Kerið Volcanic Crater

Kerið

Golden Circle

A 6,500-year-old volcanic crater lake with striking aquamarine waters, vivid red volcanic rock, and lush green moss — one of Iceland's most photogenic natural wonders.

About Kerið

Kerið (also spelled Kerid) is a volcanic crater lake in the Grímsnes area of south Iceland, situated along the famous Golden Circle route. It is the most visually recognizable caldera in Iceland's Western Volcanic Zone, and one of the closest natural attractions to Northern Lights Cabin.

The crater was formed by explosive volcanic activity and is elliptical in shape. Its walls consist of basalt and scoria — layers of colorful volcanic rock that range from deep reds and purples to blacks and greens. One wall slopes gently and is blanketed with deep moss, while the rest are steep with dramatic rock formations.

At the bottom lies an enchanting aquamarine lake, its vivid color caused by minerals dissolved in the soil. The lake is 6 to 14 meters deep, fluctuating with groundwater levels throughout the year. A well-maintained walking path circles the rim, and a stairway leads down to the water's edge.

Distance from Cabin

Only ~12 km / 12 minutes by car from Northern Lights Cabin. Head south on Route 37 towards Selfoss.

Crater Dimensions

55 m deep, 170 m wide, and 270 m long. The lake itself is 6–14 m deep depending on season.

Visit Duration

30–45 minutes to walk around the rim and down to the lake. Open year-round.

Admission

Small entrance fee of 600 ISK (~$4 USD) per person. Free parking on site.

Our Photos

Kerið Gallery

Photos taken on our visits to this incredible crater — just a short drive from the cabin.

Kerið crater viewed from the rim with aquamarine lake and red volcanic rock

Crater Rim View

Looking down into Kerið from the viewing platform

Panoramic View

The crater and surrounding landscape

Kerið crater lake with visitors walking down the path to the water's edge

Path to the Lake

Walking down to the aquamarine water

Kerið lake from the bottom of the crater with steep volcanic walls rising above

At the Lake

Standing at the water's edge, looking up at the crater walls

Wooden stairway leading down into Kerið crater with the lake below

The Descent

Wooden steps leading into the crater

Getting There

Location & Directions

Kerið is one of the closest attractions to Northern Lights Cabin — just a quick 12-minute drive south.

From Northern Lights Cabin

Distance: ~12 km (7 miles)
Drive time: ~12 minutes
Route: Head south on Route 37 towards Selfoss. Kerið is clearly signposted on the left side of the road.
Parking: Free parking lot right at the crater entrance.

Good to Know

The rim path is mostly flat and easy to walk — suitable for most fitness levels.
The descent to the lake is via a stairway — steeper but well-maintained.
Open year-round, but the path can be icy in winter — wear good footwear.
Part of the Tjarnarhólar volcanic row — the northernmost of four craters along an 800 m fissure.