Kerið Crater in Iceland: A Colorful Volcanic Wonder
Iceland's famous Golden Circle route includes a geological masterpiece that looks like it belongs on another planet. Kerið Crater, with its red slopes and blue-green lake, stands out as one of Iceland's unique natural sites.
Key Takeaways
Iceland has many landscapes to explore. Here are the basics about Kerið Crater:
- Kerið is a 3,000-year-old volcanic crater lake in South Iceland, formed by a collapsed volcano
- It sits on the Golden Circle route, making it an easy stop between major attractions
- Entrance costs 600 ISK (about $4-5), which supports conservation efforts
- Summer shows the most vibrant colors, while winter offers snow-covered views and possible northern lights
- You can walk around the rim and go down to the lake for different views
What's Kerið Crater?
Kerið (also spelled Kerid) is a volcanic crater lake in the Grímsnes area of southern Iceland. Its oval shape, steep red walls, and blue-green lake make it stand out. Many call it the "Eye of the World" because of how it looks from above.
Unlike Iceland's common black volcanic landscapes, Kerið's walls show a rusty red color from iron-rich volcanic rock that hasn't completely oxidized. This red color, along with green moss patches and the blue lake, creates a striking scene.
The crater measures about 170 meters wide, 270 meters long, and 55 meters deep from rim to lake. The lake depth changes between 7 and 14 meters based on rainfall and groundwater levels.
Formation, Geology, History & Folklore
Kerið formed when a cone volcano emptied its magma chamber during an eruption and then collapsed inward. This happened about 3,000 years ago, making it quite young compared to other volcanic features in Iceland.
The crater belongs to the Western Volcanic Zone, which extends from the Reykjanes Peninsula to the Langjökull Glacier. It's part of a row of craters called the Tjarnarhólar fissure, though Kerið remains the most complete and visually interesting.
The lake doesn't have visible streams feeding it, but it connects directly to the groundwater table. This means the water level changes with the surrounding water table rather than with each rainfall.
Local stories make it even more interesting. Legend mentions a water spirit called Nykur (a creature that looks like a gray horse with backward-facing hooves) that lives in the lake. The story says this creature tricks visitors onto its back before diving into the water to drown them.
In recent history, Kerið has served as a natural concert venue. In 1987, musicians performed on a floating platform on the lake while people watched from the crater slopes. Similar concerts happened in 2004 and 2005, using the crater's natural acoustics.
Location & How to Get to Kerið Crater
The crater is located approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) east of Reykjavík, near the town of Selfoss in Southern Iceland. You'll find it right off Route 35, making it an easy addition to the popular Golden Circle route that includes Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss waterfall.
If you’re driving from Reykjavík, take the Ring Road (Route 1) toward Selfoss, then turn onto Route 35 heading north. After about 15 minutes on Route 35, you'll see the crater and its parking area on your right.
Distances from other Golden Circle sites:
- From Þingvellir: about 30 km (25-30 minute drive)
- From Geysir: about 47 km (35-40 minute drive)
- From Gullfoss: about 56 km (45-50 minute drive)
Many Golden Circle tours include Kerið as a stop, usually between Þingvellir and Geysir. If you’re visiting on your own, a rental car offers the most flexibility. Plus, no public transportation goes directly to the crater.
The site has a paved parking area just a couple of hundred meters from the crater's edge, making it accessible even for people with limited mobility. The parking costs 600 ISK (5$).
Things to do at Kerið Crater
Despite its small size, Kerið offers several ways to experience its unique features.
Walk the Rim Trail
The main activity at Kerið involves following the path that circles the entire crater rim. This easy walk takes about 20-45 minutes, depending on how often you stop for photos. The trail gives you views of the crater from all angles, allowing you to see the "Eye of the World" from different perspectives.
The path stays mostly flat with mild inclines, suitable for most visitors. As you walk, you'll notice how the colors change depending on the sunlight and your viewing angle.
Descend to the Lake Shore
On the eastern side of the crater, a staircase and path lead down to the lake's edge. This gentle moss-covered slope provides safe access to the bottom of the crater. The descent takes only about 5-10 minutes, and once at the bottom, you experience the crater from a completely different view.
Standing beside the water, looking up at the tall walls, gives you a sense of the crater's size. The lake shore offers good photo opportunities, with the red walls reflected in the water on calm days.
Photography
Kerið is excellent for photography, with its contrasting colors and clear shapes. The best light for photos typically comes during early morning or late afternoon when the sun's angle brings out the red tones of the crater walls.
For wide shots of the entire crater, the western rim provides the best viewpoints. For close-ups of the lake and its colors, going down to the shore helps. In winter, the frozen lake and snow-covered slopes create entirely different and unique photo options.
Northern Lights Viewing
During the winter months (September to April), Kerið can serve as a good spot for seeing the aurora borealis. The crater's open setting provides a clear view of the sky, and you might capture the northern lights above the snowy crater.
