Kerid Crater is one of Iceland’s most well-known volcanic craters, so naturally, I needed to tell you all about it! 🤓
Often called the “Eye of the World,” Kerid sits right along one of the most popular routes in the country, the Golden Circle, making it an easy stop on your itinerary.
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly where it’s located, parking and entrance fees, plus nearby attractions you can easily pair with your visit. I’ll also share a few other volcanic craters around Iceland worth checking out.
Let’s get into it!
Is Kerid Crater Worth It?
Yes. This 6500 year old volcanic crater in Iceland is definitely worth a visit!
At 180 feet (55 meters) deep, 558 feet (170 meters) wide, and 886 feet (270 meters) in circumference, you get some seriously dramatic scenery!
Convenience is also a huge plus. It’s located right along the Golden Circle and just off the Ring Road, two of the most popular routes in the country. This makes it an easy stop or quick detour, no matter which route you’re traveling.
The colors are striking. The red volcanic rock, bright green moss, and turquoise-blue water make Kerid a beautiful stop.
The hike isn’t challenging either, so it’s accessible for most visitors, and you can walk right down to the water.
Fun fact: Did you hear about Björk and Kerid Crater?
Well, thanks to its amphitheater shape, the Icelandic singer actually held a performance here in 1987.
Pretty cool!
Psst… Kerid Crater also made the cut in my 👉 Iceland Travel Map + Guidebook, where I’ve rounded up regional highlights including my top picks along the Golden Circle, South Iceland, Snæfellsnes + Reykjanes Peninsulas.
If you’re visiting this area, explore Iceland’s iconic attractions from the glaciers to black sand beaches all hand-selected by moi and neatly pinned on a digital map.
Spend less time planning and more time taking in Iceland!
West + South Iceland Guidebook
This Guidebook is ideal for travelers who want to tick off all the top sights on their Iceland bucket list without straying too far from Reykjavík. With my trusty guidebook and west and south Iceland map, you can say goodbye to:
Kerid Crater Location
This crater lake is located in the municipality of Grímsnes in South-west Iceland, and it’s a very popular stop on the Golden Circle route.
It’s a short drive from the town of Sellfoss, only about 15 minutes, and roughly 19 miles (42 km) to Þingvellir National Park.
Distance from Kerid Crater to Reykjavík
The drive between Reykjavík and Kerid should take you under 1 hour, and it’s only 43 miles (68 km) from the capital.
Directions from Reykjavík: Stay on Route 1 heading east until you see the exit for Route 35 (Biskupstungnabraut) toward Þingvellir National Park.
Continue on this road, and you’ll soon spot Kerid Crater.
Trust me, you won’t miss it!
Best Time of Year to Visit Kerid
While you can access this crater all year round, I must say my favorite seasons to visit are summer with all the daylight hours, and autumn when all the beautiful fall colors are out.
If you’re looking to visit Kerid Crater in winter, it might be a little anticlimactic because the water freezes over and you might not experience that stunning blue water.
There’s no one “best” time to visit Iceland, it all depends on what you’re hoping to experience, But this post does a great job helping you decide what’s best for you.👇
➡️ READ: Best Time to Visit Iceland: How to Pick the Perfect Month + Season for Your Trip
Kerid Crater: Parking, Entrance + Restrooms
Here are a few practical details to keep in mind before you make the trip.
Parking
Once you arrive, you’ll see a medium-sized parking lot where you can leave your vehicle.
The crowds here are moderate, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding a spot to park.
While there is an admission fee and you do need a ticket to enter, parking at Kerid is free.
Kerid Crater Opening Hours
It’s accessible during daylight hours, which means almost all day in summer. Remember to check the daylight hours for the month you’re visiting.
Entrance Fee
A Kerid Crater ticket costs 600 Kr.
Kerid Crater Restrooms
A word to the wise: the facilities here are very limited, and there are no restrooms on site. Make sure you plan accordingly!
Kerid Crater Hike
From the parking lot, you’ll see stairs leading down to the lake. It’ll take about 5 – 10 minutes to reach the bottom.
Once you reach the water, there’s a bench where you can sit and enjoy the surroundings or take a few more photographs.
The walk around the rim itself is easy and short, only 0.8 miles (1.4 km) total. This should take you from 20 – 45 minutes. Depending on how often you stop and your mobility.
