Hidden Highlands: Waterfalls, Canyons, and Craters Private Tour
Discover Iceland's most secluded natural wonders on a curated 9-hour private journey through the Þjórsárdalur Valley.
This Iceland hidden highlands private tour takes you through a series of lesser-known landscapes that most visitors never reach — from fairy-tale waterfalls and layered canyon walls to a vivid crater lake and the ruins of a Viking-age settlement. The route is designed for those who want depth over crowd, and scenery over spectacle.
The Þjórsárdalur Valley is one of Iceland's most rewarding regions for explorers willing to venture beyond the Golden Circle. Towering waterfalls, lava fields, and quiet canyons define a landscape shaped by centuries of volcanic and glacial activity.
Photography enthusiasts will find remarkable variety here — from the soft, moss-draped walls of Sigöldugljúfur to the raw power of Háifoss plunging 122 meters into a basalt canyon. Each stop offers a distinct visual and atmospheric character.
This private format means the itinerary moves at your pace, with space for genuine exploration rather than quick photo stops. A knowledgeable guide adds historical and geological context at each location.
Tour Highlights
Stand at the rim of Háifoss, one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls at 122 meters, and observe its twin cascade alongside Granni waterfall.
Explore Gjáin, a lush hidden oasis filled with cascading streams, basalt formations, and dense green vegetation tucked into the valley floor.
Visit Hjálparfoss, the twin waterfall historically used as a rest point by travelers crossing the Sprengisandur route with their horses.
Discover Sigöldugljúfur canyon, often called the Hidden Valley of Waterfalls, where dozens of small falls tumble into a turquoise river below.
Walk through the reconstructed Viking longhouse at Stöng, buried under Hekla's volcanic ash in 1104 and later carefully restored.
Observe Þjófafoss, a wide fan-shaped waterfall on the Þjórsá River framed by Búrfell Mountain and Iceland's characteristic lava fields.
Travel as a private group through one of Iceland's least-visited highland valleys, with itinerary flexibility tailored to your interests.
Itinerary Overview
Begin at Gjáin, a secluded valley pocket within Þjórsárdalur where basalt columns frame cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear streams. The site sits near the ruins of the Viking-era farm Stöng, grounding this natural beauty in Iceland's long human history.
Continue to Háifoss, which drops 122 meters into a deep canyon alongside its neighbor Granni waterfall. A short hike from the parking area reaches viewpoints that reveal the full scale of the falls and the ancient volcanic cliffs surrounding them.
Hjálparfoss, where two streams converge into a quiet pool amid rugged basalt, has served as a traveler's rest for centuries. Nearby, Þjófafoss presents a dramatic wide cascade on the Þjórsá River against the backdrop of Búrfell Mountain.
Sigöldugljúfur is a hidden canyon near the Sigalda Power Station where moss-covered walls are interrupted by dozens of small waterfalls feeding a vivid turquoise river. In summer, wildflowers and bright green moss add additional layers of color to an already remarkable scene.
Close the day at Stöng, a reconstructed Viking-era longhouse that offers insight into Iceland's earliest settlers. The site was buried by ash from the Hekla volcano in 1104, preserving its layout and making it one of the most significant historical stops in the region.
What's Included
Included
- Private professional guide for the full 9-hour tour
- Private transportation throughout the route
- All entrance and access to tour locations
- Geological and historical commentary at each stop
Not Included
- Meals and beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for the guide
- Any personal purchases at stops
Important Information
Reserve Your Private Highland Tour
Spaces on this private tour are limited by design. Secure your date to access Iceland's hidden waterfalls, canyons, and historical sites with an expert guide.
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