Private Tour of Valley of Tears and Highlands adventure

If you want quiet Iceland, start in the Highlands. This private day trip links waterfalls, canyons, and Hekla into one efficient route, with pickup from Reykjavik and a strong focus on views like Valley of Tears and Volcano Hekla.

I really like the pacing: short walks where you get big payoff, like the Gjáin stroll (about 500 meters each way) and the viewpoint hikes at Haifoss. I also like that lunch is handled at the Hrauneyjar highland center, so you can grab food without scrambling for it on the road.

One thing to plan around: this day depends on weather and wind. If conditions are harsh, you might not get to every intended spot, especially around Hekla and road access.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Gjáin oasis farm walk keeps the effort small (about 500 meters each way) and the payoff big.
• Haifoss viewpoints come after a rocky gravel drive, so you arrive ready to stare at the water.
• Hrauneyjar highland center lunch stop gives you a real break in the middle of a long day.
• Sigoldufoss and blue-tinted waterfalls deliver color and contrast at the Highlands entrance.
• Sigoldugljufur, Valley of Tears is explored from above for an easy photo angle into the canyon.
• Hekla crater area only when conditions allow means flexibility, not a forced slog.

The Highlands route that avoids the big-tour feeling

This is the kind of Iceland day that works best when you hate wasting time. You start early, you ride out from Reykjavik, and then you stack multiple waterfall moments in a single loop. The payoff is simple: you get enough variety to feel like a real adventure, without having to deal with full-day self-driving stress.

For me, the biggest value is the way the route is designed around easy access. You are not constantly hiking all day. You are usually stepping out, seeing the shot, walking a short distance, then moving on while the next stop is still fresh. That style matters in the Highlands because weather can flip quickly.

You also get the comfort of private pacing. It is only your group, and that usually means less waiting and more control over when you linger at a viewpoint. Guides also tend to adjust the day based on conditions, which matters when the Highlands decide to throw wind at you.

Gjáin oasis: a mini-walk with big Game of Thrones vibes

Gjáin is the “slow down and look around” stop. The setting feels like an oasis at the roots of the Highlands, with small waterfalls and an old farm feel to the area. It is also one of those places that can look dramatic even when you are not expecting it, because the terrain changes fast near the water.

You will walk to the old farm and into the Gjáin oasis. The walking is short, around 500 meters each way, but it is outdoors. I recommend bringing outdoor shoes, not sneakers you would trust only on city sidewalks. Iceland footpaths can be slick or uneven, and the goal here is to enjoy the walk, not shuffle carefully the whole time.

Why this stop is worth it: it gives your day an “Iceland is weird and wonderful” contrast before the bigger waterfalls. Haifoss and the canyon later are all about scale. Gjáin is more about texture and atmosphere.

Practical catch: this is outdoors, so wind and light rain can change how long you want to linger. If you hate cold air on exposed viewpoints, dress in layers you can handle for a short, brisk walk.

Haifoss: one of Iceland’s tallest waterfall views

Haifoss is the heavy hitter. It is one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland, and the viewing setup lets you look down into the valley of Þjórsárdalur. The contrast is what makes it memorable, because you feel the drop before you even get close, then the viewpoint walk turns it into a full-on spectacle.

Getting there is part of the experience. You drive up on rocky gravel roads to reach parking, and from there you walk toward the viewpoint. The time at this stop is short on the schedule, around 30 minutes, so treat it like a photo-and-stare session. Bring a camera strap and keep your lens wipes handy. Mist happens.

What you are likely to love: Haifoss is a great place to enjoy the waterfall from a comfortable distance. You do not need a long hike to feel the power. It is the kind of stop that works well even if you are not the strongest walker.

The only consideration: the drive is on gravel and can be bumpy. If you are prone to motion sickness, you might want to sit where you feel most stable in the vehicle.

Hrauneyjar highland center lunch break that actually matters

This tour gives you a lunch stop at the Hrauneyjar highland center. Lunch is not included, and snacks are not included either, so you will want to plan to either buy food there or bring your own. Reviews also point out that the lunch selection can be small, but it is solid enough for a practical break.

Why I like this kind of mid-day pause: Highlands days can mess with your timing. You are out for about 10 hours, and you are hopping between natural sites. A built-in lunch moment keeps you from turning hungry, grumpy, and rushed at the very moment you most want calm attention at Sigoldufoss or the Valley of Tears.

Practical tip: bring a drink you can sip between stops, even if you plan to buy lunch. Water helps when the air is cold and dry and your face feels fine until you suddenly feel worn out.

Sigoldufoss and Sigoldugljufur: blue waterfalls and the Valley of Tears

This is the section that feels like the Highlands are showing off.

Sigoldufoss

Sigoldufoss is small, but it is known for looking strikingly blue, especially when the lighting hits right. It is scheduled as a quick stop, around 15 minutes, and that works well. You get a taste of the canyon-water vibe without burning time.

What to expect: short exploration, enough to find a good angle, then back on the road. If you love color and detail, this stop is a fun warm-up before the bigger canyon views.

