Cold water, big views, and less crowds. This private 10-hour highlands adventure strings together Iceland’s best waterfall stops, then adds two chances to feel the raw power of the country, the Valley of Tears canyon and the desolate volcano area around Hekla. You get pickup in the Reykjavik area plus the flexible driving that matters out here, because wind can change what’s possible.

I especially love the waterfall variety on this route, from the high, dramatic Haifoss to the small, electric-blue Sigoldufoss and the canyon of Sigoldugljufur. I also like that the day is built for viewpoints and short walks, not a grind, including an easy 500 m each-way stroll at Gjáin. One possible drawback is the price for a private day, plus the fact that conditions can limit access around Hekla and timing at the roadside stops.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Thor and Otto-style guiding: clear directions and lots of stories, with humor that keeps the drive fun
• Gjáin Oasis walk: a short trek to an old farm feel, with waterfalls near Iceland highlands roots
• Haifoss viewpoint: a rocky gravel approach that pays off once you step out at the parking area
• Valley of Tears photography: green-blue water and small falls, explored from above
• Hekla area flexibility: you might reach Rauðaskál crater when conditions allow
• Short walk distances: most time is spent driving and viewing, with only a few stretches on foot

Reykjavik pickup and what a private highlands day feels like

This is a private outing that starts at 8:30 am, with pickup offered around Reykjavik and at the BSÍ bus terminal. The start point is BSÍ Parking (43Q7+9M7, 101 Reykjavík), and the day ends back at the same meeting point. Plan for a long day, about 10 hours, where the driving is part of the experience.

What you’ll like is how the schedule is built around quick stops with real payoff. This is not a “stand at one photo spot and leave” day. You get a sequence of waterfalls that each hits a different mood, plus time at the Hekla area even though it’s a remote, weather-driven zone.

Gjáin Oasis: the highlands roots and a short walk that pays off

Gjáin is where the day starts to feel special right away. It’s an oasis at the roots of Iceland highlands, with small waterfalls, an old farm setting, and that calm feeling you only get when you’re tucked into a natural pocket. You’ll walk about 500 meters each way to reach the old farm area and into the Gjáin oasis.

Practical tip: wear outdoor shoes. The walk is short, but the ground in these spots can be slick. You don’t need hiking boots, but you do want grip.

Gjáin is also the kind of place that reminds you how Iceland shows up on film. Several people in the provided feedback pointed out the Game of Thrones connection, so if that’s your thing, you’ll enjoy the extra layer of recognition as you wander. The downside is simple: it’s a nature walk, so if you’re expecting a big, structured viewpoint with lots of signage, you’ll find it more organic and small-scale.

Haifoss: one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls from a rocky gravel approach

Haifoss is the kind of waterfall stop that makes you stop talking for a minute. It’s one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls, and you get an amazing view down into the valley of Þjórsárdalur. To get there, you drive up rocky gravel roads, then park and walk to the viewpoint.

The scheduled time here is short, about 30 minutes, so you’ll want to be ready to move. Once you’re at the parking area, the walking is straightforward, and the reward is the big drop framed by that valley perspective.

A real plus from the feedback: the guides helped people get into position fast and pointed out what to look for. If you’re the type who wants your photos to have scale, Haifoss delivers. If it’s windy, don’t expect to linger forever, but you still should be able to see the main feature.

Hrauneyjar Highland Center lunch stop that actually breaks the day

Midway through the route, the tour pauses at the Hrauneyjar highland center for lunch. The stop is about 40 minutes, which is enough time to eat, reset, and get back to feeling human after the morning driving.

Here’s the key detail: lunch is not included, and alcoholic drinks and snacks are also not included. In the feedback you shared, people said you can bring your own or purchase food at the nature center. That’s a smart way to handle a long day, especially if you have dietary preferences.

One small drawback to note: because this is a short, fixed window, you should avoid turning lunch into a full shopping trip. Go, eat, refill what you need, and get back to the meeting spot so you don’t lose the best part of the afternoon.

Sigoldufoss: a quick entrance stop with that striking blue feel

Sigoldufoss is small, but it makes an impression. It’s at the entrance to the Iceland Highlands, and it’s famous for being often very blue. You’ll explore for about 15 minutes before continuing on.

This stop works because it’s a palette cleanser between heavier waterfall moments. After Haifoss’s big scale, Sigoldufoss feels like a quick scene change, and it’s a good place to step out, breathe, and get fresh eyes before the canyon stop later in the day.

If you’re thinking about photography, 15 minutes can be enough if you’re focused and you’re there ready. The water color can vary with conditions, so treat this as your “capture what’s in front of you now” moment, not a wait-all-day hoping plan.

Sigoldugljufur, Valley of Tears: the canyon views from above

This is the stop many people care about most. Sigoldugljufur is the Valley of Tears, a canyon with a series of smaller waterfalls, where the water is often green-blue. Instead of walking deep inside, you explore the canyon from above, which makes it easier for a wider range of people to enjoy without turning the day into a hardcore hike.

The scheduled time is about 35 minutes, enough time to find your best viewpoint, take photos, and soak in how the water breaks into multiple little falls rather than one huge single drop. If you like scenery that looks different from every angle, this is a strong match.

