Kerið Volcanic Crater

What it is

Kerið is a volcanic crater roughly 3,000 years old, formed when a magma chamber emptied and the ground above it collapsed rather than through an explosive eruption — which is part of why its shape is so symmetrical compared to more jagged Icelandic craters. At its base sits a shallow lake, strikingly blue-green against the crater's red and black volcanic rock walls, with the color varying noticeably depending on light and season.

Getting there and getting around

Kerið sits just off Route 35, close to the Golden Circle route between Selfoss and Geysir, making it a natural, low-effort addition to a Golden Circle day rather than a separate trip. A walking path circles the full crater rim (roughly 15–20 minutes at an easy pace), with a steeper path down to the lakeshore itself for those who want a closer look.

Practical details

• This is a privately owned site with a small entrance fee, which funds path maintenance and upkeep — unusual for Iceland, where most natural sites are free, so don't be surprised by the ticket booth.
• The full visit — rim walk plus a look at the lake — takes most visitors 20–30 minutes, making it an easy add without significantly extending a Golden Circle day.
• Paths can be slippery when wet or icy; sturdy shoes matter more here than the short walking time might suggest.

When to visit

Any season works, though the crater lake's color and the surrounding vegetation shift noticeably through the year — greener slopes in summer, starker red-black contrast against snow in winter. Combine it with the standard Golden Circle stops (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) covered in our full Golden Circle guide for one well-rounded day.