Kerid Crater

Kerid Crater

Kerid Crater
4.1
About
Located along the Golden Circle route, Kerid Crater is an otherworldly volcanic crater lake that is known for its blueish-green waters, surrounded by striking red rock and lush vegetation. Enjoy a scenic stroll around the crater and venture down the trail into the crater itself. There's a small bench for you to sit and take in the view, which is exceptionally stunning at sunset. In winter, the lake freezes over and becomes a popular spot for ice skating. A small fee is required to visit the crater, though the entry is typically included in tour packages of the Golden Circle. – Tripadvisor
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  • JanQQQ
    Braunschweig, Germany1,733 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    ... warning and prohibition signs that have been rammed everywhere into the landscape. In addition, point deduction for not getting an unsolicited receipt when paying in cash / without asking. Nice detail on the side: for every cigarette butt handed in you get 10,- Kronis paid at the till. However, admission has changed compared to the price in the guide (as of: 2023) almost tripled. Otherwise it is a pretty crater in great earth colors. These come out better in sunshine, as does the color of the crater lake. Parking is free of charge. If you go around the top of the crater and descend and also walk around the lake once, you are busy for three quarters of an hour.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written July 13, 2024
  • Taylor and Luke
    Lincolnshire, United Kingdom7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We used this location as our first stop, for an extended golden circle (self-driving) tour. The weather had been cold and the water had frozen over however, it was simply stunning. It cost ISK 600 per person to enter the area, but the parking was free. We did see many tourists struggling to walk on the pathways and tracks, due to them being frozen over (slippy). However, we were fortunate enough to have brought our crampons/snow grips - so, we could make it around and down the steps to the frozen volcanic lake itself! Well worth a visit.
    Visited January 2025
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 14, 2025
  • ManuCdelaE
    Pasto, Colombia100 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This volcanic crater is 3000 years old and is approximately 50 meters deep. Today, it is filled with water, forming a beautiful lake of intense blue color. It is possible to enjoy hiking around the crater, and there is also the option to descend to the lake, which makes it a really amazing place. The entry fee is 600 Icelandic kroner/4.5 usd approx.
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 27, 2024
  • TripletA
    Seattle, Washington167 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gorgeous! The lake was frozen in February, with cracked patterns in the ice. The parking lot was busy even on a winter Tuesday, but far fewer people make the full rim loop hike, so it doesn't feel as crowded as the parking suggests. One thing none of the visitor guides I read mentioned - there were many ptarmigan feeding inside the crater walls on the far side, in their pure white winter plumage. Absolutely lovely to see! Definitely recommend it for birdwatchers.
    Visited February 2025
    Traveled with family
    Written February 18, 2025
  • Justin R
    Lino Lakes, Minnesota371 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You wouldn't normally think a crater with a lake in it would be interesting but this one is. It's only about $4 per person to get in so it doesn't break the bank. It's well worth about 45 minutes of your time to walk around both the top and bottom. I know my kids (3 and 6) both enjoyed the short hikes.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 11, 2024
  • flor
    Hong Kong, China249 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It's Mr. Chan's hard work 5 hours driving me to the south of Iceland Is the very famous Golden Circle attraction in Grímsnes, southern Iceland Kerið Crater Attract a lot of photographers to shoot every year The scenery is very beautiful with one shot (laughter) Beautiful Volcano Lake formed by volcanic eruption 6500 years ago Oval shape reaches approximately 270 meters in length, approximately 170 meters in width and approximately 55 meters in depth Walking up from the top of the mountain is quite spectacular Winter departure full snow coverage Due to the relationship of minerals in the summer lake surface is presented with a blue green tone It will be kind of like the eyes of the Japanese witch. Everyone can take a walk along the top of the mountain or the lake Some places between the mountains are very steep and not very good to walk And some ice surface can very easily slip. In winter it is recommended that you wear snowboots or prepare ice toenails Citing everyone's self-driving tours, the parking in Fire Lake is free But remember to pay the ticket ticket ticket before visiting Lake Faucet (ISK750 per person) After paying the fee, enter the fence and start visiting
    Visited January 2025
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 8, 2025
  • Davidjellis
    Lowestoft, United Kingdom9,537 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We stopped at Kerid Crater for around 40 minutes during a full day Golden Circle trip from Reykjavik. It was included in our excursion price although note there is a small admission charge of 600 ISK (parking is free). It's a very colourful crater with red ground and blue/green water, although when we visited it was overcast and raining so we didn't see the natural colours at their best. Circumnavigating the rim is an easy walk and there are also steps leading down to the bottom of the crater and the pretty lake if you want to check out the views from the waterside. It's a pretty location so if you are travelling in that area it is worth taking 30-45 minutes out of your day to see the beauty of this colourful caldera.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 27, 2024
  • LisaMNUSA
    Saint Paul, Minnesota1,161 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Parking is free, but there is an entrance fee per person. The red crater is filled with serene water, creating a beautiful sight. Despite its initial appearance of being small, it is actually quite sizable.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 4, 2024
  • jjluke
    Calgary, Canada2,046 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Iceland is very interesting in that you can see Gulfoss for free, but some private areas cost money to park or per-person admission. In this case, to visit Kerid Crater there is a 600ISK fee per person. There were workers on site upgrading and maintaining the grounds. The cost is a bit higher overall, and the value proposition is somewhat lacking. However, the landscape is lovely, parking is just at the top and it is a decent stroll around or up and down to the base. It was very windy and gusty so we walked only a part of the rim, but going down was quite nice. All things considered, it is worth viewing during your trip around the Golden Circle. Please indicate if you found this review to be helpful so I know where to focus my future review efforts!
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 21, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.1
4.1 of 5 bubbles2,654 reviews
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mariegauth
228 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
Kerið is 70 km from Rejkavik. It takes you a little over an hour to get there. The tour of the crater is done quickly, between 1 and 2 km. To do if it's on your route. Don't go there on purpose. Entrance costs 500 crowns per person.
Google
Written March 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

