Landmannalaugar & SecretGems | Private Tour | PRO Photos included

Highlands time, minus the hassle.

This private day trip is built for the Icelandic interior: a long scenic drive, multiple waterfall stops, and then the big finish at Landmannalaugar with time to explore and soak. You’re starting early from Reykjavik, and with hotel pickup and drop-off, the day feels like it runs on rails.

I especially like the mix of classic Iceland sights with lesser-seen stops. I love that you’ll have PRO photos taken during the day (so you can actually watch the views instead of constantly switching hands and settings), and I love the payoff at Landmannalaugar hot springs, where geothermal water turns a tough hike day into a reset.

One drawback to plan around: food and drinks not included. It’s a full, active day (about 11 hours), so you’ll want to pack snacks or be ready to buy something before or after—otherwise you can feel stuck in a low-energy mood while you’re out there chasing waterfalls and viewpoints.

Key highlights

• PRO Photos included: you get photographs from the day, so your memories aren’t only screenshots
• Full Highlands route with multiple waterfall viewpoints plus one longer scenic canyon stop
• Landmannalaugar geothermal break: time to hike and then recharge in hot springs
• Early start, long day: you’ll be on the road a lot, with breaks built into the drive time
• Private, up to 5: your group sets the pace, and stop timing can flex

The drive from Reykjavik to the Icelandic Highlands

This is an all-day outing, and the rhythm matters. You meet at 8:30 am and then it’s roughly a 2-hour drive to the first stop. That early movement is a gift: you start seeing the Highlands when the day still has that crisp, clear light that makes waterfalls pop.

The route is intentionally rougher than a city bus ride. Icelandic interior roads can mean bumpier stretches and slower going, and that’s part of why a private driver/guide is worth it here. The best value of a tour like this is not just the stops—it’s the way someone else handles the timing so you can stay focused on what’s outside the window.

You should also expect that weather will steer the day. The experience is described as requiring good weather, and the itinerary notes that time at each stop is flexible based on preferences. In practice, this means you’re unlikely to feel rushed through the best moments, but you should still dress for a day where conditions can change fast.

Waterfall loop: Hjálparfoss, Haifoss, and Sigöldufoss

The Highlands start strong with waterfall drama close together. You’re not looking at just one cascade and calling it a day. You’re stacking views so the scenery keeps escalating.

Hjálparfoss: a stepped start with bold basalt texture

You’ll get about 30 minutes at Hjálparfoss. The standout here is the stepped waterfall look, plus those very unique basalt rock formations around it. It’s one of those spots where photos look good fast, but being there lets you notice textures you’d miss trying to frame from the road.

Practical tip: keep your hands warm before you stop. You’ll likely be adjusting camera settings, and cold fingers turn a simple photo attempt into a slow-motion struggle.

Haifoss: frame two waterfalls in one viewing rhythm

Next is Haifoss for about 30 minutes. This is the third largest waterfall in Iceland, and the viewing setup is built for a two-waterfall moment: you can spot Haifoss alongside Granni Waterfall, giving you a chance to capture both in a single frame.

The best part is pacing. Since the stop is short, you’ll want to do a quick scan first, then commit to your favorite angle. A private guide helps here by pointing you toward the best viewpoint before you lose light.

Sigöldufoss: canyon energy at the Valley of Tears

Stop three is Sigöldufoss, again around 30 minutes. It sits in a canyon often called Valley of Tears. If you like motion in your photos (spray, layered rock, the sense of scale), this is a good stop to lean in and let the scene fill your frame.

Drawback to note: these waterfall stops are quick. If you’re the type who wants 45 minutes of wandering trails at every stop, you’ll feel the clock. The tradeoff is you get more variety in one day.

Bláhylur: the turquoise gorge stop and volcanic crater colors

Then the day shifts from waterfall repetition to a longer, more scenic visual payoff: about 50 minutes at Bláhylur. This is described as a secret gorge with striking turquoise water and a dramatic canyon setting.

What I like about this stop is contrast. You’re moving from falls to calmer water, from pure white foam to color and geology. You’ll also pass two volcanic craters—Bláhylur and Ljótipollur—both described as filled with gorgeous blue water.

A stop like this is also where a good photo moment can happen without you hiking for hours. You can take your time lining up your shot, then step back and just look. The guide’s timing helps because you’re not stuck standing around when conditions are good.

Practical tip: turquoise scenes can be deceptive. In low cloud or harsh wind, color can look muted. If you see brighter light, spend that window. A private guide can help you adapt quickly because your schedule isn’t shared with strangers.

Landmannalaugar: hikes, hot springs, and rainbow-rock drama

Landmannalaugar is the main event, and you get about 2 hours 30 minutes here. This is where you switch gears from viewpoints to activity.

The area is known for epic hikes along trails around rainbow-colored mountains. Even if you keep your hike short, you’ll still feel how rugged and other-worldly the geology is. It’s also where the geothermal element kicks in: Landmannalaugar is described as a geothermal oasis with hot springs.

