Private Tour of Valley of Tears and Highlands adventure

Some days in Iceland feel built for postcards. This one is built for waterfalls in remote Highlands and that eerie “nothing is here” feeling around Hekla. It starts early from Reykjavik, heads off the main routes, and strings together several short, high-impact stops.

Two things I really like: you get a solid walk at Gjáin (about 500 meters each way) without turning the day into a long hike, and you also get the chance to see the Valley of Tears (Sigoldugljúfur) from above, where the canyon’s waterfalls and green-blue water are at their most photogenic. One consideration: the day hinges on road and weather conditions, especially near Hekla, so you should expect that timing and access can shift when it’s windy.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Gjáin oasis + old farm walk: a short stroll with waterfall views and the Game of Thrones connection.
• Haifoss viewpoint drive-up: one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls with a dramatic valley view.
• Lunch break at Hrauneyjar Highland Center: easy reset before more waterfall hunting.
• Sigoldufoss quick stop: small, often very blue waterfall at the Highlands entrance.
• Sigoldugljúfur (Valley of Tears) from above: canyon waterfalls and green-blue water for great photos.
• Hekla from safe distance: desolate volcanic terrain, with a crater drive only when conditions allow.

A practical private Highlands day out of Reykjavik

This is a private tour, so it’s built for your group’s pace instead of juggling a big bus schedule. You’ll cover a lot of ground in about 10 hours (approx.), with a start time of 8:30 am and pickup from the Reykjavik area plus BSÍ bus terminal (and also places like Hveragerði–Selfoss and Hella).

The value here is less about buying “one big attraction” and more about stitching together several iconic-but-not-overrun moments: waterfalls with real variety, plus the volcanic mood shift as you approach Hekla. It’s also good that parking fees are included and that admission at the stops is listed as free.

The price is steep at $1,922.34 per person, and that’s the moment to be honest with yourself. If you want a fixed, do-it-all day with a guide who can take you off the beaten path to specific viewpoints, you may feel it’s worth paying for the time and access. If you’re traveling on a tight budget, you’ll likely feel the cost more than the scenery.

Gjáin Oasis: the short walk with big mood

Stop one is Gjáin, an oasis-like pocket at the roots of the Icelandic Highlands. Expect small waterfalls, an old farm setting, and that surreal “green in a place that shouldn’t be green” feeling. This is also tied to a Game of Thrones shooting location, which can add fun context to what you’re seeing.

The walk is about 500 meters each way. That’s not long, but it’s outdoors, so you’ll want outdoor shoes rather than slick sneakers. You’ll also spend around 1 hour here, enough time to wander slowly, find your angles, and not feel like you’re speed-running a photo stop.

Why this stop matters: it’s an easy warm-up that makes the rest of the day make more sense. By the time you leave Gjáin, you’ll be primed for the Highlands’ contrast—water where you don’t expect it, then emptier stretches that feel almost cinematic.

Haifoss: driving the gravel road to one of Iceland’s tallest falls

Next comes Haifoss, one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls. The payoff is a viewpoint into the valley of Þjórsárdalur, and the way you get there is half the experience: you’ll drive up rocky gravel roads to the parking area, then walk to the viewpoint.

The time set aside is about 30 minutes, which is perfect for Haifoss because you don’t need a long hike to appreciate the main view. If the wind is active, you’ll likely feel it here—just not in a dangerous way, more like the waterfall’s atmosphere doing its job.

The main consideration is simple: Haifoss is worth it, but the time window is short. If you have trouble walking on uneven ground, you’ll want to go easy on your pace at the approach so you don’t rush your viewing.

Hrauneyjar Highland Center lunch: a real break (and a reminder)

Then it’s Hrauneyjar, with a 40-minute lunch stop at the highland center. This is where you reset: use restrooms, grab snacks, and take a breather before the smaller waterfall sequence.

One practical point: lunch is listed as not included, even though the admission at the stop is free. So if you’re the type who gets hungry on the road (or if you want a predictable meal), plan to bring something with you or budget time to buy food at the center.

Why I like this mid-tour pacing: after Haifoss, you can end up chasing waterfall after waterfall. The lunch break keeps the day from turning into constant movement and lets you actually enjoy each stop without that end-of-day fatigue.

Sigoldufoss and Sigoldugljúfur: two styles of waterfall magic

After lunch, the itinerary keeps the momentum but changes the feel.

Sigoldufoss: the quick, often blue moment

Sigoldufoss is a smaller waterfall at the entrance to the Iceland Highlands, with a reputation for being very blue when conditions line up. You’ll get about 15 minutes to explore briefly before continuing.

This is a “stop, look, shoot, move” type of moment. If you’re a photographer, it’s also a good place to quickly check how the light is behaving and decide whether to spend extra effort on the later canyon stop.