D D
Samarate, Italy8,588 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Couples
Small (270 meters) but very beautiful, the Kerid Crater awaits you with its reddish walls and the greenish lake at the bottom of it (reachable with wooden steps). After paying the entrance fee (500 isk), climb onto the edge and do the complete tour. Formed 6,500 years ago, it is a true paradise for geology enthusiasts who will find plenty to observe.
Google
Written September 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tim J
Cardiff, UK88 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Couples
We arrived before the mass of crowds as the sun came up over the crater, in February it is very icy so ice grips are needed, it costs about £2 each for admission, good views all around although the lake was frozen, next we travelled to Geysir hot springs, A good place to get something to eat, with souvenir shop and toilet facilities. The Geysir erupts every couple of minutes, amazing to see. Next a trip to Gulfoss waterfall an amazing force of water to be viewed from various points.To finish off the day a Waterfall walk to Bruarfoss, parking is easy to find, the walk will take upto 3hours but it is worth it, the force and volume of crystal blue water cascading over the falls was mesmerising. On our way back to selfoss we stopped at Prastalunder for dinner
Written March 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tom&NikkiTravel
London, UK1,901 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023
So this summer was the first time I had the chance to visit the Kerid crater and whilst it could be considered a "short stop" it is very much a worthwhile one! How often can you say you have walked down a path of red lava rock to a blueish green lake situated in the crater of an ancient volcano???

The colours of this crater alone are fantastic, blues, greens, reds it is an artists palette in there. The walk around the crater is short, the whole visit could be done in say 30 minutes of which is a great opportunity to stretch your legs and see something unusual!

The entrance fee of 350ISK per person is cheap for what it is and if it goes to support the maintenance is totally worth it.
Written August 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mdc979
Boston, MA69 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023
I'm so glad we were able to stop here during our Golden Circle drive. Me, my husband, and two boys (13 and 9) were able to hike the perimeter of the crater. We had on our winter boots and were fine. No additional gear (e.g., yak traks) was needed, although it was a little muddy at times. There is no fee to park, but you can't see anything unless you pay a small fee to walk up a very small hill to see the crater. From there, you can hike the perimeter. It took us about 30 minutes to make it around, with plenty of stops for pictures. There are also steps to get down to the lake, but it was late in the day at that point and I also wasn't sure whether the steps would be slippery so we didn't do that.
Written March 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AirSchis
Vancouver, Canada893 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
There is an entry charge at this crater, but your parking is free. The parking lot can be very crowded though. Easy walking trail. You start at the top of the crater and can then walk around the entire crater and down into the crater and then around the crater's lake. Lots of photo ops. Pretty easy walking as well. Highly recommend.
Written September 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

gringottsgoblin
dublin558 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Family
Look this is a lovely crater. Very picturesque. It was really multi coloured and pretty located in a pretty place near Selfoss, but who was the genius that decided to charge per head rather charging for parking like everywhere else. What nonsense . This policy is driving people away and creating a negative experience and bad reviews and the location which is great, does not deserve that. Read the reviews. This charging policy is a process that has annoyed everyone. Iceland tourism take note!! I have relegated this review to a 3 on this basis. If the parking was charged as normal it would be a 5. I won’t pay to see it again..sadly
Written April 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SmileyMaia
Marlow, UK92 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
This was a stunning site to see. There was an entry fee to see this but it has parking available too. If you visit during winter please be careful as it is extremely icy and slippery. You have to climb quite steep rocks to go round but if you don't feel comfortable, you can still walk down to the bottom and view the majority from above.
Written November 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Brian D
Denver, CO2,381 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021
The best thing about this crater is it has steps down to the lake from the top (parking lot is located at the top of the crater). Along the top rim of the crater, the path is mostly wide and for those with a fear of heights, this is one of the few craters that can be navigated all the way around without turning back. There are one or two very short narrow sections, but overall, it is one of the widest rims you will find on a crater. There is a small entrance fee that is paid at a kiosk in the parking lot. Once you pay, you have the option of navigating around the rim of the crater or heading down the stairs to the lake at the bottom of the crater. If you do opt for the rim walk, and you aren't afraid of heights, you can get right up to the edge for some great pictures and breathtaking views. Otherwise, you can stay a safe distance from the edge and still enjoy the views. Extremely rare to find a create with a lake at the bottom. You can walk all the way around the lake at the bottom of the crater. The hike takes about 1/2 an hour. Well worth it for some great memories and some excellent pictures and outstanding views of Iceland.
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

stephrab
New York City, NY889 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Couples
If you happen to be driving by as you are doing the Golden Circle, then by all means stop. It is a very small stop with a very small parking lot. If you are a hiker, you can easily hike down to the water which would increase the value of this visit. Your entrance fee goes to help maintain the location, and for that alone, is worth stopping if you are driving.
Written June 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Kerid Crater (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)

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