Waterfalls with room to breathe. This private Highlands day balances big-name power with quieter spots, starting at Gjáin’s old-farm oasis and rolling through the Valley of Tears. I like how the route favors wide viewpoints and short, practical walks, so you get the sights without feeling stuck in a crowd.

My second favorite part is the way you move from stop to stop at a comfortable pace, with real time for photos and a break at the Hrauneyjar highland center. One caution: if you end up seated far back in the vehicle, it can be tough to hear the guide’s stories clearly.

Key Highlights Worth Getting Excited About

• Gjáin oasis walk about 500 meters each way with waterfalls, an old farm feel, and a Game of Thrones shooting location
• Haifoss viewpoints after a rocky gravel drive, plus a short walk to a high-impact overlook
• Lunch stop at Hrauneyjar highland center for a convenient Highlands meal you can buy there
• Sigoldufoss the small, often very blue waterfall right at the entrance to the Highlands
• Sigoldugljufur Valley of Tears canyon explored from above with often green-blue water below
• Volcano Hekla area near Rauðaskál crater seen from a safe distance when conditions allow

Why This Highlands Mix Works So Well

This tour hits a sweet spot for people who want Reykjavik convenience without doing a cookie-cutter circuit. You start early, spend the day in the Highlands, and you get both famous and less-typical waterfall terrain. The overall feel is practical and calm: drive, stop, look, walk a little, take photos, then move on.

I also like that the plan is built around views you can actually use. Haifoss is the big draw, but Gjáin and the Valley of Tears stops are where you get that feeling of being far from the main roads. Several guides on this route (including Thor and Otto the Viking) seem to focus on exactly how to watch the water and how to get the best angles.

Your main trade-off is comfort versus access. You will be on roads that can be rough, and you may walk short distances on uneven ground. If you’re expecting a paved, stroller-friendly day, this won’t match that.

The Day Plan: 8:30am Start and About 10 Hours Total

You start at 8:30 am and plan on around 10 hours. The tour starts and ends at the same place: BSÍ Parking in Reykjavík (43Q7+9M7). If you’ve arranged pickup, you’re picked up at assigned bus stops in the Reykjavík area and at BSÍ bus terminal, with pickup also mentioned for areas like Hveragerði-Selfoss and Hella.

What matters for your planning is that this is an early-day commitment. You’ll be in the car for long stretches, so bring what helps you tolerate time on the road: a layer for wind, sunglasses, and something to keep warm if the weather shifts.

Also, this is listed as a private tour/activity. That usually means the experience is limited to your group only, which is a big part of why the day tends to feel less crowded at the waterfalls.

Stop 1: Gjáin Oasis and the Old Farm Walk

Gjáin is where the day starts with a change of mood. Instead of a single waterfall “wow,” it’s a small oasis at the roots of the Highlands: little cascades, a tucked-in feel, and an old-farm vibe that helps you understand what this region was like long before today’s roads.

You’ll walk into the oasis, with a route of about 500 meters each way. The key practical tip is that outdoor shoes are recommended. Don’t underestimate this part. Even short walks in Iceland can mean slick footing, wet stones, or uneven trails after rain.

This stop is also famous for its connection to Game of Thrones, so if you like recognizing filming locations, you’ll probably spot why this area made the cut. Even if you’re not a fan, it’s still a good opener because it sets the tone: wild water, quiet corners, and views that don’t feel staged.

Stop 2: Haifoss and the Rocky-Drive View Into Þjórsárdalur

Haifoss is one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls, and the payoff is immediate. From the parking area you walk toward a viewpoint, and you get a big look into the valley of Þjórsárdalur.

The practical part: you drive up on rocky gravel roads before reaching the parking. That means expect a bumpy ride on the approach, then a short walk once you park. The good news is the time on foot is brief (about 30 minutes at the stop, including the walk and looking around).

This is one of the moments where your guide’s role matters. A good guide helps you find the angle where the spray and the cliffs work together, instead of just standing wherever the first group stops. If you’re the type who loves photos, Haifoss is your “gear comes out” stop.

Stop 3: Hrauneyjar Highland Center Lunch Stop

Lunch is handled with a stop at the Hrauneyjar highland center. It’s set for about 40 minutes, which is enough time to eat without turning the day into a slow crawl.

Here’s the value logic: lunch isn’t included, so the tour gives you access to a real Highlands meal option instead of forcing you to pack a full picnic. In practice, people have described the food selection as small but solid at this center, and it makes the whole day easier if you don’t want to spend extra time figuring out where to eat once you’re already out in the Highlands.

Bring a plan:

• If you’re hungry fast, eat as soon as you arrive.
• If you want time for photos afterward, keep your order quick.
• If you’re picky about food, having a snack in your day bag is a smart backup since lunch is not guaranteed to match every diet need.

Stop 4: Sigoldufoss at the Highlands Entrance

Sigoldufoss is the kind of waterfall that makes you look twice. It’s small, but it’s often very blue, and the timing is good because it’s at the entrance area of the Highlands. That means you’re still fresh, and you’re not worn down by a full day of driving yet.

You’re at this stop for about 15 minutes. That’s not a long time, so treat it like a quick photo-and-look moment rather than a lingering hike. The goal is to see the water color and the angle, then move on.

This stop also works as a “warm-up” for the next one. After Sigoldufoss, you’re heading into the Valley of Tears canyon terrain, where water color and rock shapes play an even bigger role in photos.

Stop 5: Sigoldugljufur and the Valley of Tears Canyon From Above

This is the signature stop. Sigoldugljufur is the canyon people call the Valley of Tears, and it’s famous for being a strong photography spot that’s easy to miss if you’re driving on your own.

