What to see and do at the Kerid Crater, Iceland

Kerid Crater is a Stunning Volcanic Crater Lake in Southern Iceland

Kerid Crater is part of the Golden Circle, one of the most popular tourist routes in Iceland, known for its dramatic landscapes, geological significance, and easily accessible beauty. The crater is approximately 3,000 years old, which is relatively young in geological terms, and has become one of Iceland’s most visited natural attractions.

Kerid is located in the Grímsnes area in southern Iceland, around 43 miles east of Reykjavík and near other Golden Circle attractions like Secret Lagoon, Geysir, Gullfoss Waterfalls, and Þingvellir National Park.

We visited Kerid Crater on 8/31/2024 as part of our Golden Circle tour. While there, we viewed the crater from the rim and took the trail down to the bottom of the caldera.

The 3,000 year old red volcanic rock crater is about 180 feet deep, 560 feet wide, and 885 feet across. The lake at the bottom of the crater is relatively shallow, but its vivid colors make it a standout feature. The landscape around Kerid is characterized by rolling hills and fields of volcanic rock, giving it a raw, otherworldly appearance. It was formed during a volcanic eruption, but unlike typical craters that are created by explosive volcanic activity, Kerid is a caldera, formed when the cone of a volcano collapsed inward after the magma below it depleted.

The lake at the bottom of Kerid is not fed by rainfall or surface water. Instead, it is believed to be fed by groundwater. One of the most striking features of Kerid is the vibrant, aquamarine color of its water, which contrasts with the deep red and black volcanic rock that forms the crater walls. This vivid color is due to the minerals in the surrounding soil and the shallow depth of the lake.

Keridis easily accessible by road, making it a popular stop for tourists driving the Golden Circle route. There is a small parking lot nearby, and visitors can walk around the rim of the crater or hike down to the water’s edge on a marked path.

In summary, the Kerid Crater is a remarkable natural feature in Iceland, offering a unique and accessible glimpse into the country’s volcanic landscape. Its combination of vibrant colors, geological significance, and ease of access makes it a must-see destination for anyone exploring the Golden Circle.

Viator offers numerous tours in the Golden Circle area. Click here for details. vi.me/JXnzg

Entrance to the Kerid Crater park.

View from the rim of the Kerid Crater.

Lake at the bottom of the Kerid Crater.

The trail to the bottom of the Kerid Crater.