From the feedback, the Valley of Tears repeatedly showed up as a top highlight, with people saying they got views that most day routes don’t really offer. That fits what you’ll experience: you’re going somewhere that feels off the usual tourist loop, and the canyon makes that payoff visible quickly.

Volcano Hekla: a safe-distance look with a conditional chance at Rauðaskál crater

Hekla is the late-day reality check. You’ll explore the desolate area around Volcano Hekla from a safe distance, and when conditions are good, you might drive up to Rauðaskál crater. The time scheduled for this part is around 10 minutes, so again, this is a “see it, take it in, move on” moment.

The reason this stop is worth it is that it changes the tone of the day. You go from waterfall water color and canyon detail into volcanic terrain that feels stark and powerful. Even from a distance, it’s a striking way to end the story of the highlands.

What to keep in mind: access depends on conditions. In the provided feedback, one person described how high winds closed roads and the guide found an alternative stop. That tells you the planning is flexible, but it also means you should mentally accept that you might not get the maximum approach every time.

How the drive handles wind, timing, and road closures

Out here, weather is not a minor detail. It affects road access, viewpoints, and sometimes which spots you can reach at all. The cancellation terms you provided mention that the experience requires good weather, and the feedback supports that practical reality, especially around high winds.

The best part is that guides seem to manage this with calm problem-solving. People specifically praised guides like Thor for safe, skilled driving and for giving detailed instructions. Another review mentioned that when wind shut down the final scheduled stop, the guide adjusted and still found something beautiful.

For you, that means one simple strategy: pack for layers and wind, and don’t treat the itinerary like a contract with zero flexibility. You’ll enjoy the day more if you judge it by how the guide adapts to conditions rather than by checking off a list.

Price and value: is $1,922.34 per person fair for this day?

At $1,922.34 per person for a private 10-hour tour, this is not a casual spend. The value comes from three places.

First, it’s remote-area driving plus several distinct stops. You’re not just paying for one waterfall. You’re paying for a full run that includes Gjáin, Haifoss, Sigoldufoss, Sigoldugljufur, and the Hekla area. Second, private guiding tends to translate into smoother logistics and better pacing. In the feedback, people repeatedly mentioned minimal crowds and faster travel, plus guides who gave clear instructions and helped everyone get into position.

Third, the guide quality matters on days like this. The reviews highlighted Thor as funny, dedicated, and very good at explaining Iceland culture and landscape features. Otto also got praise for being informative and considerate of time. If you’re the type who likes context while driving, that guidance can turn a scenic day into an actually memorable story.

Who might feel the cost is high? If you’re traveling solo or on a tight budget, you may compare this to shared tours. But if you want more direct access to quieter viewpoints, fewer people in your photos, and a guide who adapts when the weather changes, the pricing starts to make more sense.

What to bring for an all-weather highlands day

Since this is Iceland and wind can pop up, think layers and traction.

Bring:

• Outdoor shoes or boots with grip, especially since Gjáin oasis involves walking on uneven ground
• Wind layers like a shell or insulated jacket, since the canyon and waterfall viewpoints can be exposed
• A warm layer for the volcanic area around Hekla, even if the morning starts mild
• Your lunch or money to buy it at the Hrauneyjar highland center, since lunch is not included
• Water and snacks if you like to control your food breaks, since snacks are not included

One practical note from the feedback: on one tour experience, a person in the back said it was hard to hear the guide’s stories even when a speaker was used. If you’re picky about audio, sit where you can hear clearly, and don’t assume the speaker will fix everything in windy conditions.

Best fit: who this tour matches and who it might not

This tour fits best if you want a highlands day that feels like someone is showing you their favorite routes, with enough short walks to feel active but not exhausting.

You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• You care about multiple waterfalls in one day
• You want quieter spots with fewer people, as the feedback often mentioned
• You like guides who mix facts with stories, and who give detailed pickup and onsite instructions
• You’re okay with weather affecting access and timing

You might hesitate if:

• You hate long driving days and prefer fully walkable routes near Reykjavik
• You’re on a strict budget
• You need guaranteed access to the crater area at Hekla every time, since it depends on conditions

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

If your priority is waterfalls plus a real highlands feel without the stress of figuring out roads and timing, I’d book it. The stop sequence makes sense, the walking is short where it counts, and the Valley of Tears has the kind of payoff you remember later.

I’d especially recommend booking if you value off-the-usual-route viewpoints and want a guide like Thor or Otto who can explain what you’re seeing and keep things moving when the wind changes plans. Just go in with the right expectations: bring warm layers, plan for a long day, and know that Hekla access can be conditional.

FAQ

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

The tour starts at 8:30 am and runs for about 10 hours.

Where does the tour begin and end?

The meeting point is BSÍ Parking (43Q7+9M7, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland). The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered at assigned bus stops in the Reykjavik area and at the BSÍ bus terminal, plus locations like Hveragerði-Selfoss and Hella.

Are entrance fees included for the stops?

Yes. The stops listed have admission ticket free for Gjáin, Haifoss, Hrauneyjar, Sigoldufoss, Sigoldugljufur, and the Volcano Hekla area.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, and the Hrauneyjar highland center stop is listed as a lunch break.

Are snacks and alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages and snacks are not included.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, with only your group participating.

What happens if weather is bad?

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