Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
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About Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
The Sólheimasandur plane wreck is the fuselage of a US Navy aircraft lying on the black sand plain of Sólheimasandur on Iceland's South Coast, between Skógar and Vík. It has been here since November 1973, when the Douglas C-117D, a military version of the DC-3, came down on the sand while flying cargo, and all five crew members survived.
A bare aluminum shell on an empty plain of black sand looks almost staged, which is why photographers keep coming. Early morning and late evening bring softer light and, usually, fewer people climbing on the fuselage.
The parking lot is on the Ring Road about 6 km east of Skógar and 27 km west of Vík, a little over two hours' drive from Reykjavík. You can no longer drive out to the wreck, so you either walk the 4 km each way across Sólheimasandur or take the shuttle from the lot.
The walk is flat and easy to follow but completely exposed, and most people take 40 to 60 minutes each way. Plan on about two hours including time at the plane. The shuttle leaves the lot daily, with the last departure at 17:00 depending on daylight, takes 10 to 15 minutes each way and costs from EUR 25 per person.
There is no entry fee, only a parking fee paid by app or online. Wind and rain sweep across the sand with little warning, so pack a waterproof layer even on a bright morning, and in winter start early to make use of the short daylight.
The plane itself takes about 20 minutes to see. That's why most visitors pair it with Skógafoss and Sólheimajökull, both within a few kilometers.
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Good to know
How long is the walk to the Sólheimasandur plane wreck?
About 4 km each way over flat, exposed sand, which takes most people 40 to 60 minutes in each direction. Allow around two hours for the round trip.
Is there a shuttle to the plane wreck?
Yes. A shuttle runs daily from the parking lot, with the last departure at 17:00 depending on daylight, and takes 10 to 15 minutes each way. Fares start from EUR 25 per person.
Can you drive to the Sólheimasandur plane wreck?
No. Private vehicles are not allowed on the sand, so you walk or take the shuttle from the Ring Road parking lot.
Is it free to visit the Sólheimasandur plane wreck?
There is no entry fee, but parking at the lot is paid by app or online.
What happened to the plane at Sólheimasandur?
A US Navy Douglas C-117D, a version of the DC-3, came down on the sand in November 1973 while flying cargo. All five crew members survived, and the fuselage was left where it landed.
Where is the Sólheimasandur plane wreck?
The parking lot is on Route 1 about 6 km east of Skógar and 27 km west of Vík, a little over two hours' drive from Reykjavík.
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