Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

The Sólheimasandur plane wreck walk is a flat out-and-back route across the black sands of South Iceland. It is 7.5 km round trip, takes 1.5–2.5 hours and has only about 20 m of ascent, with a highest point of around 50 m. The route leads to the wreck of a US Navy DC-3 that crash-landed on the sands in 1973; everyone aboard survived.

The walk itself is easy but monotonous: a straight path across open black sand with little to see until the wreck appears. The fuselage, stripped of wings and tail, is a strange sight against the empty landscape and a popular photo spot. Driving to the wreck has been banned for years, so you must walk or use a shuttle bus that has operated from the car park.

Highlights

• The DC-3 wreck on the black sand
• Wide, empty landscape of Sólheimasandur
• Flat and easy route
• Close to Route 1

The route

Getting to the trailhead

The car park is on Route 1 between Skógar and Vík, about two and a half hours' drive from Reykjavík. Look for the signed parking area on the sea side of the road. A private shuttle has operated from the car park in recent years; check locally for current options.

Where to stay

Skógar, about 10 minutes west, and Vík, about 20 minutes east, both have hotels, guesthouses and campsites. Farm stays along Route 1 are also within easy reach of the car park.

Best time to hike

The walk can be done year-round. Summer gives long days and milder weather. In winter, short days, wind and snowstorms can make the walk dangerous, so only go in a good forecast.

Safety

The open sand gives no shelter, and strong winds, blowing sand, snow or fog can make navigation hard. Tourists have died from exposure here in a winter storm. Stay on the marked path, check the forecast, carry warm clothes and water. Do not climb on the wreck. In an emergency call 112, and check SafeTravel.is for warnings.