Discover Iceland's famous plane wreck with our Shuttle Service. Easy access to an iconic landmark.
Hop aboard the Plane Wreck shuttle for the 4 km (2.5 mi) to the DC-3 aeroplane wreckage on the hauntingly beautiful black sand beach of Sólheimasandur. The shuttle is available seven days a week between 10:00 and 17:00 and takes just 10-15 minutes to get to the plane!
The remnants of a DC-3 aeroplane on the black sand beach of Sólheimasandur has become a must-see site for many travellers along south Iceland.
The DC-3 plane was used for cargo transport by the United States Navy, and it crashed in November 1973 on the way from the town of Höfn to Keflavík International Airport.
The weather changed during the flight, the temperature dropped, and both engines eventually gave out due to icing. Luckily, none of the five crew members was injured in the crash. The wreckage remains on the beach, and this little-known site became famous after being featured in Justin Bieber’s “I’ll Show You” video, released in 2015.
It’s an interesting place to visit as the plane sits in a sea of nothingness, just black sands and some scattered metal. The juxtaposition of the aircraft against the natural elements of Iceland is striking.
The Plane Shuttle saves visitors time as it takes 10-15 minutes each way to reach the plane as opposed to a nearly 2-hour round-trip walk. Park your rental car in the designated Sólheimasandur parking lot, and the shuttle runs from 10:00 to 17:00 seven days a week.
The last departure is at 17:00 (dependent on daylight hours). The parking area is located 6 km east of Skógar (3km east of Sólheimajökull) and 27 km west of Vík. Please see the map for details.
- Availability
- All year
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Meeting Point
- Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck Parking Lot
TourID: AG801
Activity provider: Icelandic Mountain Guides by Icelandia
Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck Parking Lot
Need to know
Tickets can be purchased on the bus and online.
- Flexible Cancellation
- No Booking Fees
Tour itinerary
What’s included and what to bring on this tour
It’s important to always be prepared for your next adventure in Iceland. See our list of what’s included, and what you should bring or add to your trip
Included
- Transfer to / from the plane wreck
Not included
- Shelter
Tour highlights
Are you wondering about something?
If you're planning a trip to Iceland, it's important to be prepared with the right information. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you plan your trip
The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck is approximately 164 kilometres from Reykjavik, Iceland's capital city. This journey, primarily on Route 1 (the Ring Road), usually takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes by car, but it's recommended to take your time and enjoy the majestic Icelandic scenery along the way.
While you can certainly drive close to the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck, vehicles are not allowed directly on the beach. The local authorities have set up a designated parking area off Route 1. From there, you can enjoy a scenic, albeit lengthy, walk to the plane wreck. Alternatively, shuttle bus services and ATV tours are available for a more effortless journey.
The Solheimasandur Plane is an iconic Douglas DC-3 aircraft that met its unexpected end in 1973. Stranded on the black beach of Sólheimasandur, after running out of fuel during a storm, the plane was abandoned and is now a unique symbol of a time long past.
Visiting the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck is entirely free of charge. The only associated cost is the parking fee at the designated lot, which can be paid online or via a mobile application.
The crash of the DC-3 aircraft on Sólheimasandur beach was mainly due to severe weather conditions and a critical fuel shortage. The story goes that ice had built up on the aircraft's exterior, leading to a drop in temperature and causing engine failure.
The walk from the designated parking lot to the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck is approximately 4 km, taking around 45-60 minutes each way. It's a journey through the awe-inspiring Icelandic landscape, which can be enjoyed at your own pace.
Booking in advance is always recommended. To ensure your spot and for greater flexibility, we advise booking your ticket as early as possible. We offer a 100% refund for cancellations made more than 24 hours before the scheduled departure, giving you peace of mind if your plans change.
Please be at the parking lot at least 5 minutes before the bus's scheduled departure time. This ensures a comfortable start to your journey and helps avoid any last-minute rushes.
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