THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Drive deep into Iceland’s southern highlands to see Háifoss, Gjáin, the Valley of Tears and views toward Hekla. This private, full-day tour mixes short hikes with rugged gravel driving and multiple waterfall viewpoints.
Drive deep into Iceland’s southern highlands to see Háifoss, Gjáin, the Valley of Tears and views toward Hekla. This private, full-day tour mixes short hikes with rugged gravel driving and multiple waterfall viewpoints.
A raw wind pushes across the plateau as you crest a gravel ridge and the valley opens: basalt cliffs, braided streams and the distant vertical drop of Háifoss. The air tastes of ash and cold river; footsteps on volcanic gravel, the hiss of many small falls in the canyon below. This full-day private tour threads through Þjórsárdalur, giving repeated, close views of waterfalls, lava-scoured meadows and the looming cone of Hekla.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Iceland in Motion · Hella, Southern Region
A raw wind pushes across the plateau as you crest a gravel ridge and the valley opens: basalt cliffs, braided streams and the distant vertical drop of Háifoss. The air tastes of ash and cold river; footsteps on volcanic gravel, the hiss of many small falls in the canyon below. This full-day private tour threads through Þjórsárdalur, giving repeated, close views of waterfalls, lava-scoured meadows and the looming cone of Hekla.
The Highlands are geologically young—recent eruptions layered ash and lava that rivers have since sliced into steep gorges. Gjáin offers an almost improbable green pocket where groundwater and sheltered cavities let moss and tiny waterfalls thrive. Sigöldugljúfur and the Valley of Tears present dozens of cascades feeding turquoise pools, shaped by glacial melt and basalt faulting.
Culturally, the route crosses turf-farm ruins and sites tied to sagas; Hekla carries a long reputation in Icelandic folklore as both forge and omen. Expect short walks (500 m at Gjáin, a viewpoint trail at Háifoss) and several photo stops; the day centers on driving rough gravel tracks, then stepping out to explore.
Practical guidance: bring a waterproof outer layer and sturdy shoes with good grip, plan for wind and sun in the same hour, and allow time for the vehicle to navigate rough roads. Midday lunch is typically at Hrauneyjar Highland Center; cellular service is intermittent. If you prefer a slower pace, request extra time at Gjáin or the Valley of Tears when you book.
easy.
10 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; walking is short but requires stability on uneven ground.
The private tour is approximately 10 hours and typically departs Reykjavik; meeting or pickup details are confirmed at booking.
The itinerary uses rough gravel highland roads—operators usually provide suitable vehicles; check with the provider if you plan to drive yourself.
Only short walks (around 500 m at Gjáin and brief viewpoints at Háifoss and Valley of Tears); paths can be uneven but are not technical.
Approach to Hekla is from a safe distance; access to the crater depends on weather and volcanic conditions—guides will avoid hazardous areas.
The Þjórsárdalur valley shows remnants of medieval farms buried by past volcanic ash; Hekla has influenced settlement and folklore for centuries.
Highland ecosystems are fragile—stick to established paths, avoid trampling moss, and follow guide instructions to minimize erosion and disturbance.
Iceland in Motion operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A raw wind pushes across the plateau as you crest a gravel ridge and the valley opens: basalt cliffs, braided streams and the distant vertical drop of Háifoss. The air tastes of ash and cold river; footsteps on volcanic gravel, the hiss of many small falls in the canyon below. This full-day private tour threads through Þjórsárdalur, giving repeated, close views of waterfalls, lava-scoured meadows and the looming cone of Hekla.
A raw wind pushes across the plateau as you crest a gravel ridge and the valley opens: basalt cliffs, braided streams and the distant vertical drop of Háifoss. The air tastes of ash and cold river; footsteps on volcanic gravel, the hiss of many small falls in the canyon below. This full-day private tour threads through Þjórsárdalur, giving repeated, close views of waterfalls, lava-scoured meadows and the looming cone of Hekla.
The Highlands are geologically young—recent eruptions layered ash and lava that rivers have since sliced into steep gorges. Gjáin offers an almost improbable green pocket where groundwater and sheltered cavities let moss and tiny waterfalls thrive. Sigöldugljúfur and the Valley of Tears present dozens of cascades feeding turquoise pools, shaped by glacial melt and basalt faulting.
Culturally, the route crosses turf-farm ruins and sites tied to sagas; Hekla carries a long reputation in Icelandic folklore as both forge and omen. Expect short walks (500 m at Gjáin, a viewpoint trail at Háifoss) and several photo stops; the day centers on driving rough gravel tracks, then stepping out to explore.
Practical guidance: bring a waterproof outer layer and sturdy shoes with good grip, plan for wind and sun in the same hour, and allow time for the vehicle to navigate rough roads. Midday lunch is typically at Hrauneyjar Highland Center; cellular service is intermittent. If you prefer a slower pace, request extra time at Gjáin or the Valley of Tears when you book.