Imagine standing on a vast, black sand beach, the ocean’s waves crashing nearby, and an eerie relic from the past resting silently before you. This isn’t a scene from a movie; it’s the site of the Sólheimasandur plane wreck, one of Iceland’s biggest tourist attractions.
So what happened to the Sólheimasandur plane?
On November 24, 1973 a United States Navy plane ran into a sudden change in weather conditions and the pilot had to make a split-second decision to make an emergency landing.
Thankfully, a beach was visible nearby.
Amazingly, everyone survived the plane crash. The U.S. military managed to salvage the usable pieces and left the rest on the beach.
Fast forward to today, and the remains of this crash have become a popular landmark – it feels like everyone is stopping here!
Ready to embark on your journey to the site of the Sólheimasandur plane crash?
I’ll show you the best ways to get there, the ideal times to visit, and essential tips to prepare for the experience.
Are you ready?
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents:
- Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck Location
- Directions to the Parking Area
- Parking for Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
- Ways to Access the Wreck Site
- Is it Worth Seeing the Sólheimasandur Plane Crash?
- Preparing for Your Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck Walk
- Guidebooks and Maps
Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck Location
Sólheimasandur is a large area of sand desert formed by glacial floods from erupting volcanoes below the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
You’ll find the Sólheimasandur airplane crash site on the South Coast between Skógafoss and Vík. It’s about 15 miles (24km) from Vík and 6 miles (10.2km) from Skógafoss.
If you’re staying in the capital, you may be wondering, how far is it from Reykjavik? It’ll take you about two hours to drive to the Sólheimasandur parking lot.
This site is the perfect addition to your South Coast Itinerary.
There’s no doubt that taking a road trip is my favorite way to explore Iceland.
If you’re looking for the best car rental company, I highly suggest going with 👉Blue Car Rental.
Their customer service is excellent and to make the process even more convenient, they have an online check-in process.
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Directions to the Area
The land owner closed off access due to careless tourists driving off the path and tearing up his land. This means you aren’t allowed to drive on the beach to the plane except if you take a tour or shuttle.
If you don’t know where you’re going, it can be difficult to locate the Sólheimasandur plane wreck, especially if you’re walking there.
And trust me, you do NOT want to be going in the wrong direction!
Directions from Skógafoss: It’s roughly 6 miles (10.2km) from the waterfall. When you’re coming from West to East, after Skógafoss on Route 1, you’ll cross a bridge and see a turnoff for Sólheimajökull on your left.
Keep driving for about 1.2 miles (2 km) and keep your eyes open for a small turnoff with a gate on your right. (It will be the only opening in the fence after the bridge. If you cross a 2nd bridge, you’ve gone too far.)
There will be a parking area – most likely with other vehicles.
You will see that the fence to access the beach is chained off with a sign saying “Lokad” (closed).
Parking for Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
There is a large parking lot and vehicles entering the area are monitored with digital surveillance.
The cost to park your vehicle is 750 ISK (roughly $5).
👉 Download the Parka App for a quick and convenient way to pay for parking.
Pro tip: Just take note that there are no amenities here, so come prepared with snacks and water, but more on that in a bit…
Three Ways to Access the Plane Wreck Site
In the past, the only way to get to the Sólheimasandur plane crash was on foot. But now, there are more ways to get there, which makes it easier to visit. Especially if the weather is acting typically Icelandic! 😉
1. Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck Hike
Once you’ve parked your car, get out and start walking towards the ocean.
The walk from the parking lot to the plane crash takes about 45 minutes each way, so roughly 2-3 hours roundtrip.
You won’t spot the wreckage until the last minute because it’s hidden behind a dune near the edge of the ocean.
The day we visited the Sólheimasandur plane wreck, it was cold and SUPER windy.
Now I know that Iceland is usually windy. But walking in high winds on a wide-open 2.5-mile (4km) stretch of beach? Definitely not the most enjoyable experience!
You might consider turning back several times.
Just follow the yellow markers and KEEP WALKING.
If you have good weather then this walk won’t be bad at all.
Just be prepared for a long walk that looks like you’re on Mars.
As for how to get there: just follow the other people.
In the event that you don’t see someone walking before you, it’s a straight shot to the plane from the parking area.
Here are the exact coordinates:
GPS coordinates to the turnoff/parking lot
63.4912391,-19.3632810
GPS coordinates to the plane
63.459523,-19.364618
2. Sólheimasandur Plane Shuttle
If you forgo the walk and prefer to be warm and comfortable, there’s a shuttle that runs every 30 minutes from the parking lot to the plane.
This is obviously a much quicker option and the drive is 10-15 minutes each way. The shuttle is available seven days a week, which is really convenient.
