Waterfalls and wilderness start early in Reykjavik. This private Highlands adventure is built around big-name water and a few quieter stops, so you get that feeling of being out in Iceland instead of stuck in a crowd. I like that the day mixes short walks with viewpoints, and I especially like the chance to see both Haifoss and the Valley of Tears area from above.

The other big win is the flexibility around conditions. The day is timed for good viewing, but it also acknowledges real Highlands weather, including strong wind that can change what you reach. The only real drawback is the price for a private 10-hour day at $1,922.34 per person—this is for people who want a high-value, off-the-main-route day, not a budget sightseeing run.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Private tour format keeps the day feeling personal, not like a cattle call.
• Waterfall mix: classic Haifoss plus smaller, blue-leaning falls like Sigoldufoss.
• Gjáin oasis walk is short (about 500 meters each way) but you’ll want proper outdoor shoes.
• Lunch stop at Hrauneyjar is convenient, but lunch isn’t included.
• Hekla depends on conditions: you may only go to Rauðaskál crater when safe.

Reykjavik to the Highlands: What This Day Really Delivers

This is a long day on purpose. You’re leaving the city and heading into the Icelandic Highlands for a concentrated route of water, canyons, and volcanic terrain. The stops are spaced so you don’t just drive past scenery—you actually step out, look, and get photos without spending the whole day stuck behind a bus window.

Because it’s private, you also have a better chance of keeping the pace right for your group. In real life, Highlands days move to weather, light, and trail conditions. A private setup makes it easier for a guide to adjust without turning the day into a frantic scramble.

And yes, you’ll be driving on gravel roads at points. Iceland gravel is part of the experience, but it can also mean more bumps and less comfort than smooth roads. If you’re sensitive to that, plan for a slower, calmer mindset and bring layers.

Pickup, Timing, and the Logistics That Matter at 8:30 am

The tour starts at 8:30 am from the BSÍ area (BSÍ Parking, 101 Reykjavík). If you booked pickup, the provider says they pick up at assigned bus stops across the Reykjavik area and at the BSÍ bus terminal, with service also listed for the Hveragerði–Selfoss and Hella areas. You end back at the meeting point.

A 10-hour day can feel easy or exhausting depending on how you travel. This one is fairly “active-light”: there are short walks, but most of the time you’re sightseeing from parking areas and viewpoints. Still, you’re going to want a good breakfast and a plan for hydration.

You’ll also want to understand the communication style. One practical note from the guide experience: when people sat farther back, hearing stories through the vehicle audio could be tough even with a speaker. If you care about listening to explanations, try to sit closer to where the guide speaks.

Gjáin Oasis (Game of Thrones Country): Short Walk, Big Atmosphere

You start at Gjáin, an oasis tucked at the roots of the highlands. This place is famous for how suddenly it feels green and sheltered compared to the surrounding emptiness. You’ll walk to an old farm and into the oasis itself—about 500 meters each way—so it’s not a hike marathon, but you do want shoes with grip.

Outdoor shoes are recommended here for a reason. The ground can be uneven and wet-looking even when the day seems clear. If you wear fashion sneakers, you’ll probably regret it halfway through.

What makes Gjáin special for this tour is the variety in one small area: small waterfalls, old farm settings, and that almost-surreal calm that feels like a secret. It’s also called out as a Game of Thrones shooting location, which adds a fun layer if you’re a fan. Even if you’re not, the atmosphere is still the point.

What to expect

• A short out-and-back walk.
• Water sounds and mini falls tucked into the oasis.
• Photo spots that don’t require long effort.

Potential drawback

• If the weather is nasty, that short walk can feel longer. Pack for wind and damp ground.

Haifoss: Iceland’s High Drop and the Rocky Road In

Next you head to Haifoss, one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls. The plan is to drive up via rocky gravel roads to the parking area, then walk toward the viewpoint. The stop itself is short—about 30 minutes—but it’s designed for maximum payoff.

What I like about Haifoss on a route like this is the scale. You get big views looking down into the Þjórsárdalur valley. That wide perspective is what makes Haifoss feel bigger than many smaller falls. And because you’re not there all day, you’re not stuck waiting for the perfect moment—you just go, look, and move.

What to expect

• Gravel road approach.
• A viewpoint walk that’s usually manageable for most people.
• Strong waterfall impact even in short time.

Consideration

• Short stops mean you have to be decisive with photos and restroom breaks. If you need extra time at viewpoints, tell the guide early.

Hrauneyjar Highland Center Lunch Stop: Convenient, but Plan Your Own Meal

At Hrauneyjar, you get the one true break: a lunch stop at the highland center (about 40 minutes). This is where you reset, warm up a bit if you need to, and decide what fuel you want for the second half of the day.

The key practical detail: lunch isn’t included. The tour data says lunch isn’t included in price, even though you stop at the center. That means you should budget for food and snacks there, or bring your own (snacks aren’t listed as included either).

In past experiences on this route, people described the food selection as small but solid at the nature center. Translation: don’t count on a full restaurant experience. Count on something simple, warm, and close by—then get back out to the car before the cold catches up.

What to expect

• A straightforward place to grab lunch.
• Time to use restrooms and re-group.

Quick tip

• Bring a snack anyway. A 10-hour day can sneak up on you, and Highlands weather can make you hungry faster than you expect.

Sigoldufoss and Sigoldugljúfur: Two Stops That Make This Tour Feel Different

Most day tours around Reykjavik do the obvious waterfall circuit. This one adds two more specific waterfall experiences at the Highlands entrance and inside the canyon world.

Sigoldufoss: Small Fall, Big Color

Sigoldufoss is described as small but often very blue. It’s only about 15 minutes to explore, so think of this as a quick visual hit and photo stop rather than a long walk. The “often very blue” part matters here: even when the day is gray, water can look unreal in Iceland’s light and in canyon settings.

This stop also helps you calibrate for what’s coming next. If you notice the color and movement here, you’ll understand the look you’re chasing at the Valley of Tears.

Valley of Tears (Sigoldugljúfur): The Canyon View From Above

Then you move into Sigoldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears. This is the “best-hidden photography location” type of stop—because it’s a canyon with a series of small waterfalls and the water can look green-blue.

Your time here is about 35 minutes, with exploration from above. That’s a smart choice for a Highlands day: you get dramatic views without turning the day into a long, slippery canyon hike. You’ll still want to be careful on uneven ground near viewpoints, especially in wind.

What makes this area worth it

• Multiple small falls in one scene.
• The color effect in moving water.
• A canyon feel without needing heavy hiking.

Potential drawback

• In strong wind, viewpoint walking can feel more exposed. If you’re travel-wind-proof and camera-friendly, you’ll love it.

Volcano Hekla From a Safe Distance: When Conditions Decide the Plan

You end the route focusing on Volcano Hekla. The tour notes that you explore the desolate area from a safe distance, and when conditions are good you may drive up to Rauðaskál crater.

This is the kind of stop where Iceland reminds you who’s in charge. Even if you’ve come for Hekla, the “when conditions are good” clause matters. Strong wind can make drivers cautious, change visibility, or affect whether it’s safe to go closer.

In other Highlands days on this kind of route, guides have been known to adjust and swap in alternatives when roads close or conditions prevent a planned stop. That’s exactly what you want in the field: flexibility with safety.

What to expect

• A volcanic feel: emptiness, rock, and minimal distractions.
• A closer crater viewpoint only if conditions allow.
• A quieter, more stark ending compared to the waterfall peaks.

Guide Impact: Thor, Otto, and Why Stories Matter in the Highlands

The tour is private, but the guide is a big part of the value. Multiple experiences highlighted guides named Thor and Otto for detailed explanations and a fun, entertaining style. People specifically called out humor, Icelandic culture stories, and step-by-step guidance around pickup and timing.

That matters because Highlands driving can be confusing. Without context, you might just see rocks and water. With a good guide, you start to connect what you’re looking at—where the valley sits, what the water is doing, and why certain spots are chosen.

And because the stops are short, you benefit from someone who can point out the most important things fast. A guide who gives practical instructions helps you get the photo without wasting time.

One note: if you want the storytelling part most, sit closer to the front or side where the guide’s voice carries more clearly.

Price and Value: Paying for Access, Not Just Sightseeing

At $1,922.34 per person for a 10-hour private experience, this is not a cheap day. So here’s the real value question: what are you buying?

You’re buying three things:

• Access to the route that hits Haifoss plus the Valley of Tears area without you trying to stitch it together yourself.
• Time management across multiple short stops, including a Highlands center lunch break.
• A private, guide-led day where the pacing can stay comfortable even when conditions shift.

If you’re traveling with a car and you love self-driving, you might be able to cobble together parts of this. But the Highlands route involves gravel roads, timing, and weather decisions—exactly the stuff that gets stressful when you’re responsible for every turn. Paying for a guide here is paying for fewer decisions and more “just show me the good stuff.”

Also, this price makes the most sense if you care about quieter viewpoints. Several people described minimal crowds and sometimes seeing places where there were very few other people. That isn’t guaranteed, but it’s the upside of a more targeted route plus a small group feel.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip)

This tour fits best if you:

• Want a waterfall-heavy Highlands day that goes past the most obvious stops.
• Like photography from viewpoints and short walks, not all-day hiking.
• Prefer a private or small-group feeling over large tour buses.
• Are okay paying for guide-led convenience and smart routing.

Skip or rethink if you:

• Are on a tight budget and expect a bargain price.
• Hate early mornings or long driving days.
• Need lots of flexibility for long walks at viewpoints, since several stops are intentionally timed short.

If you’re someone who loves nature but also wants structure, this route is a good match. It’s organized enough to feel easy, but wild enough to feel worth the effort.

Should You Book the Valley of Tears and Highlands Private Tour?

I’d book it if you want a guided Highlands day built around Haifoss and the Valley of Tears area, and you appreciate the idea of fewer people and more focused stops. The biggest reasons to say yes are the mix of iconic and lesser-seen waterfall views and the ability to adapt when wind and safety rules change the plan.

I’d think twice if cost is a deal-breaker or if you’re the type who hates uncertainty. Weather can affect how close you get toward Hekla, and some parts of the day are quick by design. Still, for the right traveler, it’s a day that feels like you actually went into Iceland, not just through it.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and where is the meeting point?

The tour starts at 8:30 am. The meeting point is BSÍ Parking, 43Q7+9M7, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.

Is pickup offered in Reykjavik?

Yes. Pickup is offered at all assigned bus stops in the Reykjavik area and at the BSÍ bus terminal.

How long is the private tour?

The duration is about 10 hours.

Is this tour private?

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

Are tickets for the stops included?

Admission tickets are listed as free for the stops, including Gjáin, Haifoss, Hrauneyjar highland center, Sigoldufoss, Sigoldugljúfur, and Volcano Hekla.

What is included in the price?

The price includes parking fees.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch isn’t included, even though you stop at Hrauneyjar highland center.

Do I need outdoor shoes?

Outdoor shoes are recommended for exploring the Gjáin oasis, because you’ll walk into the area.

Does weather affect the tour?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. It also notes that access around Hekla depends on conditions, including whether driving up to Rauðaskál crater is possible.