Josh Withers Sólheimasandur DC-3 Plane Wreck
The iconic, haunting wreck of a US Navy DC-3 plane on Iceland’s Sólheimasandur black sand beach — a surreal and dramatic setting for adventurous elopements.
The Sólheimasandur DC-3 plane wreck is one of Iceland’s most hauntingly photogenic landmarks — a weathered skeleton of a US Navy aircraft that crash-landed in 1973 and now rests on an endless expanse of black volcanic sand. Remote, windswept, and cinematic, it feels like the edge of the earth — or the set of a post-apocalyptic film.
For couples seeking a truly wild and unconventional location to exchange vows, this plane wreck delivers stark beauty, adventure, and drama in equal measure. The contrast of a white fuselage against Iceland’s dark sand and vast skies is breathtaking. But this isn’t an easy-access tourist stop — it’s a pilgrimage.
My Experience Here
When I officiated an elopement at the wreck with Heart and Colour and The Elopement Collective, it was nothing short of a mission. The walk from the roadside to the site is over 3.5 km (about 45–60 minutes each way) across flat but exposed black sand with no shelter from wind, rain, or snow. It’s always cold here — even in July — with a wind that loves to remind you just how far from home you are. Icelandic summer means endless dusk and surreal light that never quite becomes night, while in winter, the sun barely rises at all, offering golden light at noon and nightfall by afternoon.
The biggest challenge wasn’t the walk or the weather — it was the crowd. This place is no secret. But I’m good at what I do, and with a bit of timing, strategy, and maybe a polite-but-determined “hey everyone, can we have two minutes?” — I got the couple onto the wreck for their moment. It was unforgettable.
Venue Highlights
- Iconic abandoned US Navy DC-3 plane in a cinematic black sand landscape
- Immense, open skies and moody Icelandic light, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset
- No permits currently required, but respect and low-impact practices are essential
- An otherworldly elopement backdrop that feels completely removed from civilisation
- Ideal for drone photography and creative adventure wedding content
Planning Tips
- Prepare for the walk: It’s a 7–8 km round-trip hike from the designated car park. There are no shuttles or shortcuts — it’s foot access only.
- Dress for the Arctic: Even in summer, temperatures rarely exceed 10°C (50°F) and the wind chill is real. In winter, it’s brutally cold, icy, and dark.
- Sunset vs. sunrise: Iceland’s seasons shift dramatically. In summer, the sun sets close to midnight. In winter, you might have just 4–5 hours of usable daylight — plan accordingly.
- Tourist traffic: It’s a very popular spot. The best chances for privacy are early morning or late evening. Winter tends to be quieter.
- No facilities: There are no toilets, shelters, or cafés nearby. Bring water, snacks, and extra layers.
- Weather matters: Conditions change fast. Strong winds, fog, or sudden snow can make the walk dangerous. Always check the forecast and road conditions.
