Description
Summary
Description
Explore the raw, untouched beauty of Iceland on a private Highlands tour that takes you to off-road waterfalls, canyons, and lakes few travelers ever see. This 9-hour adventure from Reykjavik is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the dramatic landscapes of Iceland’s remote interior with an experienced guide.
On this private Highlands tour, you’ll travel in comfort without the rush of a group schedule, guided by an expert who knows the best-hidden spots in the Highlands. Tours are available in English, with six other language options (German, Portuguese, Malay, Italian, French, or Spanish) listed in the booking section.
Your day tour begins with pickup from your accommodation in Reykjavik. Once everyone is ready, you’ll leave the city behind. As the roads turn rugged, the Highlands welcome you with sweeping lava fields and untamed scenery.
Your first stop is Gjain, a hidden gem in the Thorsardalur Valley. Here, dramatic basalt columns frame waterfalls and streams, making it a paradise for photographers and nature lovers.
From there, your Highlands tour takes you deeper into waterfall country. Haifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, plunges 400 feet (122 meters) into a canyon, with the smaller Granni Waterfall tumbling beside it. Together, they create an awe-inspiring display surrounded by moss-covered cliffs.
Next on your journey is Hjalparfoss Waterfall, a twin cascade where two streams meet in a calm pool, framed by striking basalt formations. A short walk brings you to viewpoints overlooking the falls and canyon, a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers alike.
The name “Hjalparfoss” means “Help Falls,” recalling the days when travelers and horses paused here to rest after crossing the challenging Sprengisandur route.
Not far away, you’ll find Thjofafoss Waterfall, spreading wide across the Thjorsa River with Burfell Mountain as its backdrop. Both Hjalparfoss and Thjofafoss offer peaceful surroundings where you can take photos, enjoy the scenery, or even relax with a quiet picnic by the water’s edge.
The adventure continues at Sigoldugljufur, often called the “Hidden Valley of Waterfalls.” This majestic canyon is filled with blue-green streams, moss-covered cliffs, and countless small cascades pouring into the river below. In summer, the green moss and wildflowers add even more color to this magical landscape.
Finally, step back in time at Stong, a reconstructed Viking-era longhouse in the Thorsardalur Valley. This site gives you a rare look into Iceland’s early settlement history, with traditional architecture and artifacts from the Viking Age.
Believed to have been buried under ash from the Hekla eruption in 1104, Stong tells a powerful story of survival. As you walk through the restored longhouse and surrounding valley, you can imagine daily life as it was centuries ago. It’s a fitting way to end your journey through Iceland’s past and present.
As your Highlands tour comes to a close, relax on the drive back to Reykjavik, bringing with you unforgettable memories of waterfalls, canyons, and the wild beauty of Iceland’s interior.
Explore Iceland’s wild side and discover lesser-known waterfalls, canyons, and a Viking-era longhouse on a private Highlands tour. Check availability now by choosing a date.
