Private Tour of Valley of Tears and Highlands adventure

This is a compelling day from Reykjavik because it strings together highland waterfalls with a volcano stop, all timed for good viewing and easy walking. I love how the schedule gives you multiple waterfall perspectives, especially Haifoss and the Valley of Tears canyon above it. One watch-out is weather and wind, since the highlands run on conditions, and the day can be adjusted if roads close.

What makes it work in real life is the private-group feel plus a guide who talks the whole drive. In the reviews, guides like Thor and Otto were singled out for clear pickup guidance, storytelling, and keeping the day moving without rushing. My only practical caution: if you end up seated far back, you might find it harder to hear the guide’s stories over the engine and wind.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Gjáin oasis walk: about 500 meters each way into a small waterfall farm setting
• Haifoss up close (but safe): rocky gravel road access to a major viewpoint
• Hrauneyjar lunch stop: time at the highland center, where food is available but not included
• Sigoldufoss for color: a small waterfall known for that intense blue look
• Valley of Tears canyon views: a short exploration from above with green-blue water in many conditions
• Hekla from a safe distance: up to Rauðaskál crater when conditions allow

How this Reykjavik day trip gets you into the quieter Highlands

This tour is built for people who want more than the usual “big waterfall, big crowd, done” loop. You head out from Reykjavik early, then spend the day bouncing between highland sights that feel remote and wind-swept. The best part is that you get several waterfall moments, then you end with the volcanic mood of Hekla.

The pacing is also sensible for a day that runs about 10 hours. Most stops are short, with one key walking segment at Gjáin. That makes it a strong choice if you want big scenery without committing to a full-day hike.

Price and logistics: what you get for $1,922.34 per person

At $1,922.34 per person, this is not a budget day. You’re paying for a private tour (your group only), pickup coverage in the Reykjavik area, and the kind of driving that gets you to places most day tours do not prioritize.

What you can treat as good value here:

• Parking fees are included.
• Admissions at the listed stops are marked as free.
• You get a mobile ticket, and the tour includes a pickup option from BSÍ and assigned stops.

What you should plan around:

• Lunch is not included, and neither are snacks or alcohol.
• You will spend a lot of the day in the car, because you’re covering highland terrain, not just a single valley.

Gjáin oasis: small waterfalls, farm roots, and Game of Thrones vibes

The day starts with Gjáin, an oasis-like patch of green at the roots of the highlands. You walk around 500 meters each way to reach the old-farm area and the oasis itself. Outdoor shoes are recommended because you’re on natural ground that can get slick.

This stop is also part of why people love the tour. Gjáin has that “hidden-in-plain-sight” feeling, plus those small waterfalls and historic farm textures that look great in photos even if the sky is plain.

It’s only about an hour, so you’ll want to move at a comfortable pace, not race through. If you’re traveling with kids or anyone with limited mobility, this is the segment to judge first, since it’s the only clearly described walk.

Haifoss viewpoints and the Þjórsárdalur valley drop

Haifoss is one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls, and it’s a standout because the payoff is dramatic. You drive up via rocky gravel roads to reach the parking area, then walk to the viewpoint. The stop is short, about 30 minutes, but it’s long enough to get oriented and spend time taking in the drop into Þjórsárdalur.

The practical advantage is that Haifoss gives you a proper “wow” moment without turning the day into an all-morning scramble. The short viewpoint walk also suits people who want views more than trekking.

If wind is strong, you’ll feel it here. Plan for steady footing and keep your camera strap secure. I like these fast, high-impact stops, because they let the day feel efficient without feeling rushed.

Hrauneyjar highland center lunch break and timing

Between waterfalls, you get a lunch stop at the Hrauneyjar highland center for about 40 minutes. Lunch is not included, so you’ll either purchase food there or bring your own snacks if you prefer.

This break matters more than it sounds. By the time you reach the highlands, you’ll likely be hungry and wind-chilled, and a place with facilities makes it easier to reset. If you want to stay comfortable for the next canyon and Hekla portion, use this time to hydrate and warm up.

