Highlands waterfalls beat the bus crowds. This private day tour from Reykjavik strings together Gjáin, Haifoss, and the waterfalls of the Valley of Tears, with off-road driving that saves you from wrestling gravel roads on your own.

What I love most is the way the day stays photo-friendly: short walks when you want them, viewpoints when you don’t, and multiple waterfall stops that actually feel different. The other win is the lunch break at the Hrauneyjar highland center, right when you’ll want a warm meal and a bathroom.

One drawback to think about: this route is weather dependent. Strong wind can close roads and change how far you can go near Hekla, and lunch and snacks aren’t included in the price.

Key highlights to look for

• Gjáin oasis walk: about 500 meters each way, plus small waterfalls and an old farm
• Haifoss access by rough gravel roads: you drive up close, then take a short walk to the viewpoint
• Hrauneyjar lunch stop timing: a practical midday break before more waterfall time
• Sigoldufoss quick hit: a small waterfall, often intensely blue, at the highlands entrance
• Valley of Tears photography from above: green-blue water and multiple cascades in a canyon
• Hekla from a safe distance: and when conditions allow, a drive up toward Rauðaskál crater

A full day in the Iceland Highlands, without the planning headache

This is the kind of Iceland day trip you take when you want more than the usual circle of waterfalls near Reykjavik. You trade long driving days across the country for one focused push into the highlands: canyon views, big falls, and the empty volcanic feel of Hekla’s area.

Because it’s private, you’re not stuck with the “stand here and wait” rhythm. The small-group feel shows up in the reviews too, with people praising faster travel and more time at each stop. That matters in Iceland, where weather changes fast and the best light can vanish in minutes.

Getting picked up in Reykjavik for an 8:30 start

The day kicks off at 8:30 am, with pickup offered in the Reykjavik area and at BSÍ bus terminal. The meeting point is BSÍ Parking in 101 Reykjavík, and the tour ends back there, so you’re not figuring out a separate drop-off.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket, which helps because Iceland tours often run on tight timing. If you’re coming from outside the city, pickup is listed for routes that include Hveragerði–Selfoss and Hella, which is useful if you’re already road-tripping before Reykjavik.

Gjáin oasis and an old farm at the roots of the highlands

Gjáin is one of those places that feels like a quiet pocket of life in the highlands. You’ll walk about 500 meters each way to reach the old farm and the Gjáin oasis, where small waterfalls tumble through the area.

This is a good stop if you like variety, not just big waterfalls. The mix of water sounds, little drops, and the farm setting gives you a calmer feel right after you leave Reykjavik behind.

Practical note: outdoor shoes are recommended here. The walk is short, but Iceland trails can be uneven and damp, and you’ll enjoy the day more if you’re not doing waterfall trekking in slippery footwear.

Haifoss: one of Iceland’s tallest falls, reached by gravel road

Haifoss is the big headline waterfall on this route. It’s among Iceland’s highest, and you get a powerful view into the valley of Þjórsárdalur.

You drive up on rocky gravel roads to the parking area, then walk toward the viewpoint. The stop is about 30 minutes, which is enough time to take photos from the main viewpoint without turning it into a half-day hiking project.

If you’re comparing waterfalls across Iceland, Haifoss is worth it for the scale and the way the valley opens up around it. It also helps that this stop is relatively simple on your feet compared with longer treks.

Hrauneyjar highland center lunch stop you can actually plan for

Lunch happens at Hrauneyjar highland center, with about 40 minutes allocated. This is one of the more practical parts of the day, because it’s built in right between waterfall highlights.

The lunch itself isn’t included. You’ll either want to bring something or plan to buy from the nature center. The reviews mention a small but solid selection at the center, and they also point out that this is a good time for restroom breaks.

Even if you bring a snack, I still like this stop because it breaks up the “always looking for the next waterfall” feeling. You get a reset before Sigoldufoss and Sigoldugljúfur.

Sigoldufoss: the blue waterfall that starts the highlands entrance vibe

Sigoldufoss is a small waterfall, but it’s known for a striking blue look. You’ll have about 15 minutes to explore briefly before continuing on.

This one is short on time on purpose. It’s a quick visual palate cleanser before you hit the canyon of the Valley of Tears. If you’re a photographer, it’s also a chance to switch settings between wide falls and tighter water movement.

Wear what you wore for Haifoss because the ground conditions don’t magically change. The main thing is to stay ready to move on, since 15 minutes disappears fast once you start checking angles.

Sigoldugljúfur, the Valley of Tears: canyon views and green-blue water

This is the stop many people remember. The Valley of Tears (Sigoldugljúfur) is a canyon full of small waterfalls, with water that often looks green-blue.