That soak time is the secret sauce of this itinerary. After hours of Highlands wind, cold air, and waterfall spray, the hot springs are the reset button. It’s not just a comfort bonus—it’s part of the day’s pacing logic. You can burn energy when you’re hiking, then come back and recharge before the drive back to Reykjavik.

What to plan for:

• Wear layers you can strip down for short hiking efforts and re-add for wind.
• Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to use the hot springs time well (the day is built for it).
• If you have camera gear, keep it protected. Spray and mist are real in waterfall country.

Hike level reality check

The itinerary promises hikes and suggests a “jump into and recharge” vibe, but it doesn’t list exact trail difficulty. So be honest with yourself: if long walking on uneven ground is hard for you, you’ll likely want to choose a shorter route while still enjoying the geothermal area.

PRO photos included: what that means for your day

This tour includes photographs from the tour, and it’s a big deal for two reasons.

First, it changes how you experience the stops. Without someone else capturing images, you often end up doing a trade: either watch the scenery, or do the photography dance. With PRO photos included, you can do both more easily.

Second, it reduces the risk of leaving Iceland with “almost good” pictures. A day like this is heavy on fast-changing light and moving weather. When someone else is looking for the moments, you get more finished memories instead of a folder full of near-misses.

From the experiences shared with this company, the guides are also praised for being both personable and strong with photography. Names that came up include Miro, Robert, and Michal—each described as a guide who helped make the day feel relaxed while still producing excellent images. If you’re a serious videographer or vlogger, that same theme shows up: one guide was specifically praised for helping manage heavy vlogging gear for a full day.

My practical advice: tell your driver/guide what you’re aiming for before you leave the car. If you want portraits, waterfalls at specific angles, or video-friendly clips, mention it early so they can plan around your preferences.

Pickup, pacing, and why “flexible stops” work

You’re not doing a rigid theme-park schedule. The itinerary notes that time spent on each stop is flexible depending on preferences, but the total duration stays the same. That’s how private tours should work.

So you might spend the full allotment at Landmannalaugar if the light is great. Or you might shorten another stop if the weather turns. Either way, you’re not derailed because you’re not trying to “make it up” with a group that has no margin.

You’re also given breaks on the drive back (about 3.5 hours). That matters because the day is long enough that fatigue can sneak in. If you’ve ever sat in a vehicle for hours on Iceland roads and then wondered why your energy crashed, you’ll appreciate having those built-in pauses.

Value check: what $2,407 buys for up to 5 people

The price is listed as $2,407.02 per group for up to 5 people, for about 11 hours. That’s not cheap on a per-person basis—but it can be very fair when you break it down.

If you book the maximum group size of 5, you’re paying about $481 per person. If you’re a couple, it’s closer to $1,200 each. In other words: this is best value when you fill the group slots.

Where the money goes:

• private driver/guide for a full day
• hotel pickup and drop-off
• guided photo help (PRO photos included)
• planning around the day’s flow (especially when weather is changeable)

This is also a tour where a private guide can reduce wasted time. In Iceland’s interior, being in the right place at the right moment matters. If you’re trying to replicate this day alone, you’d need strong route planning and the confidence to handle Highlands driving conditions.

Who should book this and who should pass

This tour fits you best if you want:

• a full day in the interior with multiple “wow” stops
• Landmannalaugar time for hiking and a geothermal hot springs soak
• a private experience where pacing can flex based on your preferences
• help with photography so you don’t spend the whole day working your camera

It’s also a solid birthday-type pick. One experience with this company was described as the best birthday present, largely because the guide shaped the day around the weather forecast and still delivered multiple memorable viewpoints.

You might want to choose something different if:

• you hate long drives and would rather do a smaller, calmer outing
• you rely on someone providing meals or snacks during the day (food and drinks aren’t included)
• you want hours of trail walking at every stop (most waterfall stops are about 30 minutes)

Should you book this Landmannalaugar & SecretGems private day?

If you’re deciding between doing the easy scenic route and paying for the interior version, I’d book this if your priorities are Highlands scenery, geothermal payoff, and photos that look finished.

The biggest reasons to choose it: PRO photos included, a lineup of specific stops (Hjálparfoss, Haifoss, Sigöldufoss, Bláhylur), and the real closing scene at Landmannalaugar with time to hike and soak. The most important heads-up is the one you can control: bring your energy plan. Pack snacks or plan your timing around food, dress for weather shifts, and treat this as a long-but-rewarding day.

If your group can fill up to 5, the value gets much easier to justify.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:30 am.

How long does the Landmannalaugar & SecretGems private tour take?

It runs about 11 hours (approx.).

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates. The group size is up to 5.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

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

What’s included in the price?

Included are photographs from the tour, the driver/guide, and hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Which stops are part of the itinerary?

You’ll visit Hjálparfoss, Haifoss, Sigöldufoss, Bláhylur, and then Landmannalaugar.

How long do you spend at Landmannalaugar?

Landmannalaugar is allotted about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Are there admission fees at the stops?

The listed stops show admission ticket free.

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.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.