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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- JanQQQBraunschweig, Germany1,733 contributions... 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 2024Traveled soloWritten July 13, 2024
- Taylor and LukeLincolnshire, United Kingdom7 contributionsWe 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 2025Traveled as a coupleWritten January 14, 2025
- ManuCdelaEPasto, Colombia100 contributionsThis 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 27, 2024
- TripletASeattle, Washington167 contributionsGorgeous! 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 2025Traveled with familyWritten February 18, 2025
- Justin RLino Lakes, Minnesota371 contributionsYou 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 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 11, 2024
- florHong Kong, China249 contributionsIt'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 visitingVisited January 2025Traveled as a coupleWritten February 8, 2025
- DavidjellisLowestoft, United Kingdom9,537 contributionsWe 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 27, 2024
- LisaMNUSASaint Paul, Minnesota1,161 contributionsParking 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 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 4, 2024
- jjlukeCalgary, Canada2,046 contributionsIceland 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten 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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mariegauth
228 contributions
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.

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
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.

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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Hola hola, creo que no. Pero no estoy segura.
Written January 30, 2020
Der Krater ist auf alle Fälle sehenswert und das Farbenspiel wunderschön.
Das Gelände in Privatbesitz und der Eintrittspreis von 400 Isländischen Kronen (2,90 €) ist lachhaft!
Dass sich darüber ausgerechnet ein Österreicher aufregt, verwundert schon sehr - die haben die Preise erfunden und zocken die Touristen ab, wo es nur geht.
Written November 10, 2019
How much time does it take to walk around the Crater? Thanks!
Written August 13, 2019
Max 30. Stopping for photography. And on a day where the water is reflecting the light you will want to gaze. Enjoy
Written August 14, 2019
What time does Kerio crater close? We plan to visit after our evening visit to the Secret Kagoon and probably won’t make it till after 10 pm.
Written August 8, 2018
Depending what time of year you are going, it could be too dark to see much. Kerid is on private property and is open to the public for a fee. I would respect that and only visit during their hours. Visit their Facebook page as the hours are listed for their different seasons.
Written August 9, 2018
Hi! we are headed to iceland in a few weeks and I see that many people say Kerid Crater was not as impressive as other sites... We are active and like to hike. What areas would you suggest that are "must see"? Thank you for sharing any thoughts and suggestions! We are only there for 2 days and we want to make the most of it! Thanks, again, Lauren
Written May 10, 2018
Hi! Hike up to Glymur! It’s close to Reykjavík and it’s beautiful (and it’s Iceland’s second highest waterfall)... or hike to hveragerði which is the natural hot spring about 25miles away from Reykjavík. It’s about 45 minutes each way and many say its better than the blue lagoon, and FREE! The crater is very boring but if you’re already going along the golden circle you might as well stop but sadly it’s nothing special. Good luck & have a blast!!!!
Written May 10, 2018
How much is it to enter?
Written January 26, 2018
I think it was US $3 or $4. Under 12 free.
Written January 26, 2018
Has anyone flown recently US to Iceland? Then back TO US? I want to take my iPad but fear that putting it in checked baggage it will disappear at JFK. Thank you for your help.how recent was your flight?
Written May 22, 2017
just flew back from Iceland with my iPad in my carry on. All was OK and now questions asked
Written May 25, 2017
Is this worth visiting from reykjavnik? Is it better to drive than take a tour?can you hike??I am going november. Thanks
Written October 17, 2016
Hello. The crater is part of the golden circle route, the first time I did a coach tour & last time I went by car, the advantage of having a car is you can stop as long as you like, although the tours are really good too. We did see some cyclists, but it is a fair way from Reykjavik, so guess how far you consider ok to cycle, for me I'd go the car route. The scenery is beautiful all over Iceland, so am sure you will love it whichever way you decide to go. Have a fab time!
Written April 1, 2017
Thanks for the informative review. We have rec different perspectives on what time to arrive to see the geyser. Similar to your thoughts, we want to see it at the best possible time. What time would you advise to be there?
Written August 14, 2016
In this time of the year, there is daylight until 22pm, so you can see it anytime until that hour.
But since is so close to Reykjavik, go about 17pm, there should not be there many people and you can do perfect pictures.
Written August 20, 2016
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