The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
Controversial opinion… This is possibly one of the most over rated attractions in Iceland… Hear us out!
Not only has this plane wreck been the site of recent tragedy, there is also a lot of misinformation circulating about how the plane met its end. In truth, more people have died trying to visit this plane wreck as a tourist attraction than in the plane crash itself!
In this ultimate travel guide, we will discuss how the plane met its demise, how it grew into the famous tourist attraction it now is, why the site can be very dangerous, how to mitigate these dangers, the best ways to visit and why we believe it is overrated! So stay tuned and lets dive in!
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We Value Your Time
We value your time! So, if you already know why you are here and want to look at specifically at the best and safest way to visit The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck then we have highlighted our top tour recommendation below! In this tour you get to take part in an epic quad bike ride across the beach and visit Solheimasandur Plane Wreck!
You can also check out this Full day tour from Viator, which visits the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck and other top attractions on the South Coast of Iceland!
You can choose to visit without a tour or guide but this does carry some risks a require preparation, we will discuss more below!
Where Is The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck?
The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck is located on a remote black sand beach in southern Iceland, about 4 miles (7 km) off the Ring Road on the South Coast. It lies on the vast Sólheimasandur beach, approximately 164 km (101 miles) east of Reykjavik and 215 km (133 miles) west of the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
We have highlighted The Solheimasandur Plane Wrecks location on the map below for your reference.
What Happened To The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck?
The Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck was, until recent years, relatively unheard of. There are lots of wild stories surrounding how this plane met its demise. However, the truth is far less Hollywood-worthy…
This now famous site is the wreckage of a United States Navy Douglas C-117D Super DC-3 aircraft that made a forced landing on the black volcanic sands of Sólheimasandur in 1973. Despite the stories of hijack, death and destruction, this plane actually ran out of fuel. The skilled crew managed to land the aircraft intact on the frozen river, with all onboard surviving the controlled landing. The abandoned wreckage was dismantled for any valuable parts, and the rest was left behind to weather in Iceland’s elements over the decades.
How The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck Became Famous
The wreckage was left this way for many years until two things happened to thrust this site into the limelight…
Firstly… What we like to call the Beiber effect: Justin Bieber chose this site for his 2015 music video “I’ll Show You”. In the video, Bieber is seen skateboarding atop the abandoned fuselage, drawing widespread attention to this remote location.
Secondly, the Indian film “Dilwale” featured the plane wreck prominently in the music video for the song “Gerua.” Lead actors Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol were filmed posing and dancing atop the wreckage against the backdrop of Iceland’s stark black sand beach. The combined exposure from both these music videos catapulted the Sólheimasandur plane wreck in Iceland to international fame and popularity.
Why We Think The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck Is Overrated
So why overrated, you ask?
Well… the wreck itself is not so much the issue; it is an interesting landmark, given its history, set against a dramatic Icelandic backdrop! However, how you get there is somewhat less appealing.
See this wreak sits at the end of roughly an hour and a half long walk across barren black sands and once you get there, you are faced with the same walk back across the sands. While most walks are incredibly scenic in Iceland, this one really is just an expanse of sand until you get to the beach.
Is The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck Worth It?
So is The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck worth it? We included The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck on our list of best things to do in Iceland despite feeling it is overrated because there is no denying that for some, who are big fans of the music videos filmed here, this has become one of the must-see places in Iceland. However, there are a number of things you need to consider if you are going to visit…
Why The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck Can Be Dangerous
We wanted to write a travel guide for the audience of people who will undoubtedly find this site fascinating but also to give a warning…
Warning!!!
Tragically, a couple lost their lives to hypothermia attempting to visit the Sólheimasandur plane wreck due to exposure to a sudden snowstorm. This is a sobering warning of the potential risks involved in hiking to this remote location! The hike may look relatively harmless; However, the vast, featureless landscape can quickly become disorienting in whiteout conditions
Before attempting the trek, it is crucial to check weather forecasts thoroughly and dress appropriately with warm, waterproof layers suitable for potential blizzard conditions. Even on a clear day, carrying essential supplies like navigation tools, food, and water is vital in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.
How To Get To The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
As mentioned, the only way to get to this beach independently is to hire a car, park in the nearest parking area along the Ring Road, and embark on a 2.5 mile (4 km) hike each way. If you would like the flexibility of hiring a car, check out a good option below.
A Cheaper Way To Rent A Car In Iceland
Renting a car in Iceland provides ultimate freedom and flexibility but it can be expensive! To cut down costs we suggest having a look at GetRentacar.com. This site is a car-sharing market place that allows travelers to rent cars from a community of local car owners. This can allow you to rent a car at up to 50% off the average market price!
You can compare the prices above to one of the more well know car rental providers, Rentalcars.com. Use the widget below to check prices and find your best deal.
However, if you would really like to see Solheimasandur Plane Wreck but don’t fancy the long trek then we may have a solution for you!
The Best Way To Visit The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
You are able to book onto an exhilarating quad bike ride across the black sand beach and visit the plane all in one tour! This is also a great option for those not wanting to risk the weather! There are not many tours that offer this and a visit to Solheimasandur Plane in one so we have highlighted it below as one of the best things to do in Iceland!
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Where To Stay In Iceland
The most popular place to stay in Iceland is in Reykjavik. This is the capital and where nearly all day tours operate from. Likewise, it is close proximity to the airport, lots of shops and lovely local restaurants. If you are doing a shorter trip to Iceland, Reykjavik is the perfect place to stay and provides easy access to some of the popular day tours including the Southcoast, Snaefellsnes Peninsula and the Golden Circle. Equally, Reykjavik is the perfect start point for those looking to take a campervan around Iceland’s famous 800-mile loop!
Here are some of our top recommendations for places to stay in Reykjavik. We have included a number of options depending on your budget and type of vibe you are going for!
Hostels:
Love a social vibe? Here is our top hostel recommendation for a livelier atmosphere. Kex Hostel is also where Beth stayed on her first trip to Iceland!
Here are some other top hostel recommendations in Reykjavik:
Hotels:
Looking for a more relaxing experience away from the hustle and bustle of hostels? Here are our top hotel recommendations in Reykjavik from Agoda:
The Best Time To Visit Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
The best time to visit The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck is the summer months in our opinion. This is because the risks of exposure to high winds and snow storms are much lower in the summer!
However, the best time to visit Iceland in general depends very much on what you are hoping to see on your visit. The best time to see the Northern lights is typically between the winter months of September to April, as these months offer longer nights and darker skies, which are ideal conditions for seeing the aurora. The peak months are typically March and September due to increased solar activity around the equinoxes.
You can read our complete guide on the Northern Lights Here: How To See The Northern Lights In Iceland | 10 Crucial Tips
However, the best time to see other top attractions in Iceland, including The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck, The Golden Circle, The Snaefellsnes Peninsula, the north of Iceland and Iceland’s stunning south coast, is arguably during the summer months between June and August. Bear in mind that this period also sees a surge in tourist activity, resulting in larger crowds and increased accommodation prices.
There is an argument that Iceland requires two visits as it is an entirely different country between summer and winter. Some incredible waterfalls freeze over in the winter and look just as stunning! We have included a table below showing the average monthly snowfall and average monthly temperature to help you decide.
Average Monthly Snowfall In Iceland
Hover over the bars to see average monthly temperature.
Daylight Hours: Something else to consider when planning your trip to Iceland is the daylight hours. During summer months, especially around the summer solstice in late June, Iceland basks in the “midnight sun” phenomenon, where the sun remains visible for nearly 24 hours a day. This provides endless daylight, allowing visitors to explore and enjoy outdoor activities at any hour. Conversely, in the heart of winter around the winter solstice in late December, Iceland only receives a few hours of daylight, with the sun barely peeking above the horizon for 4-5 hours.
The Wind: The wind in Iceland is No Joke!!!
On a regular day, wind speeds can range from 10-15 mph (16-24 km/h), considered breezy. However, it’s relatively common for winds to pick up to 20-40 mph (32-64 km/h) and higher. Additionally, Iceland experiences frequent strong wind gusts, with some reaching gale force levels above 40 mph (64 km/h). In extreme cases, wind speeds over 100 mph (160 km/h) have been recorded, like the staggering 141 mph (227 km/h) gust on the south coast in 2015.
The combination of strong winds and lack of natural windbreaks like trees and forests means the wind’s full force is felt across the island, especially in coastal areas and along the Ring Road and near The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck. High winds can make driving conditions hazardous, with the potential for vehicles to be blown off the road. Authorities advise against driving when winds gust over 50 mph (80 km/h). Wind is a constant factor to consider when planning outdoor activities and travel in Iceland, as the weather can change rapidly from mild to stormy conditions.
Conclusion
The Solheimasandur plane wreck has undoubtedly become an iconic photography location and a major tourist draw in Iceland. However, the tragic deaths that have occurred near the wreckage serve as a sobering reminder that this remote site poses real dangers that should not be underestimated. While the haunting beauty of the abandoned fuselage against the stark black sand beach is alluring, the harsh Icelandic environment can turn deadly with little warning.
Ultimately, whether the Solheimasandur plane wreck is worth visiting comes down to personal judgment. Those willing to check weather reports, dress appropriately for rapidly changing conditions, and exercise caution may find it a rewarding adventure. But the wreck’s isolation and exposure to the relentless winds, snow, and cold mean it should never be attempted lightly.
If you are keen to visit, we highly recommend the Quad-bike tour! This means an experienced guide always accompanies you, and you have a quicker way of traversing the vast open beach should the weather take a turn for the worst! Whether a death trap or bucket-list destination, the Solheimasandur plane wreck is undeniably a famous site in Iceland!
As always don’t hesitate to let us know any questions you might have in the comments below!
Big Love
Beth and Denz