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Iceland is well known for its alien landscapes and stunning views. Sólheimasandur is known for being empty and harsh, with one big, winged exception. In this article, we explore Sólheimasandur, a black sand beach so large that it has a shuttle service and grounded airplane. So, fasten your seatbelt, and let’s go!
What is Sólheimasandur?
Few things would fit together as poorly as “Iceland” and “desert,” yet the Land of Fire and Ice harbors one in plain sight: Sólheimasandur. This massive area of black sand beach is classified as a desert since it has little to no vegetation or animal life. It works on the same principle as both the Sahara and Antarctica being classified as deserts.
Due to the barren nature of Sólheimasandur, don’t expect to see much natural life. Instead, allow yourself to be engulfed in the surreal experience of the otherworldly landscape. It’s not every day that you get the chance to walk around a black desert.
Sólheimasandur is about 4 kilometers wide and 3.5 kilometers deep, making it roughly 14 square kilometers of volcanic black sand. It’s bordered by two small rivers and is cut in half by a third. These rivers are fed by the glacial run-off from the glaciers a couple of kilometers north of the beach.
Sólheimasandur Geology
The black sand beaches in Iceland are large deposits of ground-down volcanic rock that get its characteristic black color from the dominant basalt rock. The sand at Sólheimasandur comes from the many volcanic eruptions of Katla, the sub-glacial volcano to the north of the beach.
Whenever a volcano underneath a glacier erupts, it creates a glacial flood, or Jökulhlaup, as it is also called. This happens when massive amounts of ice quickly melt, creating a flash flood full of volcanic debris. It is considered one of the most dangerous events in a sub-glacial volcanic eruption since eruptions are not always detected underneath the ice. Suddenly, the mountain just comes rushing down as a mix of water, sludge, and rock, but luckily no lava.
Jökulhlaups have taken more lives than any other event connected to this type of volcanic eruption. Due to the unpredictable nature of these volcanic eruptions, affected areas are rarely settled, which is why Sólheimasandur (and the area around it) can feel like such a desolate place.
Fun fact: “jökulhlaup” is one of two words that has been adopted in English from Icelandic. The other one is “geyser”.
Where is Sólheimasandur?
Sólheimasandur can be found in the middle of the south coast of Iceland. It’s close to the massive glacier Mýrdalsjökull, sitting on top of the volcano Katla, and not far away from Vík i Mýrdal.
The parking lot for the beach is right next to Ring Road 1 but is unfortunately not advertised well along the road. If you miss it (which you might), remember that you need to be careful when u-turning on the main road, and you’re not allowed to park along the side of it to go visit the beach.
How to Get to Sólheimasandur
Sólheimasandur is a perfect stop for a south Iceland road trip. The two ways to reach Sólheimasandur are either via a guided tour or driving yourself.
Driving Yourself
From Reykjavik, the directions are as easy as they can be: simply get on Ring Road 1 and drive east for about 160 kilometers. You’ll then soon start to see large areas of black sand to your right. Since the parking lot still doesn’t have a sign or anything to help people notice it, you need to keep an eye out for the entrance. This will come a minute or two after the sign towards Solheimajökull that will appear on your left. This whole trip will take 2 hours and roughly 15 minutes to drive without any stops.
If you’re driving from Vík, it won’t take more than 20 minutes. Just head west on Ring Road 1 and look for the parking lot on your left. It’s easier to spot from Vík than Reykjavik.
Take a Tour
There are two types of tours in the area: the traditional guided tours along Iceland’s south coast from Reykjavik or an ATV tour from the base of Mýrdalsjökull.
The south coast tours from Reykjavik will often be a single-day tour but can also be a multi-day tour with a more extensive itinerary and sleepovers.
The ATV tours require you to meet up with the group and guides at the base of Mýrdalsjökull. From there, you will be taken on a tour that goes up and down Sólheimasandur to the tunes of a narrating guide. The tours are usually around 1-3 hours, depending on who you go with.
