ATV Tour to Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

An ATV tour to the Sólheimasandur plane wreck, riding across black sand plains and shallow rivers to reach the wreck of the DC-3 that came down on the beach in 1973. A short, easy adventure with your own qualified guide.

• Ride an ATV across black sand and shallow rivers on the South Coast
• Stop at the wreck of the US Navy DC-3 that crash-landed on the beach in 1973
• Small groups with a qualified guide riding with you
• Insulated suit, helmet and balaclava provided
• No previous ATV experience needed

Your day, stop by stop

2Safety briefingFitted with suit, helmet and balaclava, then a briefing on riding the ATV.

You are fitted with a suit, helmet and balaclava, then your guide explains the controls and safety rules and pairs up riders on shared machines. Allow about 15 to 20 minutes. Drivers need a valid driving licence.

Time here · about 15–20 minutesRequirement · valid driving licence to drive

3Black sand plains and river crossingsRide out across open black sand and a few shallow rivers.

The route crosses flat volcanic sand and several shallow river channels on the way to the coast. The whole ride is on the ATV, with no walking, and ends at the DC-3 plane wreck that came down on the beach in 1973.

Walking · none, all on the ATV

4Sólheimasandur plane wreckThe wreck of a US Navy DC-3 that crash-landed on the beach in 1973.

On 21 November 1973 a US Navy Douglas Super DC-3 made an emergency landing on this flat black sand plain after icing caused engine trouble. All seven crew walked away unhurt, and the plane was stripped of anything of value and left where it landed. Wind, salt air and visitors have left the rusted hull you see today. The walk from the car park on Route 1 is about 4 kilometres each way across flat, exposed ground, so bring layers.

Time here · photo stopTip · wind and blowing sand are common, so cover your camera

Read our Sólheimasandur plane wreck guide →

About the ATV tour to Sólheimasandur plane wreck

This tour takes you by ATV across the black sand plains near Sólheimasandur on the South Coast, out to the wreck of a US Navy DC-3 that ran out of fuel and came down on the beach in 1973. The plane has sat on the sand ever since and is one of the more unusual sights on the South Coast.

You ride two to a machine unless you book a single-rider vehicle, following your guide across open sand and a few shallow river crossings. The pace is easy and the route is flat, so it suits first-time riders, though anyone driving needs a valid driving licence.

The ride is outdoors in all weather, so dress warmly under the suit provided and expect some spray and dust depending on conditions. It runs all year, and the sand and light look different in winter darkness compared with a bright summer afternoon.

Questions people ask