You’ll explore for about 35 minutes, and the viewpoint setup focuses on looking in from above. That’s a smart approach for this part of Iceland, because it lets you enjoy the full cascade rhythm without needing long hikes into the canyon.

If you care about photos, bring extra patience for wind and spray. Even when it’s not raining, canyon water can create a chilly, misty feel. The upside: the angles from above are dramatic, and you can capture multiple falls in one frame.

Volcano Hekla from a safe distance, and Rauðaskál when conditions allow

The Hekla portion is shorter: about 10 minutes to explore the desolate area from a safe distance. If conditions are good, you may drive up toward Rauðaskál crater.

This is the kind of stop that reminds you Iceland isn’t just waterfalls and cliffs. It’s volcanic terrain and open emptiness, with fewer distractions and a lot of mood.

One thing to keep in mind: because access depends on weather, the plan can change. High winds can close roads, and your guide may need to adjust which Hekla-side viewpoint you reach. That flexibility is part of why having a guide matters here.

Price and value: what $1,922.34 per person is paying for

At $1,922.34 per person, this isn’t an impulse purchase. You’re paying for a full, guided day into places that are much harder to access without the right vehicle and local driving confidence.

Here’s what the price buys you in real terms:

• Guided access to multiple waterfall sites plus the Hekla area, in one day
• Pickup and drop-off in the Reykjavik region (not just a random meeting point)
• Parking fees included, which helps keep the day from turning into a long list of extra costs
• Time management at stops: short, purposeful walks instead of long waits and crowd bottlenecks

Food isn’t included, though. Alcoholic beverages and snacks are also not included, so factor that into your budget. The trade is that you’re in control of what you eat, and you can time it to your hunger level.

If your goal is to see the highlands close to Reykjavik without renting a serious off-road setup, this kind of private route can feel like good value. If you want a trip where everything is bundled to the last crumb, you might feel the gap at lunch.

What your guide does that a playlist can’t

The reviews are consistent on one point: guides like Thor and Otto are not just drivers. They’re storytellers, and they use the car time to explain what you’re seeing and why it matters.

That sounds fluffy until you’re standing at a waterfall and realizing you’re not only looking at water. You’re reading a place: geology, weather patterns, and how the highlands became what they are.

It also helps when timing changes. Iceland doesn’t care about your schedule. In the reviews, guides are praised for being skilled at staying safe in rough driving and for adjusting the day when wind or access rules get in the way.

Packing list for this day: footwear, layers, and lunch planning

Here’s the practical checklist I’d use for this route:

• Outdoor shoes for Gjáin’s oasis walk (about 500 meters each way)
• A wind-resistant layer if conditions are breezy, since strong wind can happen on this route without stopping viewpoints
• A plan for lunch and snacks (either bring your own or use what’s available at the Hrauneyjar highland center)
• Bring what you need for photos, since several stops are designed for picture-making, from Haifoss to Sigoldugljúfur

You don’t need hiking boots for everything on this day. But you do need shoes that handle damp and uneven ground without complaint.

Who this tour fits best

This experience is a strong match if you:

• Want a waterfall-heavy highlands day without dealing with driving logistics yourself
• Are first-timers who still want off-the-beaten-path stops near Reykjavik
• Like short stops with clear purpose, rather than long hikes with uncertain payoff
• Don’t have a 4×4 and don’t want to miss the highlands anyway, especially if you’re road-tripping by camper van or rental car

If you dislike gravel-road driving, this may not be the day for you, since both the Haifoss access approach and parts of the highlands route involve rougher roads. If you’re also the type who needs lunch included, you’ll want to budget and plan ahead.

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

I’d book it if your priority is this: a guided, full highlands day with multiple waterfall viewpoints, a canyon that’s perfect for photos, and a realistic chance to see Hekla-side terrain without the stress of navigating.

I wouldn’t book it if you’re looking for a fully catered meal day or if you’re easily frustrated by weather-driven access changes. Even then, the guides’ ability to swap plans when wind affects roads is a big plus, and the core waterfalls usually still deliver.

If you’re deciding between this and a more basic day trip, choose this one when you want depth in the highlands, not just a quick hit of the same few stops.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 8:30 am.

Where is the meeting point?

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

Is pickup offered?

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

How long is the tour?

It lasts about 10 hours.

Is this tour private?

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

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What’s included in the price?

Parking fees are included.

What is not included?

Alcoholic beverages, snacks, and lunch are not included.

Do I need to buy tickets at the stops?

The information provided lists admission tickets as free at the stops.

Is there walking?

Yes, especially at Gjáin, where the walk is about 500 meters each way. Outdoor shoes are recommended.