Private Tour of Valley of Tears and Highlands adventure

Waterfalls and wild highlands in one long day. This private adventure strings together several lesser-visited stops, from the peaceful Gjáin oasis to Sigóldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears, ending near the volcanic world of Hekla. I like that the day is built around short, scenic walks and viewpoints, not just driving past stuff.

My favorite part is the way your guide turns roadside scenery into real context. Guides such as Thor and Otto the Viking are known for story-driven explanations that make the geology and culture stick, without turning the day into a lecture. I also love the practical pacing: you spend real time at key spots like Háifoss, then get moving so you still have energy left for the blue waterfalls and the canyon finale.

One thing to plan for: this area gets strong wind. If conditions are rough, access to later points such as the Rauðaskál crater area near Hekla may change, or the schedule may shift.

Key things that make this tour tick

• Private group time on off-road tracks and smaller viewpoints, so you are not fighting crowds.
• Free access at each stop, so you are paying for the day, not entry fees.
• Jólin-style waterfall variety in a single route, from big Háifoss to the blue Sigoldufoss and the canyon at Sigóldugljúfur.
• A real lunch break at Hrauneyjar Highland Center, with time to refuel and use facilities.
• Hekla from the safe side, with crater driving only when conditions allow.
• Guides with personality, often Thor or Otto, who keep the day moving and make stops meaningful.

A 10-hour Highlands loop from Reykjavik, with real solitude

This is a full-day outing, about 10 hours, designed to take you beyond the typical “two waterfalls and back” rhythm. You start from BSÍ area in Reykjavik around 8:30 am, then spend the morning and afternoon hopping between waterfall viewpoints and highland terrain. It feels like a long day, but the stops are short and focused, so it rarely drags.

The big value here is that the route targets places that many day trips skip. In practice, that often means calmer photo conditions and less time waiting for a view. You get a sequence of natural “chapters,” starting with a farm-and-oasis feel at Gjáin, then moving into bigger waterfall drama at Háifoss, and finally the canyon textures of the Valley of Tears.

Pickup, 8:30 am start, and what private actually changes

You get pickup in the Reykjavik area and at BSÍ bus terminal, plus assigned bus stops. The operator also mentions pickup in the Hveragerði-Selfoss and Hella direction, so this can work well even if you are not staying in central Reykjavik.

Because it is a private tour, it is just your group in the vehicle. That matters in the Highlands, where weather and road conditions can change your plan fast. You are not tied to a tight group formula aimed at a bus full of strangers.

Logistics to keep in mind:

• You return back to the same meeting point at the end of the day.
• You will likely spend time in gravel-roads and open-air viewpoints, so dress for wind and quick temperature swings.
• One practical note from past guests: if you sit toward the back, you may hear stories less clearly even when a speaker is used. If you care about the narration, pick a seat closer to the front.

Gjáin oasis at the roots of the Highlands: old farm, small waterfalls, quick walk

The day kicks off at Gjáin, an oasis area at the roots of Iceland’s highlands. Think of it as a small pocket of green and water in a place that can otherwise feel stark and empty. It has that “you found it, you earned it” feel, with small waterfalls and an old farm setting.

You will walk about 500 meters each way to reach and explore the oasis. Outdoor shoes are recommended. That advice matters here because ground can be uneven and slick near water, and you want traction without babying your boots.

Why this stop is worth starting with: it sets the tone. Before you chase big waterfall height or canyon drama, Gjáin gives you an early contrast. It is also a good warm-up for the rest of the day, because the walking is limited and the views start right away.

Háifoss viewpoint drama: driving up gravel, then a short hike to the big view

Next comes Háifoss, one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls. The payoff is the scale. Even with a short time investment, you get an impressive view into the valley of Þjórsárdalur from a proper viewpoint.

To reach it, you drive up rocky gravel roads to the parking area. Then you walk toward the viewpoint. The walk itself is brief, about 30 minutes total on this stop, which keeps the momentum of the day.

The main consideration is road and footing. Gravel roads are common out here, and weather can turn surfaces slick. If the forecast looks nasty, prioritize grippy shoes and quick layers that you can take on and off without fuss.

Lunch at Hrauneyjar Highland Center: refuel without turning the day into a wait

You get a lunch stop at Hrauneyjar Highland Center. It is scheduled around 40 minutes. That may sound short, but in a Highlands tour, it is actually a smart move. You are not burning the best daylight on a sit-down meal that could run long.

Lunch is not included in the tour price, and snacks are not included either. In other words, you should decide in advance how you want to handle food:

• Bring your own snacks and plan to eat them during the stop.
• Or plan to buy lunch at the center during the time you have there.

A small tip: pack something that is filling and easy to eat standing up, or with quick table time. With a long day of photo stops, you will feel better if your food is not fussy.

Also, consider hydration. Even if the day is cool, you are in the vehicle for hours, then outside for bursts. Bring a bottle and keep it simple.

Sigoldufoss at the Highlands entrance: a fast blue-water hit

Sigoldufoss is a small waterfall, but it is often very blue. You explore it briefly, about 15 minutes, then continue.

This stop is not about spending forever. It is about building a waterfall “set list” where each track has a different personality. After Háifoss, Sigoldufoss gives you a color shift and a smaller, more intimate feel. It also keeps you moving so you still have energy for the Valley of Tears canyon.

