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Kerid is Iceland's most famous volcanic crater, situated conveniently along the well-traveled Golden Circle route. Book your admission ticket today to access the Kerid crater and lake area!
Kerid Crater on the Golden Circle route is a famous volcanic caldera with bright turquoise waters. Its red rock walls and blue-green lake create stunning views from the rim. For a small fee, you can access Kerid Crater and its beautiful lake area!
Kerið crater was formed over 6,500 years ago after a volcanic eruption. A cone-shaped volcano collapsed after its magma reserve was depleted, creating the crater we see today. Over time, Kerid filled with water, forming a beautiful blue lake within its caldera.
The crater's blue-green waters and red volcanic rock slopes make it an iconic spot. The caldera is 886 ft (270 m) in diameter, with steep walls up to 180 ft (55 m) high!
From the crater rim, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and distant mountains on clear days. Then, you can descend for a 20-minute loop hike around the lake to get stunning angles for photos and a close-up view of the crater's blue waters.
In summer, red volcanic rocks contrast with green moss. In winter, you will see snow-covered slopes and a frozen lake.
Kerið Crater is easily accessible from the Ring Road, located just a 25-minute drive from Þingvellir National Park and an hour from Reykjavík. It is situated 15 km (9.3 mi) north of Selfoss along Highway 35, making it a short detour from the Golden Circle route.
Kerid Crater is a convenient stop whether you're coming from the Blue Lagoon, heading to the South Coast, or touring the Golden Circle.
Additionally, there is free parking right next to the crater for easy access.
Kerid Crater Opening Hours:
Summer: 8:00 to 21:00
Winter: 10:00 to 17:00
Group bookings of 10+ people receive a 10% discount.
No, for all your questions and concerns you would need to contact our customer service.
If you're having trouble booking your tour, please note that we accept payments in Canadian Dollars (CAD), American Dollars (USD), British Pounds (GBP), Euros (EUR), and Icelandic Króna (ISK). Start by checking with your credit card provider to ensure they allow payments in your selected currency.
Sometimes, your credit card company may need to pre-authorize the transaction before you can complete your booking online.
If you're still facing issues while trying to book through our website, please reach out to our Customer Care Team. We’re here to help you!
Your safety is our number one priority! Keeping this in mind, Arctic Adventures reserves the right to adjust the itinerary and/or take different routes depending on conditions. Please read more information in our cancellation policy.
Before and during activities on the multi-day tours consumption of alcohol is prohibited. If we suspect that a participant is intoxicated, we will prohibit them from joining the activity.
After the activities of the day are finished, you are welcome to have a drink and relax.
Kerid Crater is a volcanic caldera in Iceland, known for its vivid turquoise waters and striking red rock slopes. Due to its accessibility and picturesque setting, it is a popular spot for tourists.
Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour exploring Kerid Crater. This time allows you to walk around the rim, take in the panoramic views, descend to the water's edge, and capture photos of the stunning landscape.
Kerid Crater is approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Reykjavik, about a 1-hour drive. It is conveniently located on the popular Golden Circle route, making it an easy stop for those exploring this famous scenic loop.
Kerid Crater is located on the Golden Circle route in South Iceland, near the town of Selfoss. It is one of several volcanic craters in the area, but it stands out due to its vivid turquoise waters and colorful surroundings.
Kerid Crater was formed about 6,000 years ago when a volcanic cone collapsed into an empty magma chamber, creating a caldera.
The walk from the parking area to Kerid Crater is very short, typically taking only a few minutes. Once at the crater, you can walk around the rim, which is about 170 meters (560 feet) in diameter, or descend a well-maintained path to the water's edge.
Kerid Crater is approximately 55 meters (180 feet) deep. The lake at the bottom of the crater is about 7-14 meters (23-45 feet) deep, depending on the time of year and recent rainfall.
The hike around the rim of Kerid Crater is short, taking about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your pace. The path is easy to navigate and provides spectacular views of the crater and the surrounding landscape. There is also a path that leads down to the lake, which adds a few extra minutes to your visit.
