Explore DC-3 Airplane Wreckage in Sólheimasandur

If you've ever felt the urge to go to Iceland and explore one of the planet's most geographically fascinating locations, you've most likely seen photos similar to mine: dilapidated wreckage of an old airplane on a black sand beach. The United States Navy Douglas Super DC-3 in Sólheimasandur was forced to make an emergency landing on November 24, 1973, and since the crash, it has remained in it's place. Fortunately, all crew members survived, and thanks to the laissez-faire mentality of Icelandic culture, the haunting scene can be enjoyed by visitors from around the world. Iceland's iconic wrecked DC-3 airplane is a widely photographed site, but if you don't know where to look, it's almost impossible to find.

The beach is directly en route between Skogafoss waterfalls and the town of Vik in southwestern Iceland. The turn-off road is on the 1 (Ring Road, Iceland's highway that loops the island), and if you're traveling south it will be on your right hand side. After passing Skogafoss, there is a glacier access road (221) on the left to Sólheimajökull that reads, "Sólheimajökull 5km." The road to the plane wreck is the next right immediately after the glacier road. There is a small turn-off area with a gate and a sign with vague instructions on how to reach the wrecked DC-3.

In Iceland, most of the roads besides the 1 and major routes around Reykjavik are gravel and can require 4x4 at places. The way to the wrecked plane is entirely black sand, gravel, and large rocks. There is a sign at the beginning of the turn off that says "4x4 Vehicles Only," but if you know how to drive cautiously on gravel roads and pay attention to huge potholes, it can be made in almost any vehicle. That being said, if you're driving a rental, you're definitely going to want to have gravel protection added to your agreement when you pick up the vehicle, and it's a good idea to let out some air pressure in your tires so you don't get a flat.

The path to the plane starts off clear, but less than 1km (0.6 mi) in it becomes difficult to figure out where the actual "road" is. There is a fork just before a road that goes towards a farm, and you'll want to bear left at that fork. Once you've taken that left, the best bet is to try to keep going in a straight line. The road has wooden markers on each side to indicate it's path, but it's hard to follow in spots. There are tracks running all over the beach in every direction, and as long as you don't diverge too far from the direction of the fork, you'll eventually end up near the site.

You won't see the plane until you're very close because it's hidden behind a dune, so just continue driving towards the water and watch out for potholes. The entire distance is only a few miles, so if you're worried your car won't make it or you don't want to take the risk with a rental, you can park at the turn off and hike in (be sure to bring water and a windbreaker!).

If you're visiting Iceland in the winter, this is a great spot to get a secluded view of the Aurora Borealis. During the summer it's more frequently visited, but easier to access since there's little chance of snow.

GPS coordinates for the turnoff: 63.4912391,-19.3632810