DC-3 Plane Wreck
An iconic DC-3 plane wreck rests on Iceland's dramatic Sólheimasandur black sand beach, a surreal and photogenic landmark.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
DC-3 Plane Wreck
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic DC-3 plane wreck rests on Iceland's dramatic Sólheimasandur black sand beach, a surreal and photogenic landmark.
"The sight of the abandoned plane in the middle of the black sand landscape is pretty surreal."
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The walk to the wreck is long and on gravel. Sturdy walking shoes are a must!
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are no facilities at the wreck site, so bring your own refreshments.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
3.9 · 531 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic DC-3 Wreck
Sólheimasandur black sand beach
An abandoned DC-3 plane resting on a stark black sand beach, offering a surreal and photogenic experience.
Dramatic Black Sand Landscape
Sólheimasandur beach
Vast black sand plains meeting the powerful Atlantic, creating a moody and unforgettable backdrop.
Unique Photography Opportunities
Around the wreck
The stark contrast of the plane against the black sand and surrounding mountains makes for incredible, unique photos.
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Planning Your Visit
The Long Walk to the Wreck
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The walk to the wreck is long and on gravel. Sturdy walking shoes are a must!
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are no facilities at the wreck site, so bring your own refreshments.
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting and fewer people.
🚗 Parking Fee
Be aware there's a parking fee, which some find a bit steep for the experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The walk to the wreck is long and on gravel. Sturdy walking shoes are a must!
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are no facilities at the wreck site, so bring your own refreshments.
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting and fewer people.
🚗 Parking Fee
Be aware there's a parking fee, which some find a bit steep for the experience.
🚁 Drone Flying Allowed
If you have a drone, this is a fantastic spot for aerial shots of the wreck and landscape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The DC-3 plane wreck is a visually striking and historically interesting site, offering unique photographic opportunities against a dramatic black sand landscape. While many appreciate its surreal atmosphere and the adventure of the walk, some find the long trek and parking fee to be a drawback, suggesting it might not be a 'must-see' for everyone.
"It’s a cool picture and has history to it, but truthfully not worth the visit. You drive down a very gravely road with little signage. You have to pay to park and it ranges from 6-7 US dollars which is way too much for this. You then have to walk a bit to get to it. Definitely don’t go out of your way for it."
Steph S
"Recommend visiting this place! It’s a perfect spot for photographers, nature lovers, or anyone seeking peace and quiet. The combination of mountains, rivers, sky, fields and horses makes this place really special.
Clean toilets, good parking."
Martin Žofčin
"It ain't funny to pay 1000ISK via Parka for the parking here but the place feels comfortable. You can enjoy the mountains, take pictures and fly your drone. The wreck is preserved much better than "that wreck" Solheimasandur, and it's much less popular that would mean less people (much less). The access is very easy (in comparison with Solheimasandur as well), the road is good and the parking lot is in 20m from the wreck."
Alexandra Dejanovic
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The DC-3 plane wreck is located on Sólheimasandur black sand beach in Iceland. You'll need to drive to the designated parking area off the Ring Road (Route 1). From there, it's a significant walk of about 4 km (45 minutes) each way to reach the wreck.
Public transport is not a practical option for reaching the DC-3 plane wreck. It's best to have your own vehicle or join a tour that includes transportation to the parking area.
No, you cannot drive directly to the DC-3 plane wreck. The area is protected, and visitors must park in the designated lot and walk the rest of the way.
The road to the parking area is generally accessible, but the path from the parking lot to the wreck is a long, flat gravel track.
No, the famous DC-3 plane wreck is located in Iceland, not Washington D.C. The TikTok video mentioning DC was likely referring to Washington D.C. as a travel destination in general.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee for the beach itself, but there is a parking fee at the designated lot for visitors. This fee helps maintain the area.
The parking fee is typically around 1000 ISK (Icelandic Króna), which is roughly 6-7 USD. Some visitors find this a bit expensive for the experience.
The DC-3 plane wreck is accessible at any time as it is an outdoor location on a public beach. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
Yes, the DC-3 plane wreck is still present on Sólheimasandur beach. While there was some discussion about its removal in the past, it remains a popular attraction.
While you can get close to the wreck for photos, it's advisable to be respectful and avoid climbing on or damaging the structure. It's a piece of history.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Early morning or late evening, during the 'golden hours,' offers the most dramatic lighting and fewer crowds, making for stunning photographs.
Absolutely! The unique combination of the abandoned aircraft, the vast black sand beach, and the surrounding Icelandic landscape provides incredible photographic opportunities.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing. A camera is essential for capturing the surreal scenery.
It is a popular spot, especially for photographers, but it's generally less crowded than some other Icelandic attractions, particularly if you visit outside peak hours.
The DC-3 aircraft crashed on Sólheimasandur beach in 1973. It was salvaged but left on the beach, becoming an iconic and eerie landmark.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit