from the remote site unharmed.
🕐 Best Time
Early morning or late evening for best light and fewer crowds.
🚗 Access
Park at the designated lot off Route 1; shuttle service available or a 4km (2.5 mi) walk each way.
⏱ Duration
2–3 hours (for walk and exploration)
📍 GPS Location
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