Traverse into Iceland’s most remote areas by 4×4 on an epic adventure through the Icelandic Highlands and Thórsmörk Valley with a professional photographer as your guide. Hike the stunning painted mountains, into deep green canyons, across rivers, and experience the rugged terrain of Iceland’s interior, all while your guide captures incredible photographs of your journey. This two-day tour includes an overnight stay along the south coast of Iceland.

Day One: The Icelandic Highlands

Pickup

Begin your adventure with an 8am pickup from your accommodation in Reykjavik

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. 

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.

Overnight on the South Coast

After an epic day exploring the Highlands, you will check in to your cozy accommodation along the south coast, where you can relax and recharge for another day of adventure.

Day 2 – Thórsmörk Valley

Pick up from your accommodation at 9am

4×4 Drive into the Valley

Ride along in one of our super jeep 4x4s off-road and across rivers into Thórsmörk, a hidden valley surrounded by glaciers, mountains, and rivers

Gígjökull Glacier

We will start the day off by visiting the retreating Gígjökull glacier at the base of Iceland’s volcano, Eyjafjallajökull. There, you will learn about the devastating effects that the 2010 eruption of this volcano had on the glacier and how it has changed over the decade.

Stakkholtsgjá Canyon

As we make our way further into Thorsmork Valley, we will explore Stakkholtsgjá Canyon, a stunning gorge with towering green cliffs and a sparkling river running through it. Like something out of Jurassic Park, this place is guaranteed to make you feel small.

Hike to the Stakkholsgiá Cave

Hiking for about 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) into Stakkholtsgjá Canyon, we will reach a massive crack in the mountain which leads into a cave with a waterfall. This location is a true hidden gem within the valley and a perfect place for some great photos amongst the green canyon walls.

The trail is flat and very easy, however, may have you crossing some small streams in order to reach the cave. It’s best to have water-resistant hiking boots as well as a rain jacket for the spray of the waterfall inside of the cave.

Lunch at Langidalur Hut

After our canyon hike, we will have a picnic lunch at Langidalur Hut campground, a cozy mountain hut located within the lush greenery of the valley. With a view of the mountains and rivers, you will enjoy an assortment of sandwiches, Icelandic yogurt, fresh fruit, salads, and beverages.

Valahnukur Hike

Once again, we have saved the best for last. We will finish our day departing from the campground on a 2-hour roundtrip hike up Valahnukur peak for one of the best views in all of Iceland. At the top, you will have a panoramic view of the surrounding glaciers, mountains, and valleys which makes for one of the best photo spots in Iceland.

Drop-off

We conclude this epic two-day adventure as we drive back to Reykjavik where you will get dropped off at your accommodation.

With memories to last a lifetime and stunning photographs to cherish, your two-day tour of Thorsmork and the Icelandic Highlands will be an epic adventure through Iceland’s untouched wilderness. We will capture the magic of these unique landscapes for you to treasure with your personalized photo package!