The Iceland plane wreck is a popular tourist attraction located on the southern coast of Iceland. The wreckage is that of a United States Navy DC-3 airplane that crashed on November 21, 1973, on the black sand beach of Sólheimasandur.
The plane was abandoned and left to rust on the beach for decades, but in recent years it has become a popular destination for tourists and photographers due to its unique and eerie appearance. The plane is surrounded by a vast and desolate landscape, making it a striking sight to behold. and photograph.
The reason for the crash is still unknown, but thankfully all crew members survived. The plane was en route to a nearby airfield, but due to poor weather conditions and a lack of visibility, it crashed onto the beach.
The crash site is located on the southern coast of Iceland, about 160 kilometers east of the capital city of Reykjavik. The wreckage is situated on the black sand beach of Sólheimasandur, near the village of Vik. The GPS coordinates for the wreck are (63 27.546-19 21.887).
To get to the plane wreck, visitors will need to park their car at the nearest parking lot, which is located at the junction of Route 1 and Route 221. From there, it is approximately a 8km round trip hike to the crash site. The hike is relatively easy and takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy hiking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Extreme caution should be taken if attempting the hike in the dark or during winter – Numerous travelers have died from exposure after getting lost.
It’s important to note that the area is protected, and visitors are not allowed to climb on or enter the wreckage for safety reasons. The plane is also located within a black sand desert area, so visitors should be aware of potential hazards such as strong winds, shifting sands, and sudden weather changes.
Visitors can also choose to join a guided tour that includes transportation to and from the site, as well as a knowledgeable guide who can provide more information about the history of the plane and the surrounding area.
The Iceland plane wreck has become a popular tourist destination in recent years due to its unique and eerie appearance, and it’s definitely worth a visit for those interested in history and photography.