Iceland’s waterfalls hit different on the highlands roads. This private day trip strings together majestic falls and volcanic scenery like a best-of reel, from Gjáin’s farm oasis to the desolate area around Hekla. You’ll start early in Reykjavik, ride out in comfort, and follow a guide like Thor or Otto who talks with real context, not just stop-and-stare facts.

I like that the walking is short where it matters, so you spend time seeing rather than grinding miles. I also like the focus on fewer-people viewpoints, especially around the canyon known as the Valley of Tears and the blue Sigoldufoss area at the highlands entrance.

One consideration: this is weather-driven highlands travel. If conditions are rough, you may lose the final crater drive near Hekla, and you’ll need to roll with schedule changes or swaps.

Key points to know before you go

• Private format with pickup options from central Reykjavik and BSÍ terminal, plus possible pickup farther out
• Real highlands stops, not just the big highway highlights
• Gjáin oasis walking is mild, but wear outdoor shoes for the terrain
• Haifoss is reached by rocky gravel roads, then a short walk to the viewpoint
• Valley of Tears means canyon viewpoints, with small falls and green-blue water
• Guide flexibility matters, including alternatives if winds close roads

How this Valley of Tears and Highlands route actually works

This isn’t a bus-and-basics tour. The whole point is to get you into parts of the Icelandic interior that feel remote, even though you’re starting from Reykjavik. The day runs about 10 hours, starting at 8:30 am, and it’s built around a sequence of waterfalls and highland scenery that are best when you can get off the main tourist tracks.

Because it’s private, the pacing is simpler. You won’t be waiting for a crowd to finish a photo. You can also hear your guide better than you would on a big group, which matters when you’re bouncing between viewpoints and the story behind each place helps you read the land.

Most stops are quick hits, but they’re not rushed. You get enough time at each location to breathe, take photos, and step back for scale. The walking is also pretty reasonable for most people, as long as you’re comfortable with uneven ground at Gjáin and rocky, sloped gravel in the waterfall areas.

If you’re the type who likes “one good place” more than “five places where you sprint,” this route is a strong match.

Pickup, timing, and why the 8:30 am start is worth it

You start at 8:30 am from the BSÍ Parking area in Reykjavik, and pickup is offered from assigned bus stops in the Reykjavik area and at BSÍ bus terminal. Some pickup areas listed include Hveragerði-Selfoss and Hella, and in practice, guides can sometimes meet you outside the city center if it’s possible.

Why you should care about the morning start: the highlands roads and viewpoints get busy, and weather changes quickly. Going early increases your odds of better light for waterfalls and a smoother drive before wind or road conditions become an issue.

Also, this tour includes parking fees, and you’ll have breaks during the day. That sounds basic, but on long scenic days in Iceland, a little time to reset makes a huge difference.

Tip from the real world: if you’re sensitive to cold, plan to layer early. Even in daylight, wind can hit hard at canyon viewpoints and waterfall edges.

Stop 1: Gjáin oasis, farm ruins, and the Game of Thrones connection

The day kicks off at Gjáin, described as an amazing oasis at the roots of the Iceland highlands. You’re walking into a small world of green, water trickling over rock, and an old farm area. It’s also noted as a filming location tied to Game of Thrones, which gives the place a fun extra hook if you’re a fan.

Here’s what makes Gjáin worth it: it’s the contrast. After leaving the Reykjavik area, your brain expects harshness. Gjáin shows you how quickly Iceland can switch moods, from stark to surprisingly lush.

Practical details:

• You’ll walk about 500 meters each way
• Plan for 1 hour at the site
• Outdoor shoes are recommended, because the ground can be uneven and wet

The biggest mistake people make at Gjáin is treating it like a sidewalk stroll. You don’t need hiking boots, but you do want shoes that grip and keep you comfortable. If you want photos, take a moment to look for spots where water lines up with rock texture, not just the widest waterfall view.

Stop 2: Haifoss and the viewpoint walk that rewards the bumpy road

Next up is Haifoss, one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls. You’ll drive up rocky gravel roads to get close, then park and walk toward the viewpoint.

The reason this stop lands is simple: Haifoss gives you depth. From the viewpoint, you look into the valley of Þjórsárdalur, and the waterfall’s drop reads bigger than you expect. It’s not just a waterfall you photograph, it’s a whole scene.

Timing and what to expect:

• About 30 minutes total at the stop
• The walk is short, but you’ll feel the ground under you after a gravel approach

If you’re prone to slipping on wet rock, take your time on the last steps. The waterfall area can be slick. This is one of those times when slow is fast, because you’ll arrive at the viewpoint with your camera ready instead of rushing and missing the best angle.

Stop 3: Lunch at Hrauneyjar highland center (and how to plan food)

Then you head to Hrauneyjar, your lunch stop at the Hrauneyjar highland center. You get about 40 minutes here.

Important for budgeting: lunch is not included. Alcoholic beverages also aren’t included, and snacks aren’t included. That’s normal for many Iceland tours, but it changes how you should pack.

What to do:

• Bring a snack or two if you like having options
• If you want a hot meal, be ready to purchase something at the nature center
• Plan for timing, because the stop is designed to keep the full route on track

I find lunch stops like this are often where tours either win or fail. Here, you at least get a real place to reset during a long day, and it breaks up the driving so you can keep paying attention for the afternoon waterfalls.

Stop 4: Sigoldufoss, that striking blue water moment

At the entrance to the Iceland Highlands, you’ll stop at Sigoldufoss. It’s small, but it’s known for being often very blue.

This stop is quick at about 15 minutes, and that’s exactly how it should be. The highlands route is full of “main act” views, and Sigoldufoss works like a color splash along the way. If the wind is strong, a short stop also means you don’t linger somewhere unsafe.

