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Kerid Crater | Iceland’s iconic volcanic lake on the Golden Circle

Q: Are guided tours available for Kerid Crater?

Yes, all {experience type="POPUP" id="11635" text="Kerid Crater tours"}, including the ones that run along the Golden Circle route, offer an expert, English-speaking guide to familiarize you with Iceland’s volcanic past. For added convenience, some tours also offer GPS-synced multilingual audio guides, available in over 10 languages.

Kerid Crater

Kerid Crater | A geological marvel on the Golden Circle route

Kerid Crater stands out as one of Iceland’s most unique natural wonders, featuring vibrant red slopes and a sapphire-blue lake at its base. Whether you are up for a short hike or wish to simply soak in its otherworldly beauty, this volcanic lake is a must-visit destination, offering a closer look at the country’s dramatic geology.

Top reasons to explore the Kerid Volcano in Iceland

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A striking volcanic gem

Visiting Kerid Crater feels like stepping into a living painting; its fiery red slopes stand in striking contrast to the shimmering blue lake below, creating a scene that’s as vibrant as it is surreal. The landscape only gets better with the seasons, featuring lush emerald moss during summer and a snowy blanket in the winter months. Formed over 3000 years ago, this volcanic lake is a must-see, for it’s not every day you stumble upon such an unreal, stunning palette crafted entirely by nature.

Things to consider before booking your Golden Circle and Kerid Crater tour

To make the most of your time in Iceland, combine your Kerid Crater visit with a Golden Circle day tour. This popular route covers iconic sights like the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park, so you can experience a variety of landscapes in one day without wasting time on multiple trips.
All Golden Circle and Kerid Crater tours include convenient transfers from Reykjavik. Some tours like those including the Blue Lagoon and the Northern Lights, offer direct pick-up services from your hotel for a seamless start to your journey.
Every Kerid Volcano tour comes with an expert English-speaking guide, who will accompany you throughout the journey and tell you about its formation details, eruption history, and more.
If you are looking for a quintessential Icelandic experience, combine your Kerid Crater tour with a relaxing visit to the Blue Lagoon. Soak in the mineral-rich waters, treat yourself to a silica mud mask, and unwind in peace after a day of sightseeing.
For a more personal experience, consider booking a small-group tour. The Kerid Crater and Blue Lagoon tour is limited to just 19 guests, ensuring you have a comfortable space to ask questions and connect with your guide and fellow travelers.
Iceland’s clear skies offer some of the best sightings of the Northern Lights. If you are visiting between September and March, make sure to combine your Kerid Crater tour with a Northern Lights chase. Expert guides monitor the KP index and take you to the most remote, pollution-free areas to maximize your chances of catching the auroras.
If you are visiting Kerid Crater on a Golden Circle day tour, expect a full day of exploration, as these tours usually last between 8.5 and 12 hours. Most tours require an early start, as departures after noon typically do not include Kerid.

Find your best Kerid Crater tour match here

Experience

Transfers

Guide

To Know

Duration

Golden Circle tour + Kerid Crater

Included

English tour guide & multilingual GPS-synced audio guides

Optional upgrade to the Secret Lagoon (with pick-up)

8.5 hours

Golden Circle tour + Kerid Crater + Blue Lagoon

Included (with pick-up)

English tour guide

Small group tour (up to 19 guests only) Bathroom rental, face masks, & drinks of choice (optional premium access) Minimum age: 5 years

11 hours

Golden Circle tour + Northern Lights + Kerid Crater

Included (with pick-up)

English tour guide

Minimum age: 8 years

12 hours

A visual journey through the Kerid Crater

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Plan your visit to the Kerid Crater

Best time to visit

Location

Accessibility

Visiting tips

The Kerid Crater is open and accessible year-round, but each season brings a different charm.

Best time of the year: June to August are arguably the best months to visit the Kerid Crater. The longer daylight hours ensure you can explore the crater without worrying about time. Expect bigger crowds as most visitors flock to Iceland around this time to experience its lush, vibrant beauty. Crowds start to thin out around fall, and come winter, the crater is decked in pristine, white snow. Daylight is limited between December and February, so plan your visit accordingly.
Best time of the day: Early mornings are ideal if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the quiet of the crater. Late afternoons, particularly an hour before sunset, offer the best lighting for photos. The sun casts warm tones across the crater lake, making it a perfect time for a scenic experience.
Duration of visit: If you are on a tight schedule, keep aside 30 to 40 minutes to walk around the rim and click pictures. But if you want to soak in all the beauty, including exploring the rim and walking down to the lake, plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours. For the best experience, set aside a full day and combine your visit to Kerid Crater with a Golden Circle tour or other nearby sights.

