If you follow any travel pages, you’ve probably heard about or seen the insta-famous plane wreck in Iceland. There has been so much written about it that before I went to see it, I assumed I wouldn’t be writing a blog about it. I figured that I wouldn’t have much more to offer the conversation. Then I did the hike. Almost straight away I knew I was able to provide a different perspective. I knew I’d be able to offer some real talk as always, as well as some reassurance to encourage others to go see it. Here’s my no drama, no BS guide for the Iceland plane wreck hike.
The No Drama & No BS Guide To The Iceland Plane Wreck Hike
Disclaimer
There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.
The basics
Location: Sólheimasandur beach, south Iceland
Drive: 2 hours from Reykjavík
Time: 2-4 hours total depending on your pace plus a little time to take some photos
Distance: 7 kilometers/ 4 miles
Cost: Free
What to bring:
- Comfortable shoes (I use the Chloe boots by Baffin
for really cold weather) - Dress in warm layers appropriate for the weather (I have a guide on how to dress for cold climates here)
- Water, snacks
- Phone or watch to keep track of time
- Google Maps offline map downloaded to your phone (here is my tutorial for that) or an offline map like Maps.me.
- Camera (My favorite cameras for non-blogging travel photos a Sony Alpha a6000 and GoPro with this compact selfie stick and tripod combo)
for really cold weather)
and 
)Let’s bust the myth about the Iceland plane wreck hike
Before I did this hike, I had heard a lot of the same things you might’ve heard.
I had read all the travel photographers and bloggers talk about how intense and treacherous the hike was. It felt like it must’ve been a miracle they survived this epic journey.
All this talk is a great way to elevate themselves and make them sound super brave and adventurous.
But…
Let me bust the social media bubble for you right now.
I’m not here to flex how cool and adventurous I am (and if you’ve been following for a while you probably already know that). So I’ll tell it to you straight – if I can do it, so can you.
The hike is a walk on flat ground in a straight line, with a left turn at the end.
There’s no need to be scared or intimidated because you can do it too.
There are some really important things to be aware of and I’ll tell them to you straight in this post too so you can have a safe time.
How to get there from Reyjkavik
This is not a hike that is off the beaten path.
Instead, it’s off the side of the highway about 2 hours from Reykjavik.
You can use ‘Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck’ in Google Maps to get there. It will take you to the parking lot for the hike.
Where is the plane wreck located
On Google Maps you can also see where the actual plane wreck is located, so you can get your bearings for the hike.
Basically, remember that you have the ocean and the highway running parallel to keep you on track.
From the parking lot, you will be walking towards the water in a straight line, then turn left once you are closer to the water.
There are markers to follow along the trail.
What to expect on the hike
The hike is long, flat, and kind of boring.
There’s not a lot to see during the trail, no switchbacks, or the usual mental stimulation you get on hikes so it can feel a lot longer than it actually is.
In this sense, it does have that isolating ‘I’m in the middle of nowhere’ feeling to it, but the reality is that you’re never too far from the highway.
The biggest thing to be prepared for is the weather. It’s quite open on the trail with not a lot of protection from the wind and elements. Iceland wind, and weather in general, is harsh, so it’s important to be prepared for this.
You will need warm layers appropriate for the time of year you visit. I went in May and had a thermal layer, a warm sweater, and a waterproof/windproof jacket.
The terrain is gravel so it can be a little bumpy. I also recommend having a comfortable pair of walking shoes and warm boots if you will be doing this hike in a colder season.
There’s nothing, nothing, nothing, then the plane wreck kind of appears out of nowhere. Once you get to it, you can expect the usual situation that is with all of the ‘instagrammable’ attractions – lots of people trying to get the perfect shot.
Safety tips for the Iceland plane wreck hike
With the Iceland plane wreck hike and all your adventures in Iceland, the biggest safety consideration you need to make is around the weather.
Iceland is harsh and unpredictable.
You’ll need to be prepared for the weather of the season you are visiting as well as the unexpected.
In summer there will be a lot of light and in winter the daylight hours are short.
No matter which time of year you go, check the sunset time so you can allow enough time to be back at your car before it gets dark.
As I mentioned earlier, it’s open to the elements and the wind is rough. Make sure you dress for this with appropriate warming layers, boots, gloves, beanie, and a good windproof jacket.
When you are at the plane wreck, keep in mind that it is a rickety pile of old metal. Be careful as you walk in and around it for any sharp spots that could cause an injury.
I recommend having an offline map downloaded in Google Maps or some sort of offline map to find your way back to your car in case of an emergency.
Your phone battery will drain faster in cold weather, so it’s best to save it in case of an emergency and use a separate camera for photos.
It’s important to check for weather alerts before doing the hike as well – use this site to check for any current alerts.
Tours to see the wreck
If you’d prefer to avoid the hike, there is a shuttle bus that runs throughout the day to take you to the plane wreck.
Here is the website for more information of the times.
If you won’t have a rental car, you could also join a tour like this one that will pick you up in Reykjavik and have the plane wreck as one of the stops.
Other posts to help you plan a trip to Iceland
Tips For Driving The Ring Road In Iceland And How To Prepare For It
Iceland Ring Road In 7 Days – Here’s Your Step By Step Itinerary
Everything You Need To Know About Renting A Campervan In Iceland
How To Pack For The Ring Road In Iceland With Carry On Luggage Only
I hope this real talk guide to the Iceland plane wreck hike has been able to reassure you that you don’t need to be a super adventurer to do it. Hopefully, it can help you plan your adventure!
As always, use your best judgment as to whether this is a good hike for you, check the weather forecast, and don’t leave any trash behind.
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Well written KT…I almost felt I was there. Very interesting..x
Thanks nana <3
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