How to make the most of only 15 minutes:

• Step to a spot that gives you both height and flow
• Don’t spend all your time on one angle, because the water color can shift with perspective
• Keep an eye on your footing while you shoot. Cold + rock texture + wind is a classic combo

This is also a good stop to listen closely to your guide’s story. It’s short, but the guide’s explanation often helps you understand why water looks different here than in the big tourist waterfall zones.

Stop 5: Valley of Tears, Sigoldugljufur canyon, and the best photos of the day

This is the headline stop for many people: Sigoldugljufur, also called the Valley of Tears. You explore the canyon from above, and you’ll see a series of small waterfalls. The water is often green-blue, which is what makes the canyon so photogenic.

Timing:

• About 35 minutes at the canyon

Why it feels special: the Valley of Tears is not about one single huge fall. It’s about layers. You get repeated little cascades in different textures and depths, which gives you more to compose and less chance of feeling like the place is over in one photo.

What to expect at the viewpoint:

• Wind exposure is common
• You’ll likely be photographing from fixed angles, so move slowly and choose a stable spot
• Keep your camera protected when wind gusts pick up, because water spray and dust can both show up near waterfalls

From the day’s structure, this is the stop I’d spend the most time thinking about rather than just snapping. If you’re chasing photos, try two things:

1) Wide shot first for scale

2) Then medium shot to catch the green-blue tone and layered falls

Stop 6: Volcano Hekla, Rauðaskál crater access, and adapting to conditions

The final big moment is Volcano Hekla. You’ll explore the desolate area around the volcano from a safe distance. When conditions are good, you may drive up to Rauðaskál crater.

Timing:

• About 10 minutes here

This is where Iceland reality shows up. Volcano country is not a “get close no matter what” zone. Access depends on safety and road conditions, and the tour is honest about that. If winds or road closures happen, the crater drive might not be possible.

In at least one real-world scenario, a guide handled road closure by finding a different alternative stop that was still beautiful. That kind of flexibility is a big deal in the highlands, where plans can change faster than a forecast can refresh.

If you’re hoping to see Hekla up close, you can go in with realistic expectations: you’re there for the volcanic feel, the emptiness, and the safe vantage points, with a chance at closer access if weather cooperates.

The guide is the difference: Thor and Otto’s style

This is one of those tours where the guide can make or break your day. In the feedback I’ve seen from this experience, Thor is repeatedly praised for being funny and dedicated, plus giving detailed pickup instructions. You also hear that he shares stories about Icelandic culture and the landscape as you drive between stops.

Another name that comes up is Otto the Viking, described as informative and considerate of time at each stop. One review-style detail that matters: Otto adjusted when roads were closed due to high winds and still got people to a beautiful alternative.

There’s also a practical note worth keeping in mind. If you’re seated toward the back of the vehicle, you might struggle to hear the guide’s stories clearly, even if a speaker is used. If you can choose your seat, closer to the front helps.

Value and pricing: why it costs a lot, and who it’s for

At $1,922.34 per person, this is not an impulse buy. You’re paying for a private, long driving day that takes you off the main tourist routes and into highlands terrain where self-driving can be tricky without the right setup.

Here’s the value argument you can actually use:

• You’re getting a guided route with multiple standout locations
• You’re not paying separately for parking, and site admissions are listed as free
• You have a private format, so the day is paced around your group
• You’re accessing viewpoints and canyon areas that are harder to line up without local help

This price tends to make sense if:

• You’re traveling as a group and want a private vehicle rather than joining a large bus
• You do not want to worry about highlands road logic yourself
• You care more about fewer, high-quality stops than checking boxes

If you’re traveling solo with a limited budget, you might compare against other Reykjavik day tours that run to fewer stops. But if the idea of Valley of Tears plus Haifoss plus Sigoldufoss plus a Hekla volcanic finish appeals to you, this route is built to deliver a full day of memories, not just one photo.

What to pack and how to stay comfortable

The tour includes several short walks and likely changing weather. Based on the stop details, pack like you’re doing a full highlands day, even if the walks are not long.

At minimum:

• Outdoor shoes are recommended for Gjáin oasis walking
• Layers, because wind can make a huge difference at waterfalls and canyon viewpoints
• A rain layer, since waterfall mist is real
• Water and a small snack, since lunch is not included

If you hate being cold, plan your layers so you can remove or add quickly. Wind makes comfort tricky, and you’ll want to focus on photos and views instead of fighting your clothes.

Who should book this Valley of Tears and Highlands private day

Book this if you want:

• A private day with pickup options around Reykjavik
• Waterfall-heavy time in the highlands, especially the canyon-style photography at Valley of Tears
• Access to places that feel more remote than the usual south coast checklist
• A guide who handles route changes when conditions demand it

Skip it if:

• You strongly prefer ultra-close walking hikes at every stop
• You’re traveling with tight constraints and need guaranteed access to the crater area
• You’re on a strict budget and want something shorter or cheaper

Should you book it?

My take: if the combination of Valley of Tears (Sigoldugljufur), Haifoss, and the Hekla volcanic feel is on your Iceland wish list, this tour is a smart use of a day from Reykjavik. The biggest selling points are the route quality, the way the stops build on each other, and the recurring theme of strong guiding from Thor or Otto.

If you do go, do it with weather flexibility in mind, wear solid shoes, and plan for lunch you buy yourself at the highland center. That simple prep turns the day from a nice outing into one you’ll remember when you look back at your Iceland photos.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:30 am.

Where is the meeting point?

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

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered at all assigned bus stops in the Reykjavik area and BSÍ bus terminal, with pickup details also listed for Hveragerði-Selfoss and Hella.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 10 hours (approx.).

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, and there are also no snacks included. You stop at the Hrauneyjar highland center for lunch time.

Does the tour depend on weather?

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