Address: 24R7+GW9, 805 Klausturholar, Iceland

Find on maps

Distance from Reykjavik: 45km east of the capital, around a 40-minute drive away

The Kerid Crater is located along the Golden Circle, just off the main road but well signposted for easy access. Simply take a short detour from Route 35 and follow the clear, straight path to the crater. If you opt for a guided day tour, Kerid is often included as an extra stop between the major attractions of Gullfoss and Geysir, so it will fit seamlessly into your itinerary. Despite being within easy driving distance of the main sites like Geysir and Thingvellir National Park, Kerid offers a quieter, more serene experience.

Limited access: The path around the Kerid Crater is uneven, with rocky surfaces and steep sections, making it difficult for visitors in wheelchairs to navigate around. While the crater rim itself may be challenging, those with limited mobility can soak in the views from a lower vantage point. Wheelchair users cannot descend the lake, however, if you have walking aids, you can stroll down the paved road with a friend or caregiver in tow.
Winter conditions: During the winter, snow and ice can make the area even more difficult to navigate, even for those without mobility issues.
Visitor facilities: The small on-site visitor center has basic amenities, including bathrooms, though not all of them are wide, barrier-free, and accessible.

Gear up for unpredictable Icelandic weather: Even if the forecast is clear, temperatures can drop quickly, and rain or wind may appear out of nowhere. Dress in layers and pack a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes to stay comfortable while exploring the crater.
Plan for a short hike: While the Kerid Crater is fairly easy to reach from the main road, the walk around the rim involves uneven and sometimes steep terrain. Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear to explore the crater's perimeter.
Combine Kerid with other attractions: Kerid is a part of the Golden Circle route, making it an easy addition to any trip to Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss. Consider joining a Golden Circle day tour that stops by the Kerid Crater to experience Iceland's most iconic landscapes in one day.
Check road conditions: In winter, the roads leading up to the crater tend to be icy and slippery, making them more challenging to navigate. When traveling from Reykjavik, make sure to check road conditions before heading out. If you opt for a guided tour, the operators will have firsthand information on road closures or conditions.
Pack some snacks: Although there is a small visitor center, there are no major shops or cafes at Kerid Crater. Be sure to bring a water bottle and some snacks to stay refreshed during your hike.

What to do at Kerid Crater? | Activities and experiences to try

Activities and experiences at the Kerid Crater

Take a scenic walk around the Crater rim

One of the best ways to soak in the radiant beauty of the Kerid Crater is to walk around its rim. The well-maintained, paved road offers stunning views of the iron-red slopes and the sparkling lake below. You can cover the loop in about 15 to 20 minutes at a relaxed pace.

Pro tip: The trail is uneven and steep in certain areas, so make sure you wear sturdy, hiking boots.

Descend to the Kerid Volcano Lake

The walk down the crater offers a closer view of the crystal-clear lake and rugged volcanic landscape. It takes about 10-15 minutes one way, and if you are comfortable with a gentle slope, it is a great way to experience Kerid from a different perspective.

Pro tip: The descent can be tricky for visitors with mobility challenges, so make sure you bring a friend or caregiver along.

Capture stunning views from every angle

With dramatic colors and striking volcanic terrain, Kerid Crater is a photographer’s haven. Whether you are a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic amateur, the contrast between the vibrant red slopes, crystal-clear lake, and lush greenery (or winter snow), makes for stunning photos.

Pro tip: For the best shots of Kerid, visit in the late afternoon, about an hour before sunset.

Explore nearby attractions around Kerid Crater Lake

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Thingvellir National Park

Distance: 29.8km from Kerid (a 25-minute drive away)

Thingvellir National Park lies at the boundary between North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, where you can walk between the cracks and valleys. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also the birthplace of Iceland’s first parliament, making it a vital element of the nation’s legacy.

