Private Tour of Valley of Tears and Highlands adventure

That Highlands water hits different. This Valley of Tears route mixes big Iceland drama with quieter, lesser-seen spots: Gjáin’s green oasis, blue waterfalls at the Highlands entrance, and even a safe-look at Hekla. You’re not just driving past scenery; the day is built around short walks and viewpoints that actually let you enjoy what you came for.

I love how the stops are short and focused. You spend real time at Haifoss and the Sigóldugljúfur canyon, with minimal waiting and no long transfers to other countries of your mind. I also love the way the guide energy shapes the trip, especially when it is Thor or Otto the Viking, who both bring stories and practical direction right when you need it.

One thing to plan for: this day is weather-sensitive. Strong wind can change access to the last areas, and if you sit toward the back, it can be harder to catch every word when the guide is talking.

Key things to know before you go

• Private, small-group feel: it’s just your group, so you get more control over pacing and photo pauses
• Gjáin oasis walk is short but specific: about a 500-meter walk each way, and outdoor shoes help
• Haifoss uses a gravel-road approach: expect a bumpy drive to reach an epic viewpoint
• Valley of Tears is a view-first canyon: you explore from above to see the series of small falls below
• Hekla stop depends on conditions: you go to a crater area when it’s safe and driving is allowed

What You’re Really Getting: Gjáin, Highlands Waterfalls, and Hekla

This is a Highlands day tour designed for people who want the classic Iceland waterfalls, plus the types of places that usually only show up when someone has done a lot of research. You start in Reykjavik, then move steadily into the Þjórsárdalur region and the Highlands edges, where the terrain opens up fast.

The big win is the mix of water textures. You get a tall, powerful waterfall at Haifoss, a sharp blue waterfall at Sigóldufoss, and a canyon full of smaller drops at Sigóldugljúfur, often with green-blue water. Then, if conditions allow, you add a volcanic component at Hekla from a safe distance. It is a very “Iceland in one day” way to travel.

Price and Value: When a Private 10-Hour Day Makes Sense

At $1,922.34 per person for a private 10-hour outing, this is not a casual budget choice. But the value is less about the raw ticket cost and more about what the day buys you: fewer tourists, better access, and a guide who knows how to place you at the right viewpoints.

This itinerary is also built around stops where getting there correctly matters. The drive to Haifoss goes up rocky gravel roads, and the crater area near Hekla is only reached when conditions are good. If you tried to DIY it without local guidance, you would likely lose time figuring out timing, safe viewpoints, and road limitations. You’re paying for that decision-making.

If you are traveling with family, a tight friend group, or you hate being herded, the private format can feel worth it fast. If you’re traveling solo on a shoestring, you may want to compare this with shared day trips.

Getting There in the Morning: 8:30 Pickup from BSÍ and Reykjavik Bus Stops

The day starts at 8:30 am. Your meeting point is BSÍ Parking (43Q7+9M7, 101 Reykjavík). If you want pickup, the tour includes pickup at assigned bus stops across the Reykjavik area and at the BSÍ bus terminal.

Pickup also extends beyond central Reykjavik. It includes areas such as Hveragerði–Selfoss and Hella, which is handy if you’re staying south or plan a few days outside the city. You end back at the meeting point.

This matters because the Highlands can feel far away when you’re coordinating buses, taxis, and timing. Here, the morning logistics are handled for you, so you start the day focused on the outdoors.

Gjáin Oasis Stop: 500-Meter Walk and Game of Thrones Connections

Gjá in (spelled Gjáin here) is the warm-up stop that sets the tone. You’re walking into an oasis-like area at the roots of the Highlands, with small waterfalls, an old farm feel, and enough greenery to make the rest of the day hit harder.

The walk is about 500 meters each way, so you do not need a big hike day plan. Still, the tour recommends outdoor shoes. That’s a smart tip here, because you’ll likely be stepping on uneven ground near the water.

A fun extra: Gjáin has been used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, so it has that pop-culture hook for anyone who likes spotting places that show up on screen. Even if you do not care about that, it’s a good pause from the driving.

Drawback to know: you’re walking outdoors, so come ready for wind and wet ground even if the weather looks decent in Reykjavik.

Haifoss Viewpoint Drive: Gravel Roads to One of Iceland’s Highest Falls

Then you go to Haifoss, one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls. The approach is part of the experience: you drive up rocky gravel roads to the parking area, then walk toward the viewpoint.

From the viewpoint, you look into the valley of Þjórsárdalur. That “valley-to-waterfall” perspective is the reason this stop feels so big. The water drops into a wide setting, so it does not feel like a narrow waterfall with no context.

The time at this stop is short on the schedule (about 30 minutes for the stop experience), so you’ll want to be ready to move when you arrive. The payoff is that you can enjoy the view without spending half your day in transit between photo spots.

Practical note: gravel-road driving means your legs will benefit from a short walk at the parking/view stage. Do the walk even if you think you’ve already seen the angle from the car.

Hrauneyjar Lunch Break: Fuel Up at the Highland Center

Your lunch stop is at Hrauneyjar, at the highland center. The schedule gives you about 40 minutes here.

Lunch is not included, so you’ll either bring your own snacks or buy food on site. This is one of those “you’ll thank yourself later” moments. Eating early makes the later canyon and crater viewing feel easier, especially if wind or cold slows you down.

Also, the highland center area tends to work well for restroom breaks and resetting before the next waterfall section. In a day like this, that kind of reset is not fluff.

Possible drawback: if you did not pack snacks, you might have fewer options than you expect. Bring something small and easy if you know you get hungry fast.