Pro tip: After heavy snowfall, parts of the trail might be temporarily closed off.
How Much Time Do You Need At Kerid?
If you’re just stopping for a look, about 30 minutes is plenty.
But if you plan to walk around the rim as well, the Kerid Crater hike time will be closer to an hour to fully enjoy the experience.
Kerid Crater Tours + Things to Do Nearby
South Iceland offers so much more than just amazing scenery.
Some unique experiences include grabbing a meal at a farm-to-table restaurant, soaking in a steaming geothermal river, or exploring waterfalls. It’s the kind of region where you can have one adventure after another all in one day.
Reykjavík + Golden Circle Full Day Tour with Kerid Crater
Hit up the major sites on the Golden Circle, including Kerid, with a full-day tour.
You’ll visit Gullfoss waterfall, Þingvellir National Park, and the geothermal valley with bubbling hot pots at Geysir.
All with the convenience of round-trip transport from Reykjavík! 👇
TAKE A TOUR: Golden Circle Small Group Full Day Tour from Reykjavík
Reykjadalur Hot Spring
There’s something extra satisfying about a reward at the end of a hike, especially when that reward is a hot spring!
At Reykjadalur, you’ll hike through a scenic geothermal valley surrounded by mountains before soaking in a naturally warm river.
Do you really need more convincing?! 😉
Just make sure you’ve packed the essentials, including your swimsuit. And if you want a quick, no-stress way to double-check you’re fully prepared for Iceland’s ever-changing conditions, grab my Ultimate Iceland Packing Guide below.
I’ve included a layering cheat sheet, weather averages, and recommended items for your trip from documents to electronics.
Get your FREE PDF here. 👇
Skálholt Cathedral
Located in the village of Skálholt, this cathedral is just 20 minutes from Kerid and is one of Iceland’s most culturally significant sites.
It’s still an active church today, with mass held every Sunday.
When you step inside, you can’t miss the stained-glass windows, and thanks to the building’s impressive acoustics, concerts are held here throughout the year.
After exploring the site’s rich history, you can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, Hvönn, or even stay overnight at Hotel Skálholt.
If you’re obsessed with Iceland’s beautiful churches (sometimes found in the most unexpected places), these are my favorite ones across the country.👇
➡️ READ: Churches in Iceland: 15 Scenic Stops You’ll Want on Your Road Trip
Brúarfoss Waterfall
About 30 minutes north of Kerid, you’ll find Brúarfoss waterfall. The electric blue water makes it one of the most striking waterfalls in Iceland.
With a three-hour round-trip hike, it’s a great one to add on if you want a bit more adventure in your day.
The trail is notoriously muddy and rocky in some places, so make sure you bring sturdy hiking boots.
However, if this sounds a little too intense and you just want to experience the falls, there’s a newer parking lot only a 5‑minute walk from Brúarfoss. Note that this one is paid parking.
Pro tip: The best time of year to visit this waterfall is May through October.
➡️ READ: The Magical Brúarfoss Waterfall: A Hidden Gem in Iceland’s Golden Circle
(Þingvellir) Thingvellir National Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the first major stop on the Golden Circle route, and an
incredible place to take in Icelandic nature with all the outdoor activities available.
There are incredible hikes, horseback riding, waterfalls, and even diving the Silfra – a terrifying yet incredible experience!
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Iceland’s Golden Circle Minibus day tour – includes Kerið
Dining Experiences Close to Kerid
I’m a firm believer that food is just as much a part of experiencing Iceland as visiting major landmarks. And it’s even better when coupled with unique experiences.
Here’s what I mean…
Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant
If you’re looking for a genuine Icelandic experience, then this themed restaurant is a fantastic option.
The restaurant is located in a turf house, and there are activities like axe throwing and archery you can take part in until you’re ready to dine. Drinks are even served up in a horn!
It’s loads of fun for the whole family.
(Oh, and if you visit, you can note in the special requests that you found them via Jeannie at Iceland With A View. They love hearing about how people found them.)
Learn more here.👇
➡️ READ: Why Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant Is One of Iceland’s Coolest Cultural Stops
(Friðheimar) Fridheimar Tomato Farm
For foodies who love the farm-to-table experience (and the BEST tomato soup!), Friðheimar is a must.