From volcano to crater | The science behind the spectacle

A volcanic eruption: Unlike most craters, Kerid wasn’t formed during an explosive volcanic eruption. Around 3,000 years ago, magma from deep within the Earth erupted to the surface, but over time, the magma chamber began to empty.
The collapse: As the magma chamber emptied, the ground above it couldn’t support its own weight. Eventually, the roof of the chamber collapsed inward, creating a massive crater. This is what scientists call a ‘caldera’, a large, circular depression caused by the collapse of a volcano.
The formation of the Kerid Lake: Over time, rainwater filled the depression, forming a stunning lake at the bottom of the crater.
The erosion process: Over thousands of years, natural forces like wind and rain have shaped Kerid’s distinctive features. The once-steep sides have been gradually weathered into gentler slopes, making the crater more accessible to visitors while still retaining its impressive geological characteristics.

Legends and folklore surrounding Kerid Crater

Buried gold: Like most natural wonders in Iceland, the Kerid Crater is also steeped in local legends. One such story tells of a hidden treasure buried deep within the crater, said to be the hoard of a Viking chieftain who hid his gold there to protect it from invading forces. It is believed that only those with a pure heart can uncover this treasure.
Connection to the Icelandic elves: Kerid Crater is often believed to be one of the many ‘gateways’ to the mystical realm of elves and hidden people. Local tales suggest that beneath the tranquil waters of the lake lies an ancient elf kingdom, where the spirits of nature reside.
The ‘sleeping volcano’: In Icelandic culture, volcanoes are often thought of as living, breathing beings, powerful forces of nature with personalities of their own. Some local legends suggest that the crater is merely ‘sleeping’, waiting for the right moment to erupt once again. This myth, like many others in Icelandic folklore, serves as a reminder that the land is ever alive, and its forces should be treated with both awe and caution.

Frequently asked questions about Kerid Crater along the Golden Circle

Are guided tours available for Kerid Crater?

Yes, all Kerid Crater tours, including the ones that run along the Golden Circle route, offer an expert, English-speaking guide to familiarize you with Iceland’s volcanic past. For added convenience, some tours also offer GPS-synced multilingual audio guides, available in over 10 languages.

How far is Kerid Crater from Reykjavik?

The Kerid Crater is around 67km away from the Reykjavik terminal, Skogarhlio. Its convenient location along the Golden Circle route makes it a popular stop for travelers looking to experience more of Iceland’s natural marvels.

How to reach the Kerid Crater?

Kerid is located along the Golden Circle, just off Route 35. The best way to reach the crater is to book Golden Circle day tours, which include a stop at Kerid. The roads are well-marked and it also has a dedicated parking area near the entrance.

Can you swim in the lake?

No, you cannot swim in the Kerid Crater Lake. The water remains cold even during the summer months. However, you can walk along a paved road that leads down to the lake and experience its beauty up close.

Is Kerid Crater accessible to all visitors?

The rim of the crater and the trail down to the lake aren’t wheelchair-accessible, but visitors with mobility challenges can still enjoy Kerid’s vibrant beauty. There’s a paved road leading to a lower viewpoint, where you can take in stunning views of the reddish slopes and the vibrant blue lake below. It’s a good idea to bring a friend or caregiver along, as parts of the path can be uneven or gravelly and may require a little extra support.

Are there any restrictions for visitors?

The path along the crater rim can be slippery, especially in wet or icy conditions, so sturdy, non-slip footwear is essential. The trail leading down to the lake is also quite steep and may pose challenges for those with limited mobility.

Is Kerid Crater safe to visit with children?

Yes, Kerid Crater is generally safe to visit with children, but you will need to keep a close eye on them. The rim and paths are steep or uneven, so it’s important to supervise kids closely and ensure they stay on the marked trails.

What should I wear when visiting Kerid Crater?

Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear to navigate the uneven and sometimes slippery terrain. Layered clothing and a waterproof jacket are recommended, as the weather in Iceland can change quickly.

Can I take a drone to Kerid Crater?

Yes, you can take a drone to Kerid Lake to capture its vibrant landscape from above. The aerial perspective highlights the iron-rich slopes and turquoise lake in stunning detail. Be sure to obtain a permit from the Environment Agency of Iceland and fly responsibly.