Kerið Crater
A stunning volcanic crater lake with vibrant blue water set against striking red rock formations. Easily accessible and a quick, memorable stop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Kerið Crater
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning volcanic crater lake with vibrant blue water set against striking red rock formations. Easily accessible and a quick, memorable stop.
"The red rock contrasting with the green water was truly a sight to see."
💰 Small Entry Fee
There's a modest fee (around 600 ISK or 4 EUR) for entry, which is well worth it.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear sturdy shoes for walking the rim and the path down to the lake. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vivid Blue Lake
Crater floor
The striking contrast of the turquoise water against the red volcanic rock is unforgettable.
Crater Rim Walk
Top of the crater
Stroll along the rim for panoramic views of the crater and surrounding Icelandic landscape.
Descent to the Water
Path to the lake
A short path allows you to get closer to the water's edge for a different perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Color
Quick Stop, Big Impact
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Kerid crater working hours and hiking to the new volcano
💰 Small Entry Fee
There's a modest fee (around 600 ISK or 4 EUR) for entry, which is well worth it.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear sturdy shoes for walking the rim and the path down to the lake. :athletic_shoe:
Kerið Crater
Worth Adding Kerid Cratero not a Golden Circle Tour?
📸 Capture the Contrast
The red rocks and blue water create a stunning visual. Best light is often in the morning. :camerawithflash:
⏱️ Quick Stop
Allow about 45 minutes to an hour for a thorough visit. :stopwatch:
Kerid volcanic crater
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Small Entry Fee
There's a modest fee (around 600 ISK or 4 EUR) for entry, which is well worth it.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Wear sturdy shoes for walking the rim and the path down to the lake. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Contrast
The red rocks and blue water create a stunning visual. Best light is often in the morning. :camerawithflash:
⏱️ Quick Stop
Allow about 45 minutes to an hour for a thorough visit. :stopwatch:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning visual contrast of Kerið Crater's red rocks and vibrant blue-green lake, calling it a 'truly a sight to see.' The ease of access, short visit time, and modest entry fee make it a worthwhile stop, especially for families. Some note that water colors can vary with weather, and it's a quick visit rather than a full-day destination.
"Very cool, the red rock contrasting with the green water was truly a sight to see. Took us less than 1hr total and due to the free parking and low cost entry (600isk) it was definitely worth the stop."
Master Grogu
"All I can say is wow! We got there early in the morning, so it wasn't busy at all. It was partly cloudy, so we didn't get to see all of the cool colors in the lake.
We spent about 45 mins and walked the upper and lower trails. The sights from the upper trail are amazing across the valley and landscape.
There is a large parking lot so that should not be an issue. They pay for admission at the trailer. They also have a food trailer there that looked very interesting. They do have restrooms there as well. They were clean and well maintained."
Rob Macdonald
"This is the only crater of all the ones I visited in Iceland that they charge to visit: 4 euros
You can walk around the top and then down to the lagoon.
The place is beautiful and with an incredible contrast of colors."
Ana Moura
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kerið Crater is easily accessible by car, located about 75 km (47 miles) east of Reykjavik. It's a popular stop on the Golden Circle route. If you're not driving, many Golden Circle tours include a stop here.
Public transport directly to Kerið Crater is limited. It's best visited with a rental car or as part of a guided Golden Circle tour.
No, Kerið Crater is very easy to reach. It has a large, convenient parking lot right next to the entrance, and the paths are well-maintained.
Yes, Kerið Crater is open year-round. However, winter visits may involve snow and ice, so appropriate footwear is essential. The colors might also be less vibrant than in warmer months.
The Golden Circle is Iceland's most popular tourist route, typically including Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Kerið Crater is often added as a bonus stop.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a small admission fee, typically around 600 ISK (approximately 4 EUR) per person. This fee helps maintain the site.
No, advance booking is generally not required for Kerið Crater. You can pay the entrance fee upon arrival at the ticket booth located near the parking area.
Kerið Crater is typically open year-round during daylight hours. The exact hours can vary slightly with the seasons, but it's generally accessible from morning until dusk.
The admission fee for Kerið Crater is per person.
Information on specific discounts is not widely advertised, but it's always worth checking at the ticket booth. Family visits are generally considered good value.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the vibrant colors of the water and rocks.
The crater rim offers stunning panoramic views. For a different perspective, the path down to the lake allows for shots capturing the water's texture and the surrounding rock formations.
Drone usage regulations can change and may be restricted in protected natural areas. It's advisable to check local regulations or signage at the site before flying a drone.
Use a polarizing filter to enhance the blue of the water and the red of the rocks. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscape shots and a telephoto lens for details.
The contrast between the vivid blue water and the red volcanic slopes is the main photographic draw. The reflections on the water can also be beautiful.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend between 45 minutes to an hour exploring Kerið Crater, walking the rim and descending to the lake.
Yes, there are restrooms available at Kerið Crater, which are generally clean and well-maintained.
Yes, there is a path that leads down to the edge of the lake, allowing you to get closer to the water.
Absolutely! Kerið Crater is very family-friendly. The paths are easy to navigate, and children often enjoy the unique landscape and the walk down to the lake.
Facilities typically include a parking lot, restrooms, and a ticket booth. Some sources mention a food trailer, though this may be seasonal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Allow about an hour for your visit. The walk around the rim provides great views, and the path down to the lake is an adventure in itself. It's a relatively short and manageable stop that adds a splash of natural wonder to any family itinerary.
🚗 Golden Circle Enthusiasts
Its unique volcanic formation and striking colors offer a different kind of natural beauty compared to the geysers and waterfalls typically found on the Golden Circle. It's a perfect spot for a quick, impactful stop that enhances your overall Golden Circle experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Geological Marvel: The Formation of Kerið Crater
Visitors can walk along the crater rim, offering a bird's-eye view of this natural wonder. A path also leads down to the lake's edge, allowing for a more intimate experience with the water and the unique geological formations. The accessibility of these paths makes Kerið a popular and easily explorable site for all visitors.
Experiencing Kerið: Tips from Visitors
While the visit is relatively short, typically under an hour, the experience is considered well worth the small entry fee. The ease of access, with a large parking lot and well-maintained paths, makes it a convenient stop, especially for families with young children.
Some visitors note that the water's color can vary depending on the weather and time of year, with clearer, more vibrant hues often seen in sunnier conditions. Despite this, the unique geological formation and the scenic beauty ensure a memorable stop for most.
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