Even if you're sick of traveling, you still have to see the plane wreck on the black sand beach of Y Island.

By MOOK Scenic Spots / Mofei
 
In Iceland, about 90% of the attractions are naturally formed, but the plane wreck is one of the few man-made sites. It gained fame in recent years after photographers from around the world visited and shared stunning photos, making it a popular spot in Iceland.

The wrecked DC-3 airplane on the "Sólheimasandur" beach near Vik in southern Iceland has a little story behind it. One day in 1973, a U.S. Navy aircraft experienced engine failure. The pilot noticed a vast uninhabited sandy area in southern Iceland on the map, so he decided to make an emergency landing there.

In the end, relying on strong mental fortitude and years of flying experience, the pilot safely belly-landed the plane on the black sand beach. No one was injured or killed in the incident. However, retrieving the entire aircraft at the time would have been prohibitively expensive, so the U.S. military only salvaged the equipment inside the plane, leaving the wreckage of the DC-3 on the beach.

If you want to see the beauty of the plane wreck, the main way is still to drive there yourself. The GPS coordinates are “63 27.546, -19 21.887.” Starting from the capital Reykjavik, drive counterclockwise along Route 1. After passing the Rainbow Falls and crossing a river, you’ll see a parking lot on the right with many parked vehicles.

After parking, get ready to walk until you question your life choices. Originally, you could drive right up to the wreck, but as its fame grew, the increasing foot traffic began to strain the local ecosystem and damage the surrounding natural environment. So the landowner has since banned vehicles from entering, though travelers are still welcome to walk and fully experience the beauty of this land and the plane wreck.