Discover the plane wreck in the black sand desert

The Sólheimasandur plane wreck is a fascinating relic of aviation history hidden deep in Iceland’s dramatic sand desert. In 1973 a US Navy DC-3 was forced to make an emergency landing on this black sand. Today the wreck lies abandoned and weather-beaten on a vast, barren plain, surrounded by Iceland’s typical volcanic landscapes. This combination of technological relic and natural wildness attracts both adventurers and photography enthusiasts and offers an incomparable backdrop.

Access to the wreck is via the well-known Ring Road 1, followed by a 3.5 kilometre hiking trail. This flat, easy path leads through the unique desert landscape and takes about 40 to 60 minutes each way. Alternatively, there is a shuttle bus that runs every 30 minutes between the car park and the wreck. There are no toilets and as the wind can be strong you should wear weatherproof clothing. The site is ideal for a longer excursion where you can fully enjoy the special character of the surroundings.