The practical thing here is timing and weather. In wind, even short stops can feel cold fast. Use the time well, take your photos, and then follow your guide’s timing back to the vehicle.

Sigóldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears: canyon viewpoints and blue-green water

This is the heart of the route. Sigóldugljúfur, often called the Valley of Tears, is a canyon with a series of small waterfalls. The water can look green-blue, which is exactly the kind of color contrast that makes Iceland photography so satisfying.

Your time here is about 35 minutes. You explore the canyon from above, which is a big advantage on a day like this. You get the drama without needing long hikes or technical terrain.

Why I think this stop is a strong use of time for your trip: it is less common than the usual “big waterfall only” route. It gives you texture. Instead of one falling line, you get a layered scene: multiple small streams, a cut canyon, and shifting water tones depending on angle and light.

Also, keep your camera ready. This is the place where a few minutes of posture changes, zooming, and repositioning can make a big difference in how blue the water looks.

Hekla from the safe side: Rauðaskál crater access when conditions allow

The day ends in the desolate area around Volcano Hekla. The emphasis here is safety and conditions. You explore from a safe distance, and when weather and access are good, the plan may include driving up to Rauðaskál crater.

This stop is short, about 10 minutes on the schedule, because it is weather-dependent and you do not want to eat up the day if the road situation gets complicated. Still, there is something special about seeing Hekla’s volcanic emptiness up close. It is not about greenery or flowers. It is about scale and stillness, the way the land looks shaped by forces way bigger than any one person.

What to consider: wind can affect access. A previous guest noted that the last scheduled stop could not happen due to high winds closing roads, and the guide adapted with an alternative that was still beautiful. That flexibility is exactly what you want in the Highlands.

Price and value: why this private tour costs $1,922.34 per person

At $1,922.34 per person for a private 10-hour day, this is not a bargain-basement outing. So the real question is: what are you buying with the money?

You are buying three things:

1. Time efficiency across multiple signature and lesser-seen sites near Reykjavik, including waterfalls plus highland canyon country.
2. Private routing and pacing that can keep crowds down, especially at viewpoints where big tour buses create lines.
3. Guided interpretation with personality. Several guests singled out guides like Thor and Otto the Viking for humor and for turning what you see into something you can explain afterward.

Parking fees are included, and admission is listed as free for each stop. That helps, but the bigger value is that your guide does the hard part: navigating gravel roads, choosing viewing angles, and keeping you safe when conditions change.

If you are traveling as a couple or a small group that values less crowding and more guide time, this price can start to make sense. If you are on a strict budget or you mainly want to check a couple of waterfalls fast, you may prefer a lower-cost option. This is for people who want a full day of Highlands variety, without “tour bus stress.”

What to wear and bring so the day feels easy

This tour is mostly short walks and viewpoints, but the Highlands punish bad clothing choices. I would plan like this:

• Outdoor shoes with grip. Gjáin is a short walk, but it is near water and can be slippery.
• Windproof outer layer. Even when the day is sunny, wind can flip your comfort level fast.
• Bring snacks or plan ahead for food. Lunch is not included, and snacks are not included.
• Bring water. You will be outside for bursts, then in the car, then outside again.
• If you care about hearing the guide, sit toward the front.

A small practical mindset: treat each stop like a sprint plus a pause. Get set up, take your photos, enjoy the view, then move. That is how you end the day feeling wow instead of worn out.

Who this tour suits best, and who might want a different plan

This is a great match if you want:

• Multiple waterfalls in one day, including the blue-water look at Sigoldufoss and the canyon at Sigóldugljúfur.
• A day that feels more like a guided road trip with story breaks than a checklist.
• Photos with fewer people, thanks to the route choices and shorter, targeted stops.

It is less ideal if:

• You want a long, relaxed hike. This is more about viewpoints, short walks, and driving between them.
• You hate any weather uncertainty. The tour requires good conditions, and access near Hekla can change when winds are strong.

Should you book the Valley of Tears and Highlands private tour?

I would book it if your Iceland trip includes Reykjavik and you want one dedicated day that hits the Highlands without losing half your time to crowds or complicated planning. The combination of Gjáin, Háifoss, Sigoldufoss, and Sigóldugljúfur is a strong stack of scenery types, and the private format helps you get the most out of short time windows.

I would think twice only if your schedule is extremely tight, you are traveling on a shoestring budget, or you are not comfortable with weather-driven route changes. In that case, you might prefer a plan that is less dependent on wind and access.

If you do book, take the advice seriously: bring the right shoes, plan for lunch on your own dime, and dress for wind. Do that, and you will likely end the day with that rare feeling, you saw the Highlands like locals do, not like a rushed day trip.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and how long is it?

It starts at 8:30 am and runs about 10 hours (approx.). The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Where does pickup happen in Reykjavik?

Pickup is offered at assigned bus stops in the Reykjavik area and at BSÍ bus terminal. Pickup is also mentioned in the Hveragerði-Selfoss and Hella direction.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is listed as a private tour or activity, so only your group participates.

What is included in the price?

Parking fees are included. Admission is listed as free for the stops shown.

What is not included?

Alcoholic beverages, snacks, and lunch are not included. You will need to plan your own food for the day, including lunch during the Hrauneyjar highland center stop.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.