The DC-3 Plane Wreck at Sólheimasandur
In the middle of Sólheimasandur lies the wreckage of an airplane that had to make an emergency landing on the beach back in the 70s. The plane is the center of attention on the beach and has proven to be a popular object for photos and filming.
The History Behind the Plane
During the Cold War, NATO had a base at Keflavik and a radar station in the southeastern part of the country. The U.S. frequently flew personnel and equipment in and out of Iceland, and this wreck was the result of one of those flights in 1973.
As the pilot came near Iceland, it seemed like the fuel tanks were empty, and the plane was going to have to make an emergency landing somewhere. The pilot put the plane down on Sólheimasandur Beach and managed to keep everyone onboard alive and unscathed. It later turned out that the pilot accidentally switched to the wrong fuel tank, making it look like the plane was running on fumes, even though it could have made it to Keflavik.
The Plane Today
The plane was left on Sólheimasandur and is now a popular tourist attraction. For the first few decades, it was structurally strong and somewhat safe to climb inside and on top of. But the plane has deteriorated, so we strongly advise you to resist the urge. There are areas on the inside of the plane that still might hold the average adult, but it’s unsure for how much longer.
How to Get to the Plane
You can visit the plane one of three ways: a long hike over the deserted beach, via the shuttle service from the parking lot, or via the local ATV tours. A couple of years ago, it was allowed to drive private cars across the sand to the plane, but since too many people got stuck in the soft sand or managed to destroy the little flora that developed at Sólheimasandur, this is no longer allowed.
Go With the Shuttle
The shuttle service is by far the fastest and most comfortable way to reach the plane. It goes along a packed road (to avoid destroying any possible flora), so it won’t get stuck in the sand. It’s also a good option if you’re carrying equipment for filming or photography since it will be protected from the elements.
ATV Tour
If you enjoy driving yourself, you should opt for the local ATV tours around Sólheimasandur. These tours include the plane and some general sightseeing along Sólheimasandur Beach. This option fits the one who wants to feel the wind in their hair and get their heart pumping.
Hike
A hike over the sand is the third and final option. It takes between 30- and 60 minutes for a single trip, depending on the weather. This is the tranquil option for the one who enjoys a hike and doesn’t mind the weather. Since Sólheimasandur Beach is a large flat area next to the North Atlantic Ocean, the weather will likely be hectic, with strong winds and salty droplets coming in from the sea.
The Best Time to Visit Sólheimasandur
As with most attractions in Iceland that are exposed to the elements, summer is usually the more comfortable season to visit the beach. This won’t completely discard the chance of poor weather, but the odds of pleasant weather will be higher in the summer in Iceland. You will share most attractions with other visitors, but if you arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you will avoid the largest crowds.
If you’d rather visit in the winter, we strongly suggest taking the shuttle to the airplane if you want to see it. The weather in winter in Iceland is notoriously unstable, and you want to avoid getting stuck on the Sólheimasandur beach when the weather goes bad.
It’s easy to get good photos of the plane in the winter. The contrast of the white snow, black sand, and light grey plane wreckage makes Sólheimasandur a paradise for winter photos.
What to Think of When Visiting Sólheimasandur
Despite its background and creation, Sólheimasandur is an attraction that should be added to the itinerary along the south coast. When visiting, remember to bring clothes that cover you well and can handle the strong winds and possibly wet weather. This is extra important when it comes to boots since keeping the feet warm and dry is crucial to a good experience.
If you hike back and forth, you will be out and about for at least 2 hours, so ensure you bring a snack. The ocean air and chilly weather are not to be underestimated. A thermos or something to keep a warm drink in is recommended if you go in the winter. Regardless of the time of year or if you hike or not, bringing something to drink is almost a must.
