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The aircraft wreckage is a popular spot for photography, adventure seekers, and history enthusiasts. The main activity is to explore and take pictures of the wreckage, surrounded by the stark Icelandic landscape. Many visitors enjoy hiking to the site and experiencing the isolated atmosphere.
The Sólheimasandur plane wreck is located between Skógafoss waterfall and the town of Vik on Iceland's south coast. After driving past Skógafoss and heading east on Route 1, you'll cross a bridge with a flashing yellow light and a dirt road on the left that leads to the Sólheimaj kull glacier.
Lying on a desolate black sand beach, this 40-year-old plane has become one of Iceland's most striking photographic attractions. Its wings and tail are missing, riddled with holes, and the shattered fuselage is covered in wind-blown, blackened sand. It looks like a scene from a post-apocalyptic zombie movie! The wreckage of the DC3 has been lying on the vast black sand plains of Iceland's south coast since 1973.
June to August is summer and the peak tourist season: the days are long and the temperature is relatively high. It is the season with the largest number of tourists. Tourists can visit from all over the country and can choose to drive by themselves or join a tour group. It is also the most expensive season.
September to April is the aurora season: daylight hours are short and temperatures are low (Iceland isn't overly cold in winter, with average temperatures around 0 degrees Celsius, but there are occasional sudden drops in temperature, sometimes below -10 degrees Celsius. Iceland is also windy, and in windy weather, the human body feels colder).
There are fewer tourists than in summer, but more than in the shorter season, as many people come to see the Northern Lights and ice caves, which are the most popular attractions in winter.
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The wreckage is from a US Navy DC-3 aircraft that crash-landed on the black sand beach of Sólheimasandur in 1973. Miraculously, all crew members survived. The wreck has since become a famous and eerie symbol of survival and decay in Iceland's vast wilderness.
The wreckage is located on the Sólheimasandur beach in southern Iceland, near the town of Vik. The site is accessible by a 4km (2.5 miles) walk from the parking lot, which is reachable by car or taxi. There are no public transport services directly to the wreckage.
The aircraft wreckage is open for visitors year-round, though the best times to visit are during the summer months (May to September) for more favorable weather and daylight hours. Visiting during sunrise or sunset provides beautiful lighting for photos.
There is no entrance fee to visit the aircraft wreckage. Access to the site is free, though visitors may need to pay for parking nearby.
No advance booking is required for visiting the aircraft wreckage. However, if you plan on taking a guided tour, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Exploring the wreckage typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you spend photographing the site and exploring the surrounding area.
The main highlight is the crashed aircraft itself, which stands stark against the black sand beach. The surrounding landscape, with its dramatic vistas and isolation, is also a significant feature of the experience.
Guided tours are available, and they often provide insights into the history of the wreckage and the surrounding area. Tours are typically available in English and can be booked in advance.
The best photo opportunities are right by the wreckage itself, especially with the contrast of the plane's metallic body against the black sand and the vast sky. Sunrise or sunset can offer stunning lighting for dramatic shots.
Start by walking from the parking lot to the wreckage, which takes about 40 minutes each way. Spend time exploring the plane, take photos, and enjoy the surrounding desolate beauty. Afterward, you can return along the same path or explore the beach further if you have time.
Night visits are not officially offered due to the difficulty of navigating the area after dark. However, the site is accessible year-round, and some visitors may choose to visit at night for photography purposes, especially for aurora borealis shots during the winter months.
The aircraft wreckage can get crowded during the peak summer months. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the evening. Weekdays are generally less busy compared to weekends.
There are no facilities directly at the wreckage site. However, there is a parking area with basic facilities like toilets. The nearest restaurants, cafes, and shops can be found in Vik, about 20 minutes away by car.
The site requires a walk over uneven terrain, which may be challenging for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues. It is not wheelchair accessible, and the walk to the wreckage can be difficult in harsh weather conditions.
Cash is not required for visiting the wreckage, as there is no entrance fee. However, credit cards or mobile payments (like Apple Pay and Google Pay) are accepted for parking and purchases in nearby facilities.
There are several restaurants and cafes in Vik, including Halldorskaffi and the Black Beach Restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal after visiting the wreckage.
Some restaurants in Vik offer vegetarian and vegan options, but halal food may be more limited. It's a good idea to check restaurant menus in advance.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Vik, such as Hotel Vik, Icelandair Hotel Vik, and various smaller guesthouses offering accommodation options close to the wreckage site.
Nearby attractions include Reynisfjara Beach, Dyrhólaey, and the Skógafoss waterfall. These can all be easily combined in a day trip from the wreckage site.
Souvenir shops in Vik offer items such as Icelandic wool products, local handicrafts, and souvenirs related to the country’s Viking heritage. You can also find photography prints of the wreckage itself.
The best transportation options are by car, either renting a vehicle or using a taxi. There are limited public transport options in this remote area, so renting a car is the most flexible option.
