Sólheimasandur is a vast and dramatic outwash plain in South
Iceland, located between glaciers, volcanoes, and the southern coastline.
The sand was largely formed by powerful glacial floods and erosion from
Sólheimajökull and
Mýrdalsjökull, which deposited large amounts
of volcanic sediment across the area.
The landscape is defined by its immense scale, where black sand stretches
toward distant glaciers under constantly changing skies. Walking across
Sólheimasandur creates a strong sense of isolation and openness, with very
few signs of human activity interrupting the vast scenery.
One of the most recognizable features of the area is the
Douglas Dakota DC-3 aircraft wreck,
which has stood on the sand since the 1970s. The plane made an emergency
landing on the plain, and although the crew survived unharmed, the aircraft
was left behind. Today, the wreck has become a famous landmark and a popular
destination for photographers, standing in striking contrast to the empty
landscape.
Sólheimasandur lies close to several well-known destinations such as
Vík í Mýrdal,
Reynisfjara and
Dyrhólaey. Iconic waterfalls including
Skógafoss and
Seljalandsfoss are also nearby, making the
area part of one of Iceland’s most popular travel routes.
Sólheimasandur is therefore not only a striking natural landscape but also a
place where history, natural forces, and human presence intersect. It attracts
visitors seeking wide open spaces, quiet surroundings, and the raw beauty of
Iceland’s southern wilderness.