The Sólheimasandur plane wrecks in Iceland are undoubtedly one of Iceland’s most iconic and sought-after photo subjects, especially among summer tourists. Though it requires a roughly 45-minute walk from the parking lot, the terrain is flat and easy to navigate. If the weather cooperates—which, admittedly, is always somewhat unpredictable in Iceland—there’s nothing to stop you from making this unforgettable visit.

Exploring the Wreck from Different Angles

This photo collection captures the wrecks from various perspectives. While the images might suggest solitude, they were actually taken under quite challenging conditions. The area was far from empty. Just before my visit, a fully booked, albeit overpriced, shuttle bus unloaded a group of Chinese tourists at the wreck site. Despite numerous warnings, they freely climbed on the wrecks without any regard for others, sometimes blocking photographers and other visitors. At the same time, they did not hesitate to brusquely ask others to move out of their way. Capturing these images was very much a test of patience.

Fascinating History Behind the Wreck

The wreck on Sólheimasandur is the remains of a United States Navy Douglas C-117D aircraft that crash-landed on November 21, 1973, due to severe weather and fuel exhaustion. Remarkably, all seven crew members survived unscathed. While salvage teams initially retrieved valuable parts, the harsh location and weather meant the main fuselage was abandoned. Over time, the stripped fuselage has become a haunting and surreal monument, drawing photographers and travelers from around the world. It has even appeared in music videos and documentaries, symbolizing Iceland’s stark, mystical landscape.

Despite its eerie, abandoned appearance, the plane wreck on the black sands of Sólheimasandur remains a poignant and captivating reminder of human resilience and nature’s power—making it a truly unique destination for photography enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. And, what’s more, they are a perfect edition to the 21st Century Trolls series.