Sigoldugljufur, the Valley of Tears

Then you hit Sigoldugljufur, the canyon area often called the Valley of Tears. Here you can see a series of smaller waterfalls, and the water can look green-blue in places. The exploration is done from above, which means you are not committing to a long canyon hike. It is built for strong photo angles without a big physical requirement.

This is where your planning pays off because the weather will decide how good the canyon looks. Clear or bright conditions can make the color pop. Overcast can soften contrast, but it can also make the mist around waterfalls look softer and more cinematic.

The most useful advice I can give you: be ready to shoot quickly and then simply watch. This stop is short, around 35 minutes. If you spend the entire time checking your camera settings, you will miss the changing light as clouds drift.

Volcano Hekla: the crater area only when conditions allow

Hekla is the bold closer. You explore the desolated area around the volcano from a safe distance, and when conditions are good, you drive up to Rauðaskál crater. The on-site time is short, about 10 minutes.

This matters because Hekla is one of those places where the real experience is the feeling of emptiness. You stand somewhere that looks almost like it belongs on another planet, and you realize how Iceland’s geology shapes everything. You are not chasing scenic town life here. You are watching raw terrain.

What to plan for: Iceland wind and road conditions can affect access. One guide adaptation described in past departures is swapping the last scheduled stop if roads close. So even with a plan, you should expect the guide to keep you safe and still offer something worthwhile.

Best way to enjoy this stop is to keep your expectations flexible. You are going for the feeling of the volcano zone, not a checklist photo.

Price and logistics: when $1,922.34 per person makes sense

Let’s talk value honestly. At $1,922.34 per person for a private 10-hour day, this is not a budget trip. You are paying for two things: access to specific Highlands sites and the guide time to make the route flow.

Here is where the price starts to make sense:

• You get a private format with pickup included, so you are not coordinating buses or dealing with mixed group energy.
• You get parking fees covered, which sounds minor, but it reduces friction when you are stopping at multiple rural sites.
• You get a guide who gives detailed context and keeps things moving. In past departures, guides like Thor and Otto have been praised for being entertaining, informative, and attentive to timing.
• You are visiting multiple Highlands highlights, including waterfalls and the Valley of Tears, in one day, without needing a 4×4.

The main financial drawback is obvious: if you are traveling solo or in a small group, the per-person cost can feel steep. But if you split the cost among companions, it can start to look like a reasonable way to avoid the trial-and-error of self-driving on gravel roads and in wind.

Also note: lunch and snacks are not included. That means you should budget extra for food and drinks, or bring what you like. Alcoholic beverages are not included either.

What it’s like on the ground: timing, comfort, and sound

This day runs long, starting at 8:30 am. You will do multiple short stops, then have a real middle break at the highland center.

A few practical comfort realities:

• Bring layers. Even when Reykjavik feels mild, the Highlands can feel colder and windier.
• Pack for short walks. Gjáin has a short uphill feel at times, Haifoss has a viewpoint walk, and Sigoldugljufur is explored from above, so footing matters.
• If you hate being rushed, tell your guide you want a slower photo pace at the Valley of Tears viewpoint. Private formats make that easier.

One logistics note from past experiences: hearing the guide can be tougher from the back of the vehicle. If sound matters to you, consider choosing a seat where you can hear clearly, or ask the guide to repeat key points as needed.

Who this tour is best for (and who should rethink it)

This tour is a strong match if:

• You want waterfalls and Highlands scenery without committing to a long hike.
• You prefer private guiding and flexible pacing.
• You care about getting to the Valley of Tears and related canyon spots, since these locations can be harder to access comfortably on your own.

You might want to rethink it if:

• You are on a tight budget and need a cheaper group or self-drive option.
• You have limited mobility and dislike walking on uneven outdoor surfaces, even if the distances are short.
• You cannot handle long driving days, since this is a full-day loop out of Reykjavik.

Should you book this Valley of Tears and Highlands tour?

I would book this if your priority list includes Haifoss, Sigoldugljufur, and the Hekla area, and you want the day to feel guided rather than stressful. The combination of multiple waterfall stops, short walks, and private pacing is exactly what makes a one-day Highlands trip work.

If you hate weather uncertainty, just plan mentally for “conditions change.” Good wind and clear access can mean more reach around Hekla. Bad wind can mean shorter access or an alternate stop. Either way, the route is built around rewarding viewpoints that do not require heroic hiking.

If that sounds like your kind of Iceland day, you will likely come home with plenty of photos and a strong sense of why the Highlands matter.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:30 am.

Where is the meeting point?

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

Is pickup included, and where does it work?

Pickup is offered. The guide picks up at assigned bus stops in the Reykjavik area and at the BSÍ bus terminal, and also covers Hveragerði-Selfoss and Hella.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

Are entrance fees included for the stops?

Admission tickets for the listed stops are free, and parking fees are included.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included. There is a lunch stop at the Hrauneyjar highland center where you can purchase food, and snacks are not included either.

What kind of walking is involved?

There is short walking at Gjáin (about 500 meters each way) and short walks toward viewpoints at other stops. Outdoor shoes are recommended for exploring the Gjáin oasis.

What happens if roads are closed or weather is bad?

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

What is the cancellation policy?

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