Age
~3,000 years
Formed when a volcanic cone collapsed after emptying its magma reservoir
Kerið: Crater Lake on the Golden Circle
A volcanic crater lake on the Golden Circle, with red rock walls around aquamarine water
Location
South Iceland
Golden Circle route, near Selfoss
Kerið is one of Iceland's most recognizable volcanic craters, a 3,000-year-old caldera filled with an aquamarine lake. Located in the Grímsnes volcanic area along the Golden Circle route, the crater's steep walls show layers of red, orange, and black volcanic rock that contrast with the mineral-rich blue-green water below. Unlike most volcanic craters, which form in explosive eruptions, Kerið is believed to have formed when a cone volcano emptied its magma reservoir and the cone collapsed inward, leaving the bowl-shaped depression seen today.
Sources and last reviewed
Last reviewed: 2026-07-20
Stay on marked paths and the boardwalk. The crater walls are steep and the rock can be loose in places.
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Depth
55 m
The crater reaches 55 meters deep, with the lake itself about 7-14 meters deep
Diameter
270 m
The crater spans 270 meters across and 170 meters wide at its widest point
What to Expect
Vivid Red Volcanic Rock
The crater walls display layers of red, orange, and black volcanic rock formed from different eruption phases over thousands of years.
Aquamarine Lake
The crater lake's blue-green color comes from dissolved minerals and algae, and it stands out sharply against the red rock walls.
Rim Boardwalk
A well-maintained boardwalk and gravel path circles the crater rim, with views into the crater from every side.
Lakeside Access
A wooden staircase descends the western wall to the water's edge for a closer view of the lake.
Golden Circle Stop
Kerið makes an easy addition to a Golden Circle day trip and sits just off Route 35 between Selfoss and Geysir.
Year-Round Access
The crater is accessible throughout the year, though in winter the lake may freeze over and the paths can be slippery.
Getting There
Kerið is located approximately 75 km east of Reykjavík along Route 35 in the Grímsnes area. From Reykjavík, drive east on Route 1 toward Selfoss, then take Route 35 north toward Laugarvatn. The crater is clearly signposted on the western side of Route 35. There is a parking area directly beside the crater with space for cars and tour buses. The drive from Reykjavík takes around one hour. Most Golden Circle tour operators include Kerið as an optional stop.
Best Time to Visit
Kerið is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit is from May through September when the colors are at their most vivid and the paths are dry and easy to navigate. In summer, the long daylight hours give good light for photographs. During winter, the lake may freeze over completely and the surrounding area can be dusted in snow. Early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended during peak summer months to avoid the busiest Golden Circle tour bus arrivals.
Planning help
Kerið Crater FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.