Sigoldugljúfur (Valley of Tears): canyon views from above

Then comes the star name most people remember: Sigoldugljúfur, also called the Valley of Tears. This is a canyon with a series of small waterfalls, and the water is often described as green-blue.

You’ll explore the area from above for about 35 minutes. That matters because you’re not dealing with a risky scramble; you’re getting the dramatic overview look. It’s also one of the best photography locations on the day, which fits the way the canyon reveals itself when you change angles.

If you want to make this stop work for you:

• Move a little when you get there, even if it feels repetitive.
• Shoot both wide views and close shots of the water texture.
• Take a moment to just watch the way the falls break into smaller ribbons across the canyon.

Hekla near the end: desolate volcanic terrain and a weather-dependent crater drive

The final stop targets Volcano Hekla. You’ll explore the desolate area around it for about 10 minutes, staying at a safe distance.

There’s also a condition-based option: when weather and access allow, the plan includes driving up to Rauðaskál crater. That’s exactly the kind of detail you want to know up front, because it’s the difference between seeing Hekla as a distant presence versus getting closer to the crater area.

The big reality check here is wind and road conditions. The tour requires good weather, and strong conditions can limit what’s possible at the last moment. The best strategy is mental, not physical: treat Hekla as a bonus even when you can’t get right to the crater.

Price, pickups, and what to pack so the day stays smooth

This tour’s structure is tight: short drives, multiple viewpoint walks, and a mix of waterfall sizes. That’s great for seeing a lot, but it means you’ll want to feel comfortable enough to keep moving when the schedule gets brisk.

Logistics that help

• Pickup is offered from Reykjavik-area bus stops plus BSÍ bus terminal.
• You end back at the meeting point, so you’re not stuck figuring out transport after a long day.
• Parking fees are included, and the listed admissions at stops are free.

What you should bring

The itinerary itself hints at the key packing needs:

• Outdoor shoes for Gjáin’s short walk.
• Layers for wind. Even if it’s calm where you start, the Highlands can feel harsher.
• A plan for food since lunch is not included (you’ll have a lunch stop at the highland center, but you’ll still need to buy).

For people who get car-sick, Iceland’s roads can still be bumpy even on short segments. If that’s you, consider bringing your usual remedy, just in case.

Your guide can make or break the experience

The reviews tied to this tour repeatedly highlight a storytelling approach and flexible problem-solving. Guides such as Thor and Otto the Viking come through as energetic, funny, and attentive to safety and timing, and they also adapt when conditions change (like road access during high winds). With a private format, that kind of guidance matters because you’re not just being transported—you’re being guided to the right viewpoint at the right time.

Who this private Highlands and Valley of Tears tour suits best

This is a great fit if you:

• Want a one-day Highlands hit from Reykjavik without renting a car.
• Love waterfalls, but don’t just want the biggest name—you want variety (Haifoss, Sigoldufoss, then the canyon at Valley of Tears).
• Prefer a private day where your schedule and stop timing can feel less rigid.

It’s also a solid choice for first-timers who want context as you travel. The stops are close enough together that you get continuity, but far enough apart that the “Iceland mood shift” stays clear.

If you dislike driving gravel roads, or if you want a long hike with lots of trails, this might not be your best match. The walking is short, but the roads can be rougher than you might expect.

Should you book this tour?

I’d book it if your goal is simple: see multiple Highlands waterfalls with minimal fuss, then end the day facing Hekla’s stark volcanic setting. The combination of Gjáin, Haifoss, and Sigoldugljúfur (Valley of Tears) is a strong reason on its own, and the private setup makes it easier to enjoy rather than just rush.

I’d think twice if $1,922.34 per person feels too high for your trip budget, since lunch and snacks are not included and weather can still affect how close you get at Hekla. Also, if you know you’ll be frustrated by shifting plans in windy conditions, you’ll want a mindset that accepts Iceland’s surprises.

If you’re flexible and want a guided day that targets the good stuff near Reykjavik, this one earns its reputation.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:30 am.

Where does the tour begin?

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

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered from assigned bus stops in the Reykjavik area and from BSÍ bus terminal, and also in areas including Hveragerði–Selfoss and Hella.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 10 hours.

What stops are included?

The tour includes Gjáin, Haifoss, a lunch stop at Hrauneyjar, Sigoldufoss, Sigoldugljúfur (Valley of Tears), and a final stop near Volcano Hekla.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included. There is a lunch stop at Hrauneyjar highland center where you can buy food.

Are tickets or admissions included?

Admissions at the stops are listed as free in the itinerary, and parking fees are included.

Does weather affect the itinerary?

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

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted, and cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.