A nonstop hit of waterfalls and color.

This private 11-hour Highlands run strings together Hjálparfoss, Haifoss, Sigöldufoss, Bláhylur, and then Landmannalaugar with its hot springs. Starting at 8:30am, it is a full-day escape from the city into post-volcanic terrain and wild highland scenery.

I love that PRO photos are included from the day, so you can actually watch instead of constantly aiming and re-aiming. I also like the way Landmannalaugar mixes serious scenery with a simple payoff: trails outside, then geothermal hot springs to recover.

One consideration: this experience depends on good weather, and Food and drinks are not included. So you’ll want snacks and layers ready, because you are away from Reykjavik for most of the day.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Private group pace: only your group participates, and stop times can flex while the total day length stays the same.
• Free waterfall viewpoints: Hjálparfoss, Haifoss, and Sigöldufoss have admission ticket-free access.
• Bláhylur color payoff: a turquoise canyon/gorge view plus nearby volcanic craters with striking blue water.
• Landmannalaugar time for trails and soak: you get a substantial window for both hiking-style exploring and geothermal hot springs.
• Photographer-led bonus: photographs from the tour are included, with guides known for strong photo instincts (Miro and Michal appear in guest feedback).

Reykjavik to the Icelandic Highlands: the rhythm of an 11-hour day

If your Iceland trip needs one day that feels like a whole different planet, this route is built for that. You start with hotel pickup and then spend the first big chunk of time driving toward the interior. The push to the first stop is about 2 hours, which matters because it sets the tone: you are not doing a quick drive-by. You are getting distance.

The day is structured around short, focused viewing windows. Each early stop is about 30 minutes, while Bláhylur gives you closer to 50 minutes, and Landmannalaugar gives you the long landing—about 2 hours 30 minutes. That pacing is a feature if you like variety, but it does mean you should expect walking to viewpoints to be quick and efficient, not slow and leisurely.

On the way back, the drive to Reykjavik is about 3.5 hours with breaks planned. Total time is listed at about 11 hours, so treat it like a full workday, just with better views.

The waterfall circuit: Hjálparfoss, Haifoss, Sigöldufoss

This itinerary stacks waterfalls like chapters, and the early stops are a smart warm-up.

Hjálparfoss: stepped falls and basalt textures

Hjálparfoss is your first real reward after the long drive. It is a two-stepped waterfall, and what makes it more interesting than a generic falls stop is the setting: it is surrounded by very unique basalt rock formations. In Iceland, basalt isn’t just geology trivia—it shapes the look of the whole place, including how water and wind create contrast.

You get about 30 minutes here, and that is usually enough for:

• a short walk to viewpoints,
• time to shoot from one primary angle,
• and a quick second look if the wind changes the water.

If the air is icy or slippery, keep your photos secondary to footing. The basalt can look solid and still be slick near spray.

Haifoss: third-largest drama, plus a two-waterfall frame

Haifoss brings bigger waterfall power and another built-in photography idea. It is described as the third largest waterfall in Iceland. From the viewing spot, you may also be able to capture it together with Granni Waterfall in a single frame, which is a fun goal if you like compositions with layers.

You get another 30 minutes. The trap here is spending too long on one side of the waterfall without adjusting for wind and mist. Instead, think like a photographer: check your angle, confirm your exposure in changing light, then shift position if you want that combined Haifoss + Granni look.

Sigöldufoss: the Valley of Tears canyon feel

Sigöldufoss comes with a moodier label: it sits in a canyon often called Valley of Tears. That name isn’t just poetic—it hints at the feeling of being framed by steep canyon walls while water runs below. You get about 30 minutes, which works well because canyon viewpoints usually reward quick decisions. Go in, choose your viewpoint, shoot what you came for, and leave room for the weather to update your plan.

If the wind is strong, expect mist near the falls. Bring a camera cover or plan your shots to minimize spray hitting lenses.

Bláhylur’s turquoise gorge and crater-lake colors

After the waterfall stops, the day changes tone. Bláhylur is where the colors start doing the talking.

You’ll get about 50 minutes at Bláhylur, and the description is vivid: a secret gorge with striking turquoise water, plus contrasting scenery on both sides of the canyon. You are also told that along the way you pass volcanic craters—Bláhylur and Ljótipollur—filled with blue water.

This is the part of the day that feels most “Icelandic interior.” The water color stands out because it is set against darker volcanic terrain. Even if you are not a hardcore photographer, you’ll likely find yourself slowing down without trying.

Practical photo advice for Bláhylur

• Plan for quick, decisive angles. The best colors can shift as cloud cover moves.
• Expect the “wow” to be visual, not just loud sound. This is about color contrast.
• If you like taking videos, steady your stance first, then record. The canyon can make wind noise more noticeable.

Also, because this is highland terrain, surfaces near viewpoints might be uneven. Watch your footing even when you think you have time.

Landmannalaugar: rainbow mountains, trail time, then geothermal hot springs

Landmannalaugar is the main event, and the itinerary doesn’t treat it like a token stop. You get about 2 hours 30 minutes, which is plenty to do both of the things that make this place special: exploring trails with rainbow-colored mountain surroundings, and soaking in a geothermal oasis.

The trails: more than a viewpoint

The day calls out epic hikes along trails around the rainbow mountains. You don’t have to do a long, hard route to benefit, but you should go prepared to move. This is not a sit-down, scenery-from-the-bus-only day.