Along with dining in the greenhouse, there’s a little gift shop where you can buy items like pasta sauce and cucumber salsa.
Want to see what else you can add to your Golden Circle itinerary? 👇
➡️ READ: Golden Circle, Iceland: Everything You Need to Know for a Dream Trip
Accommodation Around Kerid, Iceland
If you’re not ready to rush off after visiting Kerid, staying nearby makes exploring the Golden Circle feel a lot more relaxed.
Hotel South Coast: For an ultra-modern, minimalistic stay, this might be the place for you. There’s a gym if you want to start your day with a workout, and a delicious breakfast buffet makes getting ready for a full day of exploring a whole lot easier!
Make a booking 👉 Hotel South Coast
Gesthus Selfoss: You can choose to stay in one of their summer houses, bungalows, or at the campsite. There are tall trees surrounding a lagoon, a view you can enjoy from the hot tub. Sounds amazing, right? Throw in some Northern Lights, and I’m sold!
Make a booking 👉 Gesthus Selfoss
Camping: You can choose the campsite at Gesthus Selfoss or Hraunborgir Campsite. Hraunborgir is close to a service center with a swimming pool, golf course, and play areas for kids.
If you do plan on camping, I can 100% recommend making use of a camper van from Happy Campers.
They’re the original camper van company in Iceland, and their vans come equipped with bedding and a kitchen to prep your meals on the go. Very handy when you’re traveling with little ones!
Plus, it’s pretty convenient having your accommodation AND travel sorted for your trip.
💥 Get 10% OFF when you book with Happy Campers. using this code 👉IWV10
More Volcanic Craters in Iceland
If Kerid Crater piqued your interest, you’re in luck.
Iceland is dotted with volcanic craters, each with its own unique beauty. Some of these lesser-known spots are real hidden gems.
Grábrók Crater, Iceland
In the Borgarfjörður region of West Iceland, you’ll find three craters, the largest of which is Grábrók.
The views of the surrounding craters and mossy mountains are spectacular! It’s perfect for capturing beautiful photographs.
It’s a local favorite for hiking, but keep in mind, if you decide to walk around the rim, this area is notoriously windy!
Víti Crater Lake, Iceland
Vitr Crater is part of the larger Krafla area in the Northeast region, also near Mývatn.
The milky blue water here is so beautiful, and what’s nice is that you can actually walk down and swim in the geothermal waters below!
This is the most popular day tour in the North, so if you don’t want to drive yourself, consider taking a tour.👇
➡️ TAKE A TOUR: Private Lake Mývatn Tour
Laki Crater, Iceland
You’ll find the Laki craters near the Vatnajökull ice cap in the Southeast Highlands.
The way to Laki is incredibly beautiful, surrounded by black sand roads weaving through bright green moss. You’ll also pass by a spectacular waterfall called Fagrifoss.
Hike, waterfall AND a crater, sounds like a plan to me! ☺️
A 4WD is a must, and expect a few river crossings and some rough roads along the way!
But trust me, the hike makes it soooo worth it!
Take a look.👇
Iceland Itineraries
Kerid Crater is a quick, easy stop with dramatic scenery and striking colors. Who doesn’t love a fun and accessible adventure when exploring the Golden Circle?
Still, even the most exciting trips can feel stressful to plan.
I’ve often thought that planning a trip can feel a lot like organizing a move.
You’ve got three mental boxes where everything needs to fit into: what stays, what goes, and what’s a maybe on your itinerary.
And if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly moving things from one box to another… second-guessing yourself… and feeling completely exhausted by the process.
You just want someone to tell you what goes where, and help lighten the mental load.
Well, that’s why I’m here to help you, Team Iceland.
My 👉 Iceland Itineraries are region-specific and include everything from must-see sights to secret gems that I know you’ll love, but so few know about.
They also walk you through how to prepare for your trip (including traveling with kids), budgeting tips, and who to book with to save on everything from top-rated tours to accommodation and transport.
I’ve included daily schedules, including how long to stay at the stops, driving times, and even where to dine.
On top of that, you get a digital map with hundreds of pinned locations – attractions, plus practical stops like grocery stores, clinics, and restrooms across Iceland.
It’s a lifesaver on a road trip!
So if your itinerary currently feels like chaos, my 👉 Iceland Itineraries will help you stay sane and sort it all out!
Happy Planning,