It’ll cost you $20, but for more information check it out here:
👉 Shuttle: Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
3. ATV/Quad Bike Tour
If you’re looking for a fun way to explore the black sand beaches of the South Coast, catch amazing views of Mýrdalsjökull glacier and visit the Sólheimasandur plane wreck, then this organized tour is a great way to do that.
Find out more here.👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: ATV – Black Beach Safari and the Plane Wreck
Is it Worth Seeing the Sólheimasandur Plane Crash?
When we finally arrived at the site, the plane was stunning. The wreckage is amazing and slightly eerie.
No amount of photos can replace seeing it in person, so I’m glad we took the long journey to see it.
That being said, because there were so many people there, it was nearly impossible to get a photo without someone in it, which can take away from the cool factor.
There are also bullet holes, graffiti, and plenty of footprints where people have walked.
But I was happy to walk inside and all around it.
I imagined the passengers on the plane the day it crashed and how relieved they must have been when they landed gently on the beach.
I would, however, only suggest doing the walk if the weather is good and if you have enough time.
I did this walk in extremely high winds and it was pretty uncomfortable.
Would I do the walk again?
I wouldn’t categorize it as a must-see destination, but if you’ve got the time and the weather is good, then it’s still a pretty cool experience.
I’d say that the best time to visit is from May to October.
Pro Tip: You are allowed to walk inside the plane but NOT on top. Please respect this and keep the plane in good condition for future travelers.
Looking for more interesting landmarks like this one?
There is another plane wreck (military aircraft R4D-6), that is not very well known (yet).
The plane used to be near Þórshöfn in North Iceland, but it has been moved to the south and is now located in a field on the way towards Þórsmörk near Seljalandsfoss, making it much easier to access.
Preparing for Your Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck Walk
If you plan on doing the walk, please make sure you have the correct gear.
The weather in Iceland can shift pretty fast, so a day starting out with good weather might not stay that way!
But as they say, there’s no bad weather in Iceland, only bad clothes!
So make sure you’re dressed for success and pack wisely by downloading my Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide.
In it, you’ll find packing checklists and a layering guide of how to dress.
I’ve also included a weather guide so that you know what to expect with the weather in the month you visit Iceland as well as shopping recommendations, even products you’ll need for the kids.
Download my FREE packing guide here!👇
Here are a few essential tips and items you need to bring with you when walking to the Sólheimasandur plane crash:
- Walking shoes: Please bring comfortable walking shoes. This walk is long and on a pebble beach. I saw people wearing Ugg boots…..UGG BOOTS! Could you imagine the blister situation when they were done?!
- Accessories: Bring your hat, scarf, and gloves. You don’t want to be exposed to wind on this long walk!
- Weatherproof gear: In Iceland, wind and waterproof gear like this jacket is a must, for tops and bottoms.
- Headphones: Hindsight is 20-20, right? I really wish I’d brought something to catch up on a podcast or ebook for the walk there and back.
- Snacks and water: Ok, you might think I am joking, but seriously this was a 2 1/2 hour deal for us! Give or take based on your walking speed. Don’t let hanger happen to you. Bring water and put a granola bar in your pocket!
- Charge your camera: Make sure your camera is fully charged or you have a spare battery. The worst thing would be to walk all the way out there and not have any photos to prove it!
Remembering these tips will make your walk to the Sólheimasandur plane wreck infinitely smoother and more enjoyable!
Guidebooks and Maps
When I first planned a trip to Iceland, I remember feeling totally overwhelmed by the planning process.
There was either too much information out there, which made me overwhelmed. Or too little, leaving me worried I’d miss something crucial. 🤯
(Like visiting the Sólheimasandur plane wreck…I wish I had insider tips that would have made my experience that much better.)
There was so much to figure out:
🤔Where to go?
🤔What to see?
🤔And how to navigate it all without missing any of the good stuff?
That’s why I created my Iceland Guidebooks + Maps – to save you from hours of research and uncertainty.
They’re your go-to resource for a seamless trip. Blending must-see sights with off-the-beaten-path adventures.
You’ll get detailed maps pinpointing essential stops like grocery stores and restrooms, to insider tips on where to eat, stay, and play.
My guides cover it all!
Plus, you’ll score exclusive discounts and get to connect with a community of fellow travelers, making it that much easier.
If you’re keen on exploring more awesome spots like the Sólheimasandur plane wreck, definitely check out my Ring Road Guide.
Iceland Ring Road Map + Guide
$35
With the Ultimate Ring Road Travel Guide in hand, you’re ready to head out on Iceland’s most iconic road trip. This easy-to-follow route circles the entire country, giving you a chance to explore Iceland’s most stunning attractions – from glaciers to thunderous waterfalls, rejuvenating hot springs, and more.
It’s packed with secret spots and iconic places along this famous route in Iceland!
Happy Planning,
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