Private Háifoss, Gjáin & Sigöldugljúfur Highlands Tour with Hekla

Waterfalls, a Game of Thrones oasis and a lunch stop in the interior

Walk into green oases, peer down waterfall-lined canyons and stand near one of Iceland's most feared volcanoes on this private tour of the country's interior. Háifoss, the third highest waterfall in Iceland, and the hidden oasis of Gjáin are the highlights, with a lunch stop at a highland center in between.

Options for this experience

2 options

From US$ 1,910 per group, depending on the option and date you choose. See options & prices

Adventure through the Valley of Tears and the highlands Available from 1 Jun 2027 Guide in English Includes pickup

Private jeep tour Available from 1 Jun 2027 Guide in English Jeep or SUV, pickup is included

None of these options right for you? See 3 alternatives ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Icelandic Highlands Wonders

• Walk to old farm and Gjáin oasis
• Drive to Háifoss waterfall parking
• Walk to Háifoss viewpoint
• Lunch stop at Hrauneyjar highland center
• Explore small blue waterfall at highland entrance
• Explore Valley of Tears canyon from above
• Explore area around Hekla volcano

Stops and time spent at each 4 stops

1. Gjain 1h
2. Haifoss 30m
3. Sigoldugljufur 35m
4. Hekla Volcano 10m

What’s included

Parking Fees

Times

3 similar tours departing soon ›

Next departure: 1 Jun 2027

Information

On this private tour you walk into the Gjáin oasis, see Háifoss, marvel at Sigöldugljúfur's waterfalls and stand in the desolate land around Hekla.

Group Private

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup You can choose: pickup at your hotel, or go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. When you book, you choose your hotel from 64 pickup locations; if yours isn’t listed, you can type in your address. Pickup is about 10 minutes before departure. See the exact addressSee the pickup points

Book up to 12h before

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort

More information The exact meeting point address, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

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The experience

The day begins in Gjáin, a green pocket of caves and small waterfalls rising out of barren volcanic ground. The walk from the old farm into the oasis is about 500 meters each way, and outdoor shoes are recommended for the path. It is also a Game of Thrones shooting location, so the greenery feels almost staged against the bare land around it. Then rocky gravel roads climb toward Háifoss. From the viewpoint, a walk from the parking, you look into the valley of Þjórsárdalur and take in one of Iceland's highest waterfalls, the third highest in the country, with Granni falling beside it down a deep gorge in the Fossá river.

Lunch comes at the Hrauneyjar highland center, a warm break in the middle of the wild interior. After that, a short stop at a small waterfall at the entrance to the Highlands, often very blue, sets the mood for what follows. Next is Valley of tears, a canyon with a series of small waterfalls and water that often looks green-blue. You explore it from above, and it is one of Iceland's best-hidden photography spots. Sigöldugljúfur adds its own story, a canyon filled with countless waterfalls that looks like a fairy tale.

The last stop is the desolate land around Hekla, one of Iceland's most active and feared volcanoes. You explore it from a safe distance, and when conditions are good, the drive climbs up to Rauðaskál crater. The place carries the volcano's history and legends, which give the bare landscape a sense of weight that lingers after the day ends.

Top questions

Can I be picked up at my hotel?

You can choose: pickup at your hotel, or go straight to the meeting point. When you book, you choose your hotel from 64 pickup locations; if yours isn’t listed, you can type in your address. Pickup is about 10 minutes before departure.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is the walk to Gjáin long?

It is about 500 meters each way, from the old farm into the oasis. Outdoor shoes are recommended for the walk.

Do you get a view of Háifoss on this tour?

Yes, rocky gravel roads lead to the Háifoss parking, then a walk to the viewpoint, which looks into the valley of Þjórsárdalur.

Where do you stop for lunch on the tour?

The lunch stop is at Hrauneyjar highland center, along the route through the highlands.

Can you get close to Hekla volcano?

You explore the desolate area around Hekla from a safe distance. The drive up to Rauðaskál crater happens only when conditions are good.

Can you drive up to the Rauðaskál crater?

Only when conditions are good. Otherwise the Hekla area is explored from a safe distance.

Are parking fees included in the tour?

Yes, parking fees are included.

Operated by Iceland in Motion. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago