Kerid
Kerið is located in Grímsnes in the south of Iceland and is part of the Golden Circle Tour. Kerið is a 3000 years old volcanic crater lake, it was originally believed it was formed by a volcanic explosion. Later it was found out that Kerið used to be a cone volcano which erupted, emptied its magma reserve and then collapsed into the empty magma chamber because of the weight of the cone.
Plan Kerið with route advice, nearby places, guided tours, map coordinates, itinerary ideas and practical FAQ.
Quick guide to Kerið Crater
| Location | South Iceland, close to the Golden Circle route near Selfoss |
| Best for | Easy crater lake stop, Golden Circle extensions, photography and short walks |
| Nearby places | Geysir, Gullfoss, Þingvellir and Laugarvatn |
| Typical visit time | 20 to 45 minutes for most visitors |
| Best season | Year round, with icy paths possible in winter |
| Good to know | Kerið is one of the easiest volcanic craters to add to a Golden Circle day; there may be an admission fee on location |
| Coordinates | 64.0413,-20.8851 |
What is Kerið Crater?
Kerið is a volcanic crater lake in South Iceland and one of the easiest crater stops to add to a Golden Circle day.
Its red volcanic slopes, blue-green lake and short rim walk make it especially useful for travellers who want volcanic scenery without a long hike.
Kerið is a compact crater lake that adds a clear volcanic layer to the Golden Circle.
Why visit Kerið?
Visit Kerið because it is quick, visual and easy to sequence with Geysir, Gullfoss and Þingvellir.
It is not the wildest volcano in Iceland, but it is one of the most efficient volcanic stops for first-time visitors.
How to visit Kerið
Self-drivers usually add Kerið after Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss. Guided choices include Golden Circle, Kerið and Friðheimar or Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon and Kerið.
The rim walk is short, but use care in wind, ice or muddy conditions.
Best Kerið and Golden Circle tours
Kerið is a classic add-on for Golden Circle tours, especially when the day should include a crater, food stop or bathing.
A practical Golden Circle day that adds Kerid crater and a countryside food stop.
Best when Kerid should pair with classic sights and geothermal bathing.
A strong crater-and-waterfall route for travellers who want more than the basic loop.
A simple on-location ticket option if you are self-driving the Golden Circle.
Places near Kerið
Kerið works best when it is connected with nearby nature stops and route anchors.
Towns and villages near Kerið
These are the most practical bases and service stops for planning the route.
Suggested itinerary ideas
Classic Golden Circle plus Kerið
Add Kerið after Gullfoss and Geysir or book Golden Circle, Kerið and Friðheimar.
Golden Circle with bathing
Use Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon and Kerið if you want the crater plus geothermal bathing.
Short self-drive stop
If you are driving between Selfoss and Laugarvatn, Kerið works well as a short volcanic break with a rim viewpoint.
FAQ about Kerið
Is Kerið worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you are already doing the Golden Circle. It is a short, colourful crater stop that adds volcanic variety to the route.
What is the best Kerið tour?
Good options include:
- Golden Circle, Kerið and Friðheimar for sights plus a countryside food stop.
- Golden Circle, Secret Lagoon and Kerið for a bathing extension.
- Golden Circle, Brúarfoss and Kerið for a more waterfall-heavy plan.
Is Kerið on the Golden Circle?
Kerið is often treated as an extended Golden Circle stop, even though the classic three anchors are Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss.
How long do you need at Kerið?
Most visitors need 20 to 45 minutes, depending on whether they walk the rim and go down toward the lake.
Can you visit Kerið in winter?
Yes, but paths can be icy and wind can be strong around the rim. Wear proper shoes and move carefully.
Is there an entrance fee at Kerið?
There is commonly an on-location admission fee. If booking a guided tour, read the tour inclusions so you know what is covered.
What should I combine with Kerið?
Combine it with Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss, Laugarvatn, Secret Lagoon or Friðheimar.
Can you visit Kerið from Reykjavík?
Yes. Kerið is easy to include from Reykjavík on Golden Circle routes, especially with tours that already list the crater in the itinerary.
Kerið during winter in Iceland
Kerid crater is located in Grímsnes volcanic area in South Iceland
It is possible to hike down to the crater lake
It is ideal to stop at Kerid as part of the Golden Circle Route
The landscape around Kerid is beautiful during winter in Iceland
Kerid crater lake frozen