While the site officially closes at sunset, if you visit in winter, you can sometimes park nearby and walk to the rim for nighttime aurora viewing. Always check conditions and be careful on potentially icy paths.
Geology Observation
For those interested in Iceland's volcanic landscape, Kerið shows an accessible example of caldera formation. The visible layers in the crater walls show the story of different eruptions and volcanic processes, making it an outdoor classroom for geology fans.
Practical Information for Visitors
Before heading to Kerið, familiarize yourself with these basic details to ensure a smooth visit.
Weather
Iceland's weather changes quickly, and conditions at Kerið follow the same pattern. The open, exposed nature of the crater means it can get quite windy, so a windproof jacket helps year-round.
Summer temperatures typically range from 10-15°C (50-59°F), while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. Rain happens throughout the year, so waterproof clothing makes sense regardless of when you visit.
In winter, paths can become icy and slippery. Proper boots with good traction are essential, and some visitors bring crampons or ice spikes for added safety.
Best Time to Visit
Each season offers a different experience at Kerið:
- Summer (June to August) shows the most vibrant colors, with the red volcanic rock, green moss, and blue lake at their brightest. This is also when the site is most accessible, with long daylight hours (nearly 24 hours in June) and milder temperatures. However, summer brings the most tourists, so expect more people, especially during midday.
- Fall (September-October) has fewer crowds while still maintaining decent weather. The changing colors of vegetation add another dimension to the landscape. Early fall can also offer chances to see the Northern Lights without the extreme cold of winter.
- Winter (November to April) transforms Kerið completely. The lake often freezes over, and snow covers the red slopes, creating a stark, monochromatic scene. Winter visitors might find the site almost empty, plus potential aurora displays. However, limited daylight (as little as 4-5 hours in December) means planning your visit carefully.
- Spring (May) brings melting snow and increasing daylight, so you’ll see a mix of winter and summer.
To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning (before 10 AM) or later in the evening, especially during summer.
What to Bring
Being prepared helps when visiting Iceland's natural sites. Here's what to have with you at Kerið:
- Sturdy footwear: The paths can be uneven, especially when wet
- Wind and waterproof clothing: Iceland's weather changes quickly
- Camera: To capture the unique colors and views
- Water and snacks: No food services exist at the site
- Cash or card for the entrance fee: 600 ISK per adult (approximately $4-5)
- In winter: Extra warm layers, ice grips for shoes, headlamp (for limited daylight)
Safety Information
While Kerið is generally safe to visit, keep these precautions in mind:
- Stay on marked paths to protect the fragile ecosystem and for your safety
- The crater edges can be steep and unstable in places
- Swimming in the lake is not allowed
- Be extra careful in winter when paths may be icy
- Drones are not permitted at the site
- There are no guardrails in many sections, so keep children close
The site has minimal facilities; no restrooms exist at the crater itself. The nearest services are located in nearby towns, such as Selfoss.
Opening hours go with daylight. In summer, this means the site is accessible nearly 24/7, while visiting in winter is more limited due to the brief daylight period.
Things to Do & Places to Visit Nearby
Kerið sits among many of Iceland's most impressive attractions. Consider adding these nearby destinations to create a good day trip or longer itinerary.
The Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin)
Just 30 minutes from Kerið is Iceland's oldest swimming pool, the Secret Lagoon. This natural hot spring in the village of Flúðir offers a less crowded alternative to the famous Blue Lagoon. After exploring Kerið, soaking in the warm geothermal waters (38-40°C/100-104°F) helps you relax.
Þingvellir National Park
About 30 kilometers from Kerið, Þingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The park also holds historical importance as the site of Iceland's first parliament, established in 930 AD. Its dramatic landscapes include the Silfra fissure, where you can snorkel or dive between continental plates.
Geysir Geothermal Area
The famous Geysir area, about 47 kilometers from Kerið, features the reliable Strokkur geyser, which erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting water up to 30 meters in the air. The area includes multiple hot springs, mud pots, and smaller geysers in a colorful geothermal landscape.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Roughly 56 kilometers from Kerið, Gullfoss (Golden Falls) is one of Iceland's most impressive waterfalls. This mighty two-tiered cascade drops into a rugged canyon, creating massive spray and often producing rainbows on sunny days.
Sólheimar Eco-Village
This sustainable community, about 15 minutes from Kerið, offers a fascinating look at eco-friendly living in Iceland. Founded in 1930, it's Iceland's oldest eco-village and features organic gardens, handicraft workshops, and a café serving homemade foods.
Seyðishólar and Kerhólakambur
These nearby volcanic features belong to the same volcanic system as Kerið but receive far fewer visitors. If you’re an adventurous traveler looking to avoid crowds, consider exploring these lesser-known craters for a more off-the-beaten-path experience.
Conclusion
Kerið Crater shows Iceland's geological diversity in a compact, accessible package. Whether you're interested in the striking colors, the unusual formation, or simply its convenient location on the Golden Circle route, this volcanic site deserves a spot on your Iceland itinerary.