A visitor in a yellow raincoat stands arms outstretched on the rim above rust-red walls and a deep teal crater lake.

Lakes

Kerið Crater

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About Kerið Crater

Kerið is a volcanic crater with a lake in its floor, in the Grímsnes area of South Iceland, right beside the road on the Golden Circle route. Formed about 6,500 years ago in the Western Volcanic Zone, it is roughly 55 metres deep, 170 metres wide and 270 metres long, and it is one of the three best-known volcanic craters in Iceland.

The appeal is the colour contrast. The steep crater walls are rust-red and black volcanic rock patched with moss, and the lake at the bottom is a strong green-blue. The best views come from walking the full path around the rim, which gives a different angle on the water from every side, then taking the steps down to the lakeshore, a descent of about 139 stairs.

There is an entrance fee, listed on the official site as 700 ISK; children's rates are not published there. Parking is free and there are toilets on site. The crater is open during daylight hours, and it can be visited all year: in winter the lake often freezes over, and snow on the red slopes gives a different look from summer.

A visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes for the rim walk and the descent to the water. Wear hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as the paths and stairs can be slippery when wet or icy. Kerið fits easily into a Golden Circle day, and many tours stop here along with Geysir, Gullfoss and Friðheimar greenhouse; Selfoss and the campsites in Grímsnes are close by for an overnight stay.

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