You explore it for about 35 minutes, and you do it from above. That’s important: you get the canyon layout and the chain of small waterfalls without needing risky footing near the water. The water is often green-blue, which is exactly why this place is so photogenic. You get those color shifts as the flow hits different rock and depth zones.

The best way to enjoy this stop is to slow down and scan. Look for the spots where the water breaks into multiple threads, then reposition slightly for better angles. Even small viewpoint changes can make a huge difference here.

This is also where the “off-the-beaten-path” feeling shows up most. A smaller, more flexible group means you’re less likely to be boxed in by other people waiting for the same shot.

Stop 6: Volcano Hekla and Rauðaskál Crater at a Safe Distance

The final stop is the Volcano Hekla area, explored from a safe distance. The plan mentions driving up to Rauðaskál crater when conditions are good.

You’re at this part of the route for about 10 minutes. That’s short on purpose. Volcanic areas require caution, and the emphasis here is on seeing the terrain around Hekla without pushing into unsafe ground.

This is also the segment where weather matters most. Iceland can shut down roads when winds get high, and the tour is designed to work within those limits. In one real-world example, a scheduled stop was impacted by road closures from high winds, and the guide found an alternative that was still beautiful. So if you’re traveling with a “we must see everything no matter what” mindset, keep it flexible.

Even with short time, Hekla adds variety: it shifts you from waterfalls into raw, desolate volcanic terrain.

Value for the Price: Is $1,922.34 Per Person Worth It?

Let’s talk money in a way that helps you decide. At $1,922.34 per person for a private 10-hour day, you’re paying for three things:

1. Access to Highlands areas that are harder to reach on your own without the right vehicle and local know-how.
2. Time at viewpoints that aren’t just a quick drive-by. You’re not rushing through “look from the bus window” stops.
3. A guide who manages conditions, especially wind and road changes, and who knows where to stand for the best angles.

That high price also explains why the reviews keep repeating a theme: the day feels worth it because it doesn’t feel crowded. When your group is small, you spend more time seeing and photographing and less time waiting your turn.

If you’re traveling solo, this cost can feel steep compared with joining a larger tour. If you’re traveling as a couple or a small group, it can start to look like good value—especially if you care about capturing waterfalls without a pile of people in every frame.

Pickups, Vehicle Comfort, and Hearing Your Guide

This tour offers pickup at bus stops in the Reykjavík area and at BSÍ terminal, plus pickup mentioned in Hveragerði-Selfoss and Hella. That reduces stress. You won’t lose an hour wrestling with parking or timing.

Vehicle comfort is a mixed bag, depending on where you sit. One review noted that when seated in the back, it can be difficult to hear the guide’s stories, even if a speaker is used. That’s not a reason to skip the tour, but it is a reason to choose your seat wisely if there’s an option.

If your group is planning to do lots of talking with the guide—culture, Icelandic stories, practical photo tips—try to sit closer to the front. You’ll get more out of the day beyond just the waterfalls.

Weather and Wind: How to Think About Risk on Iceland Roads

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, it can be canceled and you’re offered a different date or a full refund.

Here’s the realistic approach I recommend: plan your Highlands day as a flexible block in your itinerary. Don’t schedule a tight connection right after. Winds can be strong, and the road network can change fast. The tour’s strength is that the guide can adapt when the route gets affected, including finding alternatives when roads close.

So you’re not just gambling on sunshine. You’re traveling with a plan that expects Iceland to be Iceland.

Who This Private Tour Fits Best

This is a great match if you:

• Want a real Highlands day without driving yourselves
• Care about waterfalls and want more than the mainstream ones
• Prefer a private or small-group feel with less crowd friction
• Like photography enough to appreciate viewpoint placement and color changes

It’s less ideal if you:

• Hate short walks on uneven ground (Gjáin is about 500 meters each way)
• Need a perfectly calm, cushy ride with no gravel-road segments
• Expect long time at every stop (Sigoldufoss and Hekla are shorter on purpose)

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

I’d book it if your travel goal is simple: get into the Highlands from Reykjavík and see Haifoss, Gjáin, the Valley of Tears canyon, and Hekla with a guide who knows how to manage timing and conditions.

I would hesitate only if the price is a deal breaker for you and you’re fine with doing a more basic route instead. Also, if you’re sensitive to hearing commentary in the vehicle, pick seating closer to the front when possible.

If you want value, the best strategy is to book early enough to match your dates and keep your day flexible for weather. Then show up with outdoor shoes and a camera ready. This is the kind of Iceland day where the stops add up into one strong storyline, not a list of quick snapshots.

FAQ

What are the start and end points for the tour?

The tour starts at BSÍ Parking in Reykjavík (43Q7+9M7) and ends back at the same meeting point.

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

It starts at 8:30 am and runs for approximately 10 hours.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered at assigned bus stops in the Reykjavík area and at the BSÍ bus terminal. Pickup is also listed for the Hveragerði–Selfoss and Hella areas.

Is lunch included, and what about snacks or drinks?

Lunch is not included. Snacks and alcoholic beverages are also not included, so you’ll need to bring them or plan to eat at the lunch stop at the Hrauneyjar highland center.

How much walking is involved at Gjáin?

At Gjáin, you’ll walk into the oasis with a distance of about 500 meters each way. Outdoor shoes are recommended.

Does this tour depend on weather?

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

Is the tour private, and is it offered in English?

Yes, it’s a private tour/activity with only your group participating, and it’s offered in English.