What is the history of the DC-3 plane wreck?

On November 24, 1973, a United States Navy Douglas DC-3 (C-117D) ran out of fuel and crash-landed on the Sólheimasandur black sand plain. All seven crew members survived the forced landing. The fuselage was stripped of usable parts and left in place, where it has remained for over 50 years, slowly weathering into an iconic photography subject and one of Iceland's most recognizable landmarks.

How long is the walk to the plane wreck?

The walk from the designated parking area on Route 1 to the plane wreck is approximately 4 km each way (8 km round trip) across flat, featureless black sand. Allow about 45–60 minutes each direction. The terrain is easy but monotonous, with no landmarks or shelter. Bring water and dress for changing weather, as the exposed plain offers no protection from wind or rain.

Is there a shuttle to the DC-3 wreck?

Yes, a shuttle bus operates from the parking area to the plane wreck during peak season (typically June–September). This is a good option for those who prefer not to walk the 8 km round trip. Check locally for current schedules and pricing, as the service may vary by year. Private vehicles are strictly prohibited on the sand plain.

Can I photograph the plane wreck at night?

Yes, the plane wreck is accessible 24 hours a day and is a popular night photography subject. Under the northern lights (September–March) or the Milky Way, the wreck makes an extraordinary foreground. Bring a headlamp for the walk in and out, dress very warmly, and be aware that the featureless terrain can be disorienting in darkness — use GPS or follow the marked path carefully.

Sólheimasandur DC-3 Plane Wreck: Iconic Black Sand Photography

A vast, otherworldly black sand plain on Iceland's South Coast, home to the hauntingly photogenic wreckage of a 1973 US Navy DC-3 aircraft.

Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team

Location

South Iceland

Between Skógafoss & Vík • Route 1

Sólheimasandur is a broad glacial outwash plain (sandur) stretching between the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and the Atlantic coast on Iceland's South Coast. The plain is famous worldwide as the resting place of a US Navy Douglas DC-3 aircraft that crash-landed here on November 24, 1973, after running out of fuel in icing conditions. All crew survived, but the stripped fuselage was left on the black sand where it has become one of Iceland's most iconic and photographed landmarks — a silver-grey skeleton set against an endless expanse of dark volcanic sand with no other feature visible in any direction. The walk to the wreck is 4 km each way across flat, exposed terrain, adding to the sense of isolation and otherworldliness that makes this site so compelling.

Safety + sourcing

Last updated: 2026-02-01

No driving on the sand plain. 8 km round-trip walk required. Dress for exposure — no shelter on the plain.

Sources to check

Walk Distance

4 km each way

8 km round trip across flat black sand from the car park

Wreck Year

1973

US Navy DC-3 (C-117D) forced landing — all crew survived

Terrain

Flat black sand

Featureless glacial outwash plain with no shelter or landmarks

What to Expect

DC-3 Plane Wreck

The weathered fuselage of a 1973 US Navy aircraft resting alone on the black sand plain

Vast Black Sand Plain

An immense, featureless glacial outwash plain stretching in every direction to the horizon

Photography Landmark

One of Iceland's most iconic photography subjects — striking in any weather or light condition

Flat Easy Walk

The 4 km path is flat and straightforward, suitable for most fitness levels with proper footwear

Eerie Atmosphere

The total absence of trees, buildings, or landmarks creates an otherworldly, isolated feeling

No Driving Allowed

Vehicles are strictly prohibited on the sand plain to protect the fragile environment — walk or take the shuttle

Getting There

The designated parking area is on Route 1 (Ring Road) between Skógafoss and Vík, approximately 155 km from Reykjavík (about 2 hours' drive east). The turnoff is on the south (ocean) side of Route 1, marked with a small sign roughly 2 km west of the Sólheimajökull glacier turnoff and about 10 km east of Skógafoss. The free parking area has no restroom facilities. From the car park, follow the marked footpath south across the flat black sand plain for approximately 4 km (45-60 minutes walking) to reach the plane wreck. The path is marked with wooden posts but can be hard to follow in fog or snow. Do not attempt to drive on the sand -- vehicles are strictly prohibited and offenders face heavy fines. A seasonal shuttle bus operates from the parking area during summer months (typically June through September) for those who prefer not to walk. The nearest fuel and services are in Vík, about 15 km further east on Route 1.

Best Time to Visit

The plane wreck is accessible year-round, but conditions vary significantly. June through August offers the easiest walking conditions, longest daylight (up to 21 hours), the shuttle bus option, and temperatures around 10-14°C. May and September provide excellent photography light with fewer crowds. October and November bring the first aurora season opportunities with enough daylight for the walk. December through February has just 4-6 hours of daylight, requiring headlamps for the walk in darkness, but snow-dusted sand and low-angle light create extraordinary scenes. March and April see improving daylight with still-quiet conditions. Overcast days in any season create the moody, desaturated atmosphere many photographers prefer. For northern lights photography with the wreck as foreground, September through March offers the darkest skies. Wind exposure on the plain is significant year-round, so dress in windproof layers regardless of season.

Planning help

Sólheimasandur FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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