One extra tip: since the next stops are short, don’t spend your whole lunch time scanning the menu. Eat, regroup, and then head back out when the group is ready.

Sigoldufoss and the Valley of Tears canyon, from above

After Haifoss, you shift into “smaller but special” mode with Sigoldufoss. It’s short, about 15 minutes, but the reason it gets attention is its striking blue look in many conditions. It’s a quick stop, so come ready for photos and then keep moving.

Then comes Sigoldugljufur, the Valley of Tears, and this is where the day turns cinematic. You explore the canyon from above for about 35 minutes, taking in a series of small waterfalls where the water often looks green-blue. The views from the high vantage point are the whole point, so you don’t need a long hike to get a strong sense of scale.

This is also the stop that feels the most like a “find.” It’s less obvious than the biggest national-name waterfalls, and that makes it easier to enjoy the colors and textures instead of fighting crowds.

Hekla at Rauðaskál crater, when the weather cooperates

The Hekla portion is the wild-card. You explore the desolated area around Volcano Hekla from a safe distance, and when conditions are good you may drive up to Rauðaskál crater. This stop is only about 10 minutes, so treat it as a brief glimpse into Iceland’s volcanic mood, not a full expedition.

This is also where wind and road conditions can affect the plan. The tour requires good weather, and if conditions are poor you may be offered a different date or a full refund. Even when weather is rough, guides often adapt by swapping in a nearby alternative when roads close.

If you’re hoping for the perfect volcanic photo, aim to be flexible. You’re going to get the experience that the day allows, and that’s pretty much how highland Iceland works.

Guides Thor or Otto: how the day runs and why you can hear the stories

The reviews consistently praise the guides, especially Thor and Otto. Thor, in particular, was repeatedly described as fantastic, with detailed instructions for pickup and a lot of Iceland stories along the way. Otto got similar credit for being informative and considerate of your time at each stop.

That storytelling can change how the day feels. When you’re in a remote place with almost no signage, having a guide connect the scenery to Iceland’s geology and history helps the drive time feel purposeful instead of dead.

One practical note from feedback: if you end up in the back of the vehicle, you might struggle to hear the guide’s stories even if there’s a speaker. If you can influence seating, try for the front half of the group.

What to pack for waterfalls, wind, and short walks

Think “waterproof layers and grip,” not hiking boots for a 20-mile trek. You’re doing short walks, including a 500-meter each-way segment at Gjáin, and you’ll be outside at multiple waterfall viewpoints.

Pack:

• Outdoor shoes suitable for damp ground at Gjáin
• A windproof layer, because the highlands can be brutally breezy
• A rain shell or waterproof jacket for waterfall mist

Also bring what you need for food. Lunch isn’t included, and snacks and alcohol aren’t either. If you like a controlled meal plan, buy ahead or bring simple snacks so you’re not making decisions under time pressure at the highland center.

Should you book this private Highlands-and-waterfalls tour?

Book it if you want a focused, private day that mixes major waterfalls with less-visited highland stops, and you’re okay with weather-based flexibility. This is especially a good fit if you care about getting multiple viewpoints in one go, and you’d rather have short, well-chosen walks than a long grind.

Skip or reconsider if you hate waiting out the weather, or if you’re sensitive to wind exposure. The tour runs on conditions, and the schedule can change when roads close. If that would stress you out, plan a backup day in your Reykjavik window.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:30 am.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is BSÍ Parking, 43Q7+9M7, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Is pickup available from around Reykjavik?

Yes. Pickup is offered at assigned bus stops in the Reykjavik area and at the BSÍ bus terminal, plus pickup coverage including Hveragerði-Selfoss and Hella.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour or activity, so only your group participates.

What’s included in the price?

Parking fees are included, and a mobile ticket is provided.

Are admission tickets included for the stops?

The itinerary lists admission tickets as free for the stops included in this day.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. There is a lunch stop at Hrauneyjar highland center, where you can purchase food during the break.

How much walking is involved at Gjáin?

You walk about 500 meters each way to reach the old farm and oasis area. Outdoor shoes are recommended.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.