Sigóldufoss at the Highlands Entrance: Blue Water, Fast Stop

Next is Sigóldufoss, described as a small waterfall but often intensely blue. It sits near the entrance feel of the Highlands route, so the stop works like a transition: you’re leaving the dramatic wide valley behind and heading into the more desolate feeling areas.

The exploration time is brief (about 15 minutes). That’s enough time to walk to the viewing angle, watch the water, and get a few photos, without turning it into a long sit-and-freeze session.

This stop is also a good reminder that “small” in Iceland is still worth it. The color contrast can be striking, and the setting makes it feel like the Highlands are pushing closer.

Sigóldugljúfur Valley of Tears: Canyon Views and Green-Blue Water

Now you reach Sigóldugljúfur, often called the Valley of Tears. This is where the day gets more cinematic.

Instead of a single tall fall, you get a canyon with a series of smaller waterfalls. The water can look green-blue, and the viewing style is from above. That matters because it keeps the hike manageable and helps you scan multiple drops at once.

The stop is about 35 minutes, which gives you time to find your best viewpoint and still take a slow second look. If you care about photography, this is one of the places where timing and angle matter more than trying to zoom on one spot.

Tradeoff: because you explore from above, you won’t feel like you’re standing right under the falls. You’re there for the composition and the patterns in the canyon.

Volcano Hekla at a Safe Distance: Rauðaskál Crater When Driving Allows

The last main stop is Volcano Hekla. You explore the desolate area around it from a safe distance. The schedule notes that when conditions are good, you may drive up to the Rauðaskál crater area.

This part of the day is shorter (about 10 minutes on the itinerary), and that’s exactly why it works. You’re not trying to “do everything” with Hekla. You’re there to see the volcanic presence in the real setting and then move on.

What to expect: a stark feel, big sky, and fewer comforts than the waterfall stops. Dress for it even if earlier parts of the day were mild.

Important consideration: if wind or weather is rough, you may not reach the crater area. It’s one of those “Iceland decides” moments, and your guide’s job is to adjust while still giving you worthwhile scenery.

Guides That Affect the Day: Thor and Otto the Viking Style

This is a private tour, so the guide isn’t just a driver with trivia. In the feedback you’ll see the same themes: jokes, stories, and clear instructions right before each walk.

Thor shows up in many accounts as especially helpful with details, including pickup instructions and information throughout the drive. Otto the Viking is also described as informative and considerate with time, including when road access changes due to high winds. In practice, that means you get more than a narration. You get pacing decisions.

One real-world detail to watch: there can be sound issues if you’re seated far back. If you’re the type who listens for story bits, try to position yourself where you can hear the guide more clearly.

Weather, Wind, and Timing: How the Day Stays Flexible

This tour requires good weather. Wind can be strong out here, and when it gets too rough, access to the final stop areas can change. Some days, the last scheduled viewing point is swapped for an alternative that still keeps the day worthwhile.

That flexibility is a huge part of why this works as a day trip from Reykjavik. You’re not stuck with a rigid checklist when Iceland plays tricks with roads.

Plan your expectations around this: you are booking a day of outdoor viewing with short walks, and conditions can affect what you can see up close. That doesn’t mean the day fails. It means the guide adapts.

What to Pack for This Highlands Day Trip

You don’t need fancy gear, but you do need practical gear.

Bring:

• Outdoor shoes for the Gjáin oasis walk (500 meters each way)
• Layers for wind changes, especially for Haifoss and the canyon viewpoints
• A light rain layer, even if the morning looks good
• Snacks if you want more control at the lunch stop, since lunch isn’t included

Also, note that parking fees are included, but alcohol and snacks are not. If you want a drink or extra food, plan to grab it yourself.

Who This Private Tour Fits Best

This is a strong choice if you:

• Want a private day where the route is set for you and you don’t have to coordinate driving
• Care about seeing multiple waterfall styles in one outing, especially Valley of Tears and Haifoss
• Want to get off the most crowded routes and spend time at viewpoints with fewer people
• Prefer short walks and clear stopping points rather than hours of hiking

It’s also a good fit for first-timers who feel intimidated by the Highlands but still want the real Highlands experience. Some couples and small groups choose this when they do not want the hassle of a 4×4 just for a few key stops.

Should You Book This Valley of Tears and Highlands Private Tour?

I’d book it if you want a tightly planned Highlands day that hits the major waterfall icons and adds the more unusual canyon experience. The private format, pickup options, and the guide’s ability to keep the day moving (even when weather shifts) make it feel like a proper outing, not a long bus shuffle.

I’d think twice if:

• Your budget is tight, because the price is steep for a single day
• You struggle with cold/windy outdoor stops and short walks
• You need every word from the guide and you know you’ll end up far back in the vehicle

If those tradeoffs don’t bother you, this is the kind of tour that can become a highlight fast: waterfalls, canyon colors, and a volcanic finale, all within one long day from Reykjavik.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Private Tour of Valley of Tears and Highlands?

The tour runs for approximately 10 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at BSÍ Parking (43Q7+9M7, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland) and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup offered?

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

What’s included in the price?

The price includes parking fees. Alcoholic beverages, snacks, and lunch are not included.

Is lunch included?

No. There is a lunch stop at the Hrauneyjar highland center, but you will need to purchase lunch there or bring your own snacks.

What stops are part of the tour?

The tour includes stops at Gjáin, Haifoss, Hrauneyjar, Sigóldufoss, Sigóldugljúfur (Valley of Tears), and Volcano Hekla (conditions permitting access up to Rauðaskál crater).

What happens if weather conditions are poor?

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