Sólheimasandur Black Sand Beach
Sólheimasandur is a vast black-sand outwash plain on Iceland’s South Coast, between Skógafoss and Vík. It is best known for the abandoned DC-3 plane wreck, but the journey is just as memorable: a wide open landscape shaped by Katla, the Atlantic Ocean and the ice of Mýrdalsjökull.
There are no cafés, shelters or services at the wreck. That is part of the appeal—and why a little planning makes a big difference. This guide covers how to get there, whether to walk or take an ATV tour, and how to enjoy the area responsibly.
What makes Sólheimasandur special?
Black sand, distant glaciers and an enormous sky give Sólheimasandur a striking sense of scale. On a clear day, look for Mýrdalsjökull to the north and Dyrhólaey towards the coast. The plain is exposed to wind and weather, so the same place can feel calm, dramatic or almost otherworldly within a few hours.
The DC-3 plane wreck: what to expect
The US Navy Douglas DC-3 made an emergency landing on Sólheimasandur in 1973. Everyone on board survived, and the stripped fuselage remains on the black sand as one of Iceland’s most recognisable photo locations. It is a landmark, not a museum: there are no facilities at the site, and the experience is about the landscape as much as the aircraft.
For the best visit, give yourself time. The walk is long and flat, and wind can make it feel longer than the distance suggests. Please do not climb on the wreck, leave anything behind or fly a drone where restrictions apply.
How to get to Sólheimasandur
The signed parking area is on Route 1, roughly 8 km east of Skógafoss and before Vík when travelling from Reykjavík. From the car park, a marked track leads about 4 km each way to the wreck—around 8 km return. Most visitors need 2.5 to 3.5 hours for the walk, depending on wind, pace and photo stops.
Driving private or rental cars across the sand is not permitted. Park only in the designated car park, never on Route 1, and take extra care when turning off the highway. Check weather and road conditions before setting out; visibility and wind can change quickly on this open plain.
Walk it—or see the black sands by ATV
The self-guided walk is the simplest way to reach the wreck and suits confident walkers with enough time, sturdy footwear, water and windproof layers. There is very little shelter, so turn back if conditions deteriorate or you are not prepared for the return journey.
An ATV tour is a great alternative for travellers who want to cover more of the Sólheimasandur landscape with a guide. First-time riders receive instruction, while guided routes reveal riverbeds, volcanic terrain and coastal views that are not experienced on the walking track.
When to visit and what to bring
Sólheimasandur can be visited year-round, but calm, clear conditions make the walk far more enjoyable. Summer brings long daylight; autumn and winter can add dramatic light but require closer attention to forecasts, road conditions and daylight hours.
- Waterproof, windproof outer layers and warm mid-layers
- Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
- Water, a snack and a fully charged phone
- A downloaded map or offline navigation—mobile signal can be unreliable
Make a day of Iceland’s South Coast
Sólheimasandur sits close to some of the South Coast’s classic stops. Pair it with Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, a glacier activity at Sólheimajökull, Reynisfjara’s black-sand beach or the village of Vík. A guided day tour is particularly convenient if you would rather leave the driving and timing to a local guide.
Respect this fragile landscape
Stay on marked routes, take all rubbish with you and respect signs, closures and private land. Iceland’s black-sand plains can look tough, but vegetation and surrounding natural areas are easily damaged. A thoughtful visit helps keep Sólheimasandur remarkable for the next traveller.
Frequently asked questions
The signed track is about 4 km each way, or roughly 8 km return. Allow 2.5–3.5 hours including photo stops and extra time in windy conditions.
No. Visitors must park in the designated car park and walk the marked track, or join a licensed guided ATV experience. Do not drive on the sand.
Many guided ATV tours welcome first-time riders and include an introduction to the vehicle and route. Always check the individual tour’s age, licence and passenger requirements before booking.
Early morning or later afternoon can feel quieter and offer softer light, but weather, wind and safe daylight matter more than a fixed time. Check the forecast on the day of your visit.
Explore the South Coast with a local guide
Choose a guided experience that matches the way you want to see Sólheimasandur—from a short ATV ride on the black sands to a full South Coast day from Reykjavík, a glacier walk or a ride near Vík.
A one-hour guided ATV ride across black-sand tracks close to Sólheimasandur.
A longer ATV safari combining the black sands with the famous plane wreck.
A Reykjavík pickup day tour of waterfalls, glacier scenery, Vík and black-sand beaches.
A full South Coast day with waterfalls, black sand and a guided glacier hike.
An accessible guided glacier walk from the Sólheimajökull base camp.
A memorable one-hour ride near Vík with Icelandic horses and coastal views.