Grímsnes Volcanic System and Kerið Crater Lake

A volcanic system in south Iceland near the Golden Circle, with multiple small craters and the Kerið crater lake, one of Iceland's most popular volcanic stops.

Updated July 20, 2026Published by Iceland.orgWriting & review

Region

South Iceland

Near Golden Circle. Easy year-round access.

The Grímsnes volcanic system is a cluster of small craters and cinder cones in south Iceland, near the Golden Circle route. Its best-known feature is Kerið, a volcanic crater lake the operator dates to about 6,500 years ago with vivid blue-green water surrounded by steep walls of red and black volcanic rock. It is one of Iceland's most photographed geological features and an easy stop on any Golden Circle day trip.

Grímsnes Volcanic System and Kerið Crater Lake at a glance
Fact	Detail	Notes
Highlight	Kerið crater lake	Vivid blue-green water in volcanic crater.
Age	~6,500 years	Kerið crater formed millennia ago.
Location	Near Golden Circle	Easy add-on to Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss.

Sources and page update

Updated: 2026-07-20

This page is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Kerið has a small entrance fee. Stay on marked paths around the crater rim.

For sourcing standards and how to report an error, see the editorial policy.

Official sources to check

What can you expect at Grímsnes Volcanic System and Kerið Crater Lake?

Volcanic system classification: cluster of small cinder cones, scoria craters, and lava shields along a fissure swarm
Kerid crater lake: a crater the operator dates to about 6,500 years ago; 55 m deep, 170 m wide, 270 m long with vivid blue-green water
Dormant system: no eruptions in recorded history; last activity estimated ~6,500 years ago during crater formation
Red, black, and ochre layered volcanic rock walls in Kerid show successive eruption deposits and oxidation
Multiple lesser-known craters dot the surrounding landscape; Seyðishólar and Kerhólakígar are nearby
Rim and lake-level walks involve different terrain; assess the path before descending
Entrance fee at Kerid (700 ISK) with free parking, information signs, and basic facilities

What is near Grímsnes Volcanic System and Kerið Crater Lake?

Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss)
Selfoss town
Secret Lagoon in Flúðir
Skálholt historic bishop's seat
Faxi waterfall on Tungufljót river
Eyrarbakki coastal village and heritage museum

How do you get to Grímsnes Volcanic System and Kerið Crater Lake?

Drive Route 35 between Selfoss and Geysir; Kerid crater is signed on the west side of the road
~75 km from Reykjavik (approximately 1 hour drive via Route 1 and Route 35)
Paved road all the way: no 4WD needed; large parking lot at Kerid with basic facilities
Easy add-on to a Golden Circle day trip: located between Selfoss and the Geysir/Gullfoss area
Public bus service available from Reykjavik to Selfoss; Kerid is a 15-minute taxi ride from Selfoss
No guided tour required; self-service with information boards and marked walking paths

When is the best time to visit Grímsnes Volcanic System and Kerið Crater Lake?

Year-round access: Kerid is open and accessible in all seasons via paved roads
June to August: longest days and greenest landscape; best for photography of the colorful crater
Winter: snow on the crater walls contrasts with the blue-green water
Early morning or late afternoon: best lighting angles and fewer tour buses at Kerid
Golden Circle tours peak mid-day in summer, so visit early or late to avoid crowds
Combine with Secret Lagoon in Fludir after checking the full driving route for a volcanic geology and hot spring day trip

Kerið’s crater depth is not its water depth

The site operator describes Kerið as approximately 6,500 years old and about 55 metres deep. That depth describes the crater, not a 55-metre column of lake water. The listed service fee was 700 ISK when checked on September 10, 2026.

Choose the rim walk or the descent toward the lake according to the condition of the path and your mobility. A roadside location does not make every part of the crater accessible. The operator’s opening-hours wording is vague, so confirm access directly for an early or late visit.

Planning help

Grímsnes FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

What is Kerið crater lake?

Kerið is a volcanic crater lake in the Grímsnes area, about 6,500 years old according to the site operator. It is roughly 55 meters deep, 170 meters wide, and 270 meters long. The vivid blue-green water contrasts with the red and black volcanic rock of the crater walls. There is a small entrance fee.

Is Grímsnes on the Golden Circle route?

Grímsnes is near the Golden Circle route, and Kerið crater lake is a popular add-on stop. It is located between Selfoss and the Golden Circle attractions of Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss.

How many craters are in the Grímsnes system?

The Grímsnes volcanic system contains multiple small craters and cinder cones formed during eruptions over thousands of years. Kerið is the most famous, but several other craters dot the landscape in the surrounding area.

Is Grímsnes still volcanically active?

The Grímsnes volcanic system is considered dormant rather than extinct. While no eruptions have occurred in recorded history, the area's volcanic features and Iceland's geological activity mean future eruptions cannot be ruled out.

How long does it take to visit Kerið?

A visit to Kerið typically takes 20–40 minutes. A path circles the crater rim with viewpoints, and you can walk down to the lake level. The site has a parking area and basic facilities.

All volcanoes

For a countrywide view of Iceland’s volcanic systems, explore our Iceland statistics.