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Solheimasandur is the black beach in Iceland known for its cinematic looking plane wreck.

This black sand beach is famous for the wreckage of a plane that crashed there in the 1970s, which makes it very unique. The plane wreck is an enthralling sight, for sure!

Solheimasandur Wreck – History

Let’s go back to November 21, 1973 for a while.  The plane that we are talking about is the Aircraft Douglas C-117D operated by United States Navy.  After delivering supplies to the radar station at Stokksnes, the plane took off from Hofn Hornafjordur Airport and flew to Naval Air Station Keflavik.

On its way, the plane ran into a lot of ice, so the crew had to land on a frozen river at Sólheimasandur. All seven crew members made it out alive and were saved by a helicopter, but the plane was a total loss (surveyed in USN parlance).

The plane’s parts that could not be saved, were left at the scene. Since most of the plane’s fuselage is still there, it has become a popular place for tourists to visit.

Graffiti, gunfire, and tourists have all left marks on the wreck’s surface over the years.  Beauty comes out of the bizarre here, as the plain and the adjoining area makes for stunning photo-ops.

This location’s dramatic atmosphere is created by the stark contrast between the faded white plane and the black dunes. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit, as the pictures are stunning.

How to get to The Solheimasandur Wreck

The Solheimasandur Wreck is on the south coast along the Ring Road, not too far from Reynisfjara, and about 20 minutes by car from Vik.  The travel from Reykjavik to the plane wreck parking lot takes roughly 2.5 hours by car if you stay in the city.

It’s close to Skogafoss Waterfall, and there’s a big parking lot off the Ring Road because the place has become so popular in recent years. From the road, it’s easy to find because there are usually a lot of cars there.

Visitors are no longer allowed to drive to the crash site, so it is a long 45 minute walk either side.  Because the path is largely level, this trip is rather straightforward and pleasant but make sure you go before the sun goes down. Walking boots are still necessary even though the path is smooth; there are some rocky spots.  The crash site is photogenic as mentioned, you can even go on top of the plane, inside and have fun.

Skip the hike, opt for a tour that takes you to the plane.  2 hours walking in the same terrain is not the best idea to have fun when there is so much to explore.

Interesting spots near Solheimasandur Plane Wreck

The Ring Road
Cape Dyrhólaey
Sólheimajökull Glacier
Vík
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
Gljúfrabúi Waterfall
Gluggafoss Waterfall
Þakgil
Hjörleifshöfði Cape and Yoda Cave
The Ice Cave under the Katla Volcano
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Basalt Columns
Skógafoss Waterfall
Fimmvörðuháls Trail
Eyjafjallajökull Stratovolcano
Þórsmörk Valley

Solheimasandur Plane Wreck – Pictures