Sólheimasandur and the Plane Wreck
Sólheimasandur is the wide black-sand plain on the South Coast, best known for the DC-3 plane wreck and ATV routes near Sólheimajökull.
Sólheimasandur is the wide black-sand plain on the South Coast, best known for the DC-3 plane wreck and ATV routes near Sólheimajökull.
Quick guide to Sólheimasandur
| Location | South Iceland, between Skógar, Sólheimajökull and Vík |
| Best for | Plane wreck routes, black-sand plains, ATV tours, minimalist photography and South Coast adventure planning |
| Nearby places | Sólheimajökull, Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey, Vík and Reynisfjara |
| Typical visit time | A short viewpoint stop to a half day, depending on whether you use a shuttle, walk or ATV tour |
| Best season | Year round with weather checks; wind and exposure matter on the open sand plain |
| Good to know | Do not drive private vehicles onto the plane-wreck route. Use marked access, shuttle or guided ATV options. |
| Coordinates | 63.4595,-19.3646 |
Sólheimasandur is more than the plane wreck
Sólheimasandur is the broad black-sand outwash plain below Mýrdalsjökull. Most travellers know it because of the DC-3 plane wreck, but the wider landscape is also part of the South Coast's volcanic, glacial and wind-shaped character.
The area feels empty and cinematic, but it is exposed. Weather, wind, low visibility and long walking distances can quickly turn a casual plan into a tiring one.
Sólheimasandur works best when the access plan is clear before you arrive.
Access, weather and black-sand exposure
Private vehicles should not drive to the plane wreck. Use the official access options, a shuttle where operating, or a guided ATV route. The walk is across a very exposed plain, so wind, rain and darkness matter more than the map suggests.
If the weather is poor, consider putting the time into Sólheimajökull, Skógafoss or Vík instead of forcing the plane wreck stop.
How to visit Sólheimasandur
Choose the visit type first: a short roadside landscape stop, a planned walk to the plane wreck, a shuttle option or a guided ATV activity. The activity choice is often the most satisfying because the sand plain is huge and repetitive on foot.
From Reykjavik, use a South Coast tour if you want the wider route handled. Locally, choose a plane-wreck ATV tour if Sólheimasandur is the main reason for the stop.
Best Sólheimasandur plane wreck and black-sand tours
Sólheimasandur is one of the best places to turn the South Coast into an activity day. The most relevant products are ATV and black-sand tours near the plane wreck.
Compare ATV and black-sand tours
The most direct bookable fit for Sólheimasandur and the DC-3 plane wreck area.
A local ATV format for travellers who want the black-sand plain as the main activity.
A Reykjavik-based option that connects the black sand coast with wider South Coast sights.
A shorter active choice when you are already in the Vik and Solheimasandur area.
Places near Sólheimasandur
Use Sólheimasandur as part of a connected beach and route plan rather than a disconnected stop.
Towns and villages near Sólheimasandur
These are the most practical bases and service stops for planning the route.
Suggested itinerary ideas
Plane wreck activity stop
Book the South Coast and Plane Wreck ATV Tour or a local ATV option, then keep the rest of the day simple around Skógafoss and Vík.
Glacier and black-sand day
Start with Sólheimajökull, add Sólheimasandur if weather allows, and finish with Vík or Reynisfjara.
Classic South Coast backup
If wind or visibility is poor, skip the open sand plain and use waterfalls, Dyrhólaey and Vík as the safer route.
FAQ about Sólheimasandur
What is Sólheimasandur known for?
Sólheimasandur is best known for the DC-3 plane wreck on a wide black-sand plain, plus ATV and black-sand route activities near the South Coast.
Can you drive to the Sólheimasandur plane wreck?
No, private driving onto the plane-wreck route is not the normal visitor access. Use the official access options, shuttle where available, or a guided ATV tour.
How long is the walk to the plane wreck?
Plan for a substantial exposed walk if you do it on foot. Weather and daylight matter, so do not treat it like a quick roadside photo stop.
What tour is best for Sólheimasandur?
Good options include:
- South Coast and Plane Wreck ATV Tour for a guided day from Reykjavik.
- ATV Black Beach Safari and Plane Wreck if the plane wreck and sand are the main activity.
- Black Beach ATV Tour for a shorter local black-sand experience.
Is Sólheimasandur near Sólheimajökull?
Yes. Sólheimajökull is one of the most practical nearby glacier activity areas and pairs well with Sólheimasandur.
Can you visit Sólheimasandur in winter?
Sometimes yes, but short daylight, wind, snow and visibility can make the plane wreck a poor choice. Use a guided activity or keep it optional.
What should you combine with Sólheimasandur?
Combine it with Sólheimajökull, Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjara and Vík, depending on weather and timing.
Is the plane wreck worth it?
It is worth it if aircraft ruins, stark black-sand landscapes and photography are priorities. If you mainly want classic scenery, Dyrhólaey, Reynisfjara or Sólheimajökull may feel stronger.
DC-3 Plain Wreck at Solheimasandur Black Sand beach in South Iceland
The view over Petursey mountain from Solheimasandur black sand beach
DC-3 Plain Wreck at Solheimasandur Black Sand beach in South Iceland
Solheimasandur black lava field during winter in Iceland
DC-3 Plain Wreck at Solheimasandur Black Sand beach and the Northern Lights