Kerið is a volcanic crater lake in the Grímsnes area of south Iceland, right on the popular Golden Circle route. Formed several thousand years ago (often described as around 3,000 years old) as a maar-type crater, it is famous for the vivid contrast between its steep red-and-black volcanic walls and the aquamarine lake pooled at the bottom, making it one of the most photogenic stops on the Golden Circle. Since 2023 the site has been managed by the tour operator Arctic Adventures, which charges a small entrance fee; the crater is compact and usually takes only 30–45 minutes to explore, so it pairs well with Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss for a half-day loop.
The color contrast between the aquamarine lake and the red volcanic walls, seen from the roughly 800 m rim loop (15–30 minutes)
Descending the gravel staircase on the gentler, moss-covered slope down to the water's edge for a view from lake level
The geology: a crater about 170 m wide and 55 m deep holding a shallow lake only 6–14 m deep that rises and falls with the groundwater
Its setting as the northernmost of four craters strung along the roughly 800 m Tjarnarhólar fissure row
The natural amphitheatre acoustics — concerts have been held here in the past, performed from a raft on the lake or the sloping wall
Good to know
SafetyThe crater rim is a sheer drop with no railing in many places. Stay on the marked path, never step backward while taking photos near the edge, and hold children's hands.
SafetyThe gravel stairs down to the lake are steep and slippery when wet or frosty. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip and use crampons in winter.
SeasonSummer means the midnight sun and no true darkness, so the aurora cannot be seen. Northern lights are only possible on dark nights roughly September–April; in winter, daylight lasts just 4–5 hours, so visit early.
SeasonWind is strong and weather changes fast year-round. A windproof and waterproof jacket is essential in every season; even summer stays a cool 10–15°C.
RulesAdmission is reported at about 700 ISK per person, with children under 12 free, paid on-site by card or cash (confirm current price and age rules). Parking is free, but most transport passes and city cards do not include Kerið entry — check before assuming.
MannersIceland's moss and volcanic terrain take decades to recover once damaged. Do not step on or pick the moss, do not throw stones into the lake, and pack out all litter.
CautionIceland is safe and has no tipping culture, so you are not obliged to tip if pressed. Be wary, though, of marked-up 'entry + tour' bundles from third-party resellers and pushy rental-car insurance upsells — compare against the on-site fee first.
Practical info
Kerið is about 75 km east of Reykjavík (roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes by car), roughly 15 km north of Selfoss along Route 35, with a free car park right beside it. There is essentially no scheduled public bus, so most visitors arrive by rental car or on a Golden Circle tour; it is generally open around 08:00–21:00 in summer and 09:00–17:00 in winter (verify current hours and fees on the official site before visiting).
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