Sólheimasandur is a vast glacial outwash plain, a black sand desert. Due to its desolate and surreal landscape, it has become a popular photography spot, with numerous productions having filmed here. The vast expanse of black sand in each direction offers a unique perspective for filmmakers seeking to capture the beauty of this location. A striking feature on the plain is the wreckage of a US Navy plane that had to do an emergency landing on the sand in 1973. Now, it lies abandoned, a deteriorating skeleton with nothing but endless black sand surrounding it, it makes an eerie destination even more ominous. All in all, this is a hauntingly beautiful place.
Already have an account?
Sign in
Accessibility
The area is on route no 1. With a special permission from landowners, you could drive the road that leads all the way to the airplane. Depending on where you film, there are several private roads that lead to different locations on the sand.
Services nearby
There are many hotels and lodgings possibilities within 30 km radius of Sólheimasandur. The village of Vík is only 19 km away with shops, hotels, restaurants and other basic services. Nearest hospital is in Selfoss, 111 km away.
Permits
Want to film hassle-free? Partner up with the local production studio through Massif and let them
handle all the paperwork.
Learn more
Basecamp and facilities
There is a large parking lot at the entrance to the path towards the DC-3 Plain wreckage that is suitable as a basecamp area. With a special permission from landowners, you could drive the road that leads all the way to the airplane. There are no facilities at the location. Phone coverage is excellent.
Risk factors
It can become tiresome to work in the sand. The airplane is a wreckage with sharp metals sticking out and a rather high fall if you climb on top of it.
Visitors
This location is one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions. The sand, however, is vast and controlled by nearby farmers. A tourist company schedules trips to the wreckage every 30 minutes.
Where does all this information come from?
In collaboration with a team of experienced producers, we scoured through every location on
massif.network to bring you the most relevant and up-to-date information.
We provide photos and videos and all other location information.
Know something we don’t?
Noticed wrong information about permits? Is there a restaurant closer nearby? Tell us anything that may be wrong or missing.