You can buy a ticket to the shuttle on the spot, but we recommend booking it beforehand to avoid ending up without a seat. The shuttle normally runs between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm but will adjust to the daylight hours (which means shorter in the winter). Keep this in mind if you want to have a ride back to the parking lot.
Safety on the Beach
If you decide to visit Sólheimasandur in the winter in Iceland, you must pay attention to the daylight hours and weather. Since this is a large, flat, pitch-black desert, it’s easy to get lost when the sun goes down. Even if the black sand beach turns into a snowy desert, it’s easy to get lost without a fixed point to help you get your bearings. This is not meant to scare you away, just to make sure you know what to keep an eye out for.
If you visit in the summer, you might face a sandstorm-like environment if it’s too windy. If you decide to go all the way to the ocean, it’s advised to keep some distance from the waterline, regardless of what the weather is like. The south coast of Iceland is prone to sneaker waves that can easily pull you out to sea if you’re unlucky.
Sólheimasandur Photography
As mentioned earlier, Sólheimasandur can be a photographer’s paradise under the right circumstances. Here are some things to keep in mind as you arm yourself with a camera and an artistic attitude.
Sólheimasandur is all about contrast and raw natural power. There are plenty of spots close to the river, as well as between the parking lot and the plane, that allow you to get good panoramic views of the landscape. The crashed plane will be the best area to photograph since it is an intriguing object to capture.
Also, make sure you have something to protect your equipment with. The wind and water are not kind to electronics out here.
What to Do Close to Sólheimasandur
The beach is wonderful, but Iceland has a lot to offer. Here are a few suggestions for things to do close to Sólheimasandur:
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
- Dyrhólaey Rock Formation
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
- Skogafoss Waterfall
- Visit Vík I Mýrdal
Where to Stay Close to Sólheimasandur
If you decide to stay and explore the area, here are some accommodation suggestions:
- Tjaldsvæðið við Skógafoss – a camping spot for an outdoor adventure
- Sólheimahjáleiga Guesthouse – a less costly alternative to a hotel
- Volcano Hotel – for a luxurious stay in southern Iceland
FAQs
Below you will find a few answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Solheimasandur:
How Long Does it Take to Reach Solheimasandur on the Beach?
To reach Solheimasandur, one must walk along the beach. This beach “hike” is about 4 kilometers long, and will take roughly 2 hours, depending on your pace. There is also the option of taking a shuttle from the parking lot, which will shorten the time to the plane substantially (it’s a +/- 10-minute drive).
Is it Safe to Visit the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck?
It is completely safe to visit Solheimasandur. But please note, where it once made for a great photo opp to climb on top of the wreck, the continuous decay of the wreck has made this an unsafe practice. Better safe than sorry!
Can I drive to Solheimasandur?
You can drive to the parking lot of Solheimasandur, but you won’t be allowed to drive the rest of the way to the wreck on the beach. You will need to walk along the beach or take the shuttle from the parking lot to reach the plane.
Are There Any Facilities at the Beach at Solheimasandur?
No, there are absolutely no facilities or amenities at the beach at the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck. So, be sure to get in all your bathroom breaks beforehand and bring enough snacks and water. This is especially important to take note of if you have younger children in your party.
Is There a Shuttle Service to Solheimasandur?
Yes, there is a shuttle that runs from the Solheimasandur parking lot all the way to the wreck.
Does the Shuttle Service to Solheimasandur Operate All Year Round?
Yes, the shuttle to the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck runs all year round. But operating hours may vary slightly between our summer peak season and our “down” season here in Iceland. The shuttle usually runs 7 days a week from 10:00 to 17:00 every day.
The Quiet Marvel of Sólheimasandur
Sólheimasandur is the place to go if you want to explore another one of the many otherworldly locations in Iceland. With everything from the classic Icelandic black sand beach to the unique plane wreck, this beach has it all. It’s easy to get here and fits well on an Iceland road trip. So, all that’s left to do now is to rent your campervan in Iceland and begin the adventure!
