Iceland Sólheimasandur plane crash

This hauntingly beautiful location is the site of the famous DC-3 plane wreck on Sólheimasandur Beach in southern Iceland. The skeletal remains of the U.S. Navy aircraft, left to the elements since it crash-landed in 1973, sit starkly on a vast black sand plain that often dusts over with snow in winter. At sunset or sunrise, the wreck becomes an otherworldly silhouette against a glowing sky, making it one of Iceland’s most iconic and surreal photo spots.

This image was created using HDR (High Dynamic Range) techniques, which is particularly effective here due to the extreme contrast between the bright sky and shadowy aircraft. Capture multiple exposures (typically three to five) at varying shutter speeds to retain both highlight and shadow detail, especially during sunrise. A tripod is essential for consistent framing during bracketing. A wide-angle lens (16–35mm range) works well to include the entire wreck and its surroundings. Including a silhouetted figure adds depth and scale. In snowy conditions, slight overexposure helps preserve detail in the foreground.

The wreck is located about 4 kilometers from the Sólheimasandur car park along the Ring Road. While walking the flat trail is possible, many visitors opt for the shuttle bus that runs regularly between the parking area and the wreck site, especially in colder months. The terrain is exposed and often windy, so dress accordingly and wear good footwear. No permits or entry fees are required. There are no facilities at the site.