Iceland · Geological Wonders

The Hidden Highlands

14 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Private 4×4 Highlands adventure from Reykjavik
  • 02 Visit Haifoss, one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls
  • 03 Explore the hidden valley of Gjáin
  • 04 See the waterfalls and blue streams of Sigöldugljúfur Canyon
  • 05 Admire the vivid crater lake at Ljótipollur
  • 06 Hike for 1–2 hours in Landmannalaugar
  • 07 Pickup and return from Reykjavik accommodation included
  • 08 10-shot photo package with a guide-photographer

Discover some of Iceland’s most dramatic interior landscapes on this private Highlands day tour by 4×4. Travel from Reykjavik into a remote world of towering waterfalls, hidden valleys, volcanic canyons, crater lakes, and colorful mountain scenery, with stops at Haifoss, Gjáin, Sigöldugljúfur Canyon, Ljótipollur, and Landmannalaugar.

Along the way, enjoy time to take in the views, capture unforgettable photos, and hike in Landmannalaugar’s striking geothermal landscape. Your certified driver-guide also serves as a professional photographer, so you’ll return not only with incredible memories, but with edited photos from your adventure as well.

As the first stop on your Icelandic Highlands adventure, Haifoss Waterfall will leave you breathless.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 14 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Reykjavik, Landmannalaugar
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Private Highlands

Pickup

Depart from Reykjavik at 8:00am. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and start your adventure towards the south coast. The drive from Reykjavik to your first stop in Highlands will take roughly 2 hours.

Haifoss

As the first stop on your Icelandic Highlands adventure, Haifoss Waterfall will leave you breathless. The waterfall cascades down a 122-meter drop, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland. The surrounding rugged terrain and green vegetation add to the beauty of the waterfall and provide the perfect backdrop for your photos.

Gjáin

Gjáin is a hidden gem located in the Icelandic Highlands and is the second stop on our itinerary. This secluded valley is often described as a fairytale landscape with its lush greenery, waterfalls, and clear streams that flow through the valley. The area is dotted with small caves and surrounded by stunning cliffs, making it an ideal spot for taking photos. 

Lunch at the Highlands Center

Before our next stop, we will take a lunch break at the only restaurant in the Icelandic Highlands- The Highlands Center. Here you can enjoy soups, sandwiches, burgers, and vegetarian options from their grill.

Sigöldugljúfur Canyon

As we venture deeper into the Icelandic Highlands, the next stop on our itinerary is Sigöldugljúfur Canyon. Also known as the Valley of Tears, this deep canyon hosts numerous waterfalls feeding into glistening blue streams surrounded by lush greenery. It is seen by many as a magical oasis in an otherwise baron volcanic wasteland. 

Ljótipollur Crater

Our next stop on the itinerary in the Icelandic Highlands is Ljótipollur Crater. This natural wonder is a must-see destination, featuring a deep blue volcanic crater lake with vibrant red and green colors set against the black volcanic rock. Despite its name, which means “ugly puddle,” Ljótipollur is a breathtaking sight to behold. A hike around the crater’s edge provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and the scenery is truly mesmerizing.  Fun Fact: It is also an Iceland filming location!

Landmannalaugar

Visiting Landmannalaugar as the final stop on this day tour is the definition of saving the best for last. The rugged and colorful mountains of the highlands provide a stunning backdrop for both exploration and photography. We conclude our Highlands tour with 1-2 hours of hiking within this sculpted volcanic playground.

Landmannalaugar View in the Icelandic Highlands

Dropoff

We conclude this epic adventure through the Icelandic Highlands with a relaxing drive back to Reykjavik where you will part ways with your guide and get dropped off back at your accommodation.

With memories to last a lifetime and stunning photographs to cherish, we guarantee that this will be a highlight of your trip to Iceland!

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided. 2 cities · 14 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Certified Driver, Guide and Professional Photographer
  • Pickup and Return from Reykjavík accommodation
  • Private: 6 Maximum
  • 10 Shot Photo Package

What's Not Included

  • Food and Drinks

Know before you go

  • GOOD TO KNOW
  • – Lunch and Dinner is not included in the price of this tour. You will need to bring your own food or eat at the Highlands Centre during the lunch stop.
  • – Pickup and Drop off are available from the greater Reykjavik Area and Selfoss.
  • – The length of each day and order that you visit these attractions can vary depending on weather and road conditions.
  • – Photo packages may sometimes take more or less than 14 days to edit. This is just our average turnaround time.
  • – Our Cancellation Policy can be found here. Also, feel free to check out our FAQ page!

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided.
Tour start
Pickup service provided.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 14 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided..

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

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