If you like walking for photos, aim to spend your first chunk of Landmannalaugar time getting your bearings and picking one trail path. Then, later, shift to relaxation mode before your soak.

The hot springs: simple recovery with real payoff

Landmannalaugar also offers hot springs, and the description frames it as the recharge part after the hike. That “trail then soak” rhythm is exactly why this stop lands so well in a packed day. It turns fatigue into part of the experience rather than something that ruins the afternoon.

Because hot springs involve wet feet and warm water, pack like you’re bouncing between two activities:

• dry hiking layers for the first part,
• and a swimsuit-ready plan for the soak.

Even if you are not a swimmer, you’ll still want something to keep you comfortable and warm afterward.

PRO photos included: how to get the most from a photo-forward guide

A big reason people book this type of private day is the photo support. The experience includes photographs from the tour and is described as having PRO photos included. That changes how you experience the day. You can spend less time hunting for the perfect angle and more time enjoying the place.

From the style of Icelandic Roamers guides shared in guest feedback, the photography focus seems to be more than just taking pictures. Guides like Miro and Michal are specifically praised for knowing how to time shots and how to make the day feel relaxed while still getting standout images.

How you can help the photos work well

You’ll get better results if you:

• wear colors that work with Iceland’s tones (especially around Landmannalaugar where the mountains are the star),
• stand where the guide indicates rather than always trying to step away for your own composition,
• and keep your gear organized so you can react fast at each viewpoint.

Also, plan on the day moving around weather. Stop times are flexible based on preferences, but the total duration stays the same. That flexibility is often what lets photography stay strong without turning the itinerary into chaos.

Timing, transport, and why the “short stops” still feel full

One thing I like about this schedule is that it respects reality. Highlands weather can shift. Wind can pick up. Light can change. If you tried to turn every stop into a long hike, you’d lose the day to unpredictability.

Instead, the stops are compact:

• 30 minutes at Hjálparfoss,
• 30 minutes at Haifoss,
• 30 minutes at Sigöldufoss,
• about 50 minutes at Bláhylur,
• then 2.5 hours at Landmannalaugar.

That pattern gives you variety while keeping you on track to reach Landmannalaugar while there’s still time to soak and explore.

Driving is a big part too. The first transfer is about 2 hours, and return is about 3.5 hours. That is a lot of time in the vehicle, so settle expectations: you are there to look out the windows, then step out for the real hits.

What to pack (since meals and comfort are on you)

Food and drinks are not included, so you should treat snacks as part of your planning. This is especially important because the early stops are short. If you wait until you are hungry, you might end up spending valuable viewing time looking for something to eat.

Pack practical layers. Highlands weather can shift quickly, and waterfalls add mist. A warm layer helps at every stop, not just on the hike.

If you want to enjoy the hot springs at Landmannalaugar, bring what you need to handle the switch from dry trails to wet soaking. Even if you don’t plan to spend long in the water, having a simple change setup makes the day smoother.

Price and value: $2,407 for up to 5 people

The price is listed as $2,407.02 per group up to 5 people. If you have a full group, that can come out to roughly $481 per person at the maximum group size. If you travel as two or three, your per-person cost will be higher—but you are paying for a private, guided route rather than sharing a crowded bus day.

What makes the cost feel more reasonable is what’s included:

• hotel pickup and drop-off,
• the driver/guide,
• and photographs from the tour,
• plus admission ticket-free access at the waterfall and viewing stops.

When you roll those inclusions into the long drive from Reykjavik, you are buying time, local know-how, and a smoother day. In a place like Iceland, a guided route can also save you from the mental load of planning stops and photo timing while trying to handle road and weather variables on your own.

Who this private Landmannalaugar day is perfect for

This tour makes the most sense if you want:

• a one-day Highlands hit without doing all the planning yourself,
• a day built around major natural sights in a tight schedule,
• and photo support so you can focus on the moment.

It also suits people who like structure. The itinerary is clear, but stop times can flex based on preferences, which helps if your group wants more time at one view and less at another.

If you are the kind of traveler who hates long drives, this might feel like too much vehicle time. Also, if you need frequent meal stops, plan ahead since Food and drinks are not included.

Should you book this Landmannalaugar and Secret stops private day?

I’d book it if you want a focused, guided route that hits multiple highland “wow” moments—waterfalls, turquoise canyon views, then the big finish at Landmannalaugar with trails and geothermal hot springs. The photo-forward setup is also a strong reason to choose private, because you’ll spend less time worrying about getting the shot and more time enjoying the day.

I would pause and reconsider if you know you get cranky on long driving days, or if you are the type who needs lots of included food and drink support. For everyone else, this is a practical way to get deep into the Icelandic interior in a single day—plus, you leave with pro-level memories rather than just your own quick phone snaps.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 11 hours.

What time does the tour start in Reykjavik?

The start time is 8:30am.

How large is the private group?

It is a private tour for your group, up to 5 people.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, hotel pick-up and drop-off are included.

Are meals included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Are photos included?

Yes. Photographs from the tour are included, and it is described as PRO photos included.

What happens if weather is poor?

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

Is there admission to the main stops?

The itinerary lists admission ticket-free access for Hjálparfoss, Haifoss, Sigöldufoss, and Bláhylur, and Landmannalaugar is also listed as admission ticket free.

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