Kerið Crater
Kerið Crater is one of South Iceland's most visited natural sites. This volcanic crater lake, filled with bright blue-green water, gives you a real look at Iceland's dramatic landscape. Whether you're planning a day trip from Reykjavik or adding it to your Golden Circle tours, it's a stop worth making.
What is Kerið Crater?
Kerið Crater is a volcanic lake in the Grímsnes area of South Iceland, about 65 to 70 kilometers (40 to 43 miles) from Reykjavik. Its red volcanic rock walls and bright turquoise lake are easy to explore up close, with walking paths that take you right to the water's edge. Its bold colors make it one of the most photographed attractions along the Golden Circle.
Key Facts About Kerið Crater:
- Age: 3,000 to 6,500 years old
- Crater Depth: 55 meters (180 feet)
- Lake Depth: 7 to 14 meters (23 to 46 feet)
- Width: 170 meters (558 feet)
- Length: 270 meters (886 feet)
- Location: Grímsnes area, South Iceland
- Zone: Western Volcanic Zone
- Formation Type: Scoria crater collapse
Unlike many other craters, Kerið did not form from a blast. A cone volcano ran out of magma, and the ground above the space caved in, leaving behind the bowl shape you see today.
The crater is filled with water that connects to the groundwater table, keeping the level steady. Its color also shifts throughout the day as the light changes.
Best Time to Visit Kerið Crater
One of Kerið's greatest advantages is its year-round accessibility. Each season offers a unique perspective on this natural wonder, shaped by Iceland's weather and climate:
Summer (June - August)
Long daylight hours give you plenty of time to explore. The lake's vivid blue-green color looks its best under bright sunshine, and warmer weather makes the rim walk more comfortable. Wildflowers also bloom along the caldera slopes.
Winter (December - February)
Snow-covered landscapes create a calm, peaceful atmosphere. Crowds are smaller, and the frozen or partially frozen lake offers unique photo opportunities. On clear evenings, you may also catch the winter Northern Lights.
Shoulder Seasons (Spring & Fall)
Temperatures are moderate, and the sites are less busy. Depending on when you go, September and October offer another chance to see the Northern Lights, while April and May bring fresh vegetation and migrating birds.
Visiting in January or any winter month requires extra preparation. Wear sturdy boots with good traction, as paths around the rim can become icy.
What to Do at Kerið Crater
There is plenty to do on this site, and most activities are suitable for all fitness levels. Here is what to expect:
1. Walk the Rim Trail
A well-maintained gravel path circles the entire rim of the lake, covering about 270 meters (886 feet)in total. The loop takes 15 to 30 minutes at a relaxed pace, depending on how often you stop for photos. The path is relatively flat and manageable for most visitors. Along the way, you will find:
- Viewpoints overlooking the turquoise lake and red rock walls below
- An information sign explaining the geology of the crater at the trailhead
- Photo opportunities from every angle, with the best views near the far side of the rim
2. Head Down to the Lake
A wooden stairway with 139 steps leads from the rim down to the lake's edge. It is optional but worth the trip. Once you reach the bottom, you are standing at the base of a 180-foot volcanic crater, surrounded by red rock walls on all sides. From here you can:
- See just how deep and wide the crater really is
- Get a closer look at the volcanic rock formations (stay on the path to avoid erosion)
- Take upward photos of the caldera walls that you cannot get from the rim
- Take in the stillness and natural acoustics of the crater, where sounds echo off the walls around you
3. Photographing Kerið Crater
This crater is one of the most photogenic stops on the Golden Circle. Here are a few tips to get the best shots:
- Visit early or late in the day for the best light on the red rock walls. Cloudy days also bring out the blue-green of the lake surprisingly well.
- Use a wide-angle lens from the rim. It is the only way to fit the full crater into one frame.
- Shoot upward from the bottom. The red walls towering above look completely different from the lake's edge.
- Leave the drone at home. Drone use is not permitted on site.
Planning Your Visit to Kerið Crater
Getting to Kerið is straightforward, but knowing what to expect before you arrive helps you plan accordingly. Here's everything you need to know about access, fees and timing your visit to this remarkable volcanic site.
How to Get to Kerið Crater
This crater sits along Route 35 in South Iceland. While it is a direct 60-minute drive from Reykjavik via Route 1, most visitors stop here as part of the Golden Circle. It is located just 15 minutes north of Selfoss and about 45 minutes south of Gullfoss, making it a perfect first or last stop on your loop. The site is well-signposted with a paved parking lot on arrival.
Entrance and Facilities
Kerið is privately owned and charges 600 ISK (~$5 USD) per adult, with free entry for children under 12 and no separate parking fee. Payment is by card at a self-service kiosk near the entrance. Restrooms are available on-site, but there is no indoor center or restaurant, and the experience is entirely outdoors.
How Long Should You Spend
Most visitors spend 45 to 60 minutes, enough time to walk the 270-meter (886-foot) rim loop and descend the wooden stairs to the water's edge.
Accessibility and Terrain
The rim path is relatively flat with loose gravel in sections. The descent to the water is steep and may be hard for those with mobility limitations. In winter, paths can ice over completely, and microspikes or crampons are essential.
Why Visit Kerið Crater?
Kerið Crater is one of the easiest and most rewarding stops on the Golden Circle. Here is why it deserves a spot on your Iceland itinerary:
- Easy to reach. It sits just 15 kilometers (9 miles) north of Selfoss along Route 35, making it a natural fit whether you are looping back to Reykjavik or heading toward the South Coast.
- Fits any Golden Circle route. A typical route includes Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall before ending at Kerið.
- No long hikes required. Unlike many of Iceland's natural wonders, Kerið delivers a lot in a short amount of time.
- No crowds or gift shops. Just the crater, the lake, and the landscape.
See Kerið Crater on Your Next Iceland Trip
Kerið Crater is proof that not every great experience in Iceland requires a full day or a long trek. Take a short walk around the rim, descend to the lake's edge, and spend a few quiet minutes taking in the red walls and turquoise water. You'll quickly understand why this spot keeps showing up on every Golden Circle tours in Iceland.
If you are planning a trip to Iceland, Kerið Crater fits naturally into a Golden Circle day tour or a self-drive itinerary through the South Coast. Browse our Iceland vacation packages to find the right option for your travel style.
