Explore Kerid Crater at your own pace
Kerid is one of those places that looks almost unreal when you first arrive: a near-perfect volcanic bowl painted in rusty reds and mossy greens, with a calm blue lake resting at the bottom.
Unlike many rugged Icelandic sites, Kerid is very accessible.
You can enjoy sweeping views from the rim in minutes, then follow a path down to the waterline for a completely different perspective..
Kerid Crater Lake Visiting timetable
Kerid is generally open daily year-round, with broad daylight access in summer and reduced practical visiting windows in winter due to limited light.
Kerid Crater Lake Closing Days
The site is typically open throughout the year. Short-term restrictions may happen during severe weather, icy conditions, or maintenance work.
Where is Located
Kerid Crater, Grimsnes area, South Iceland
How to get to Kerid Crater
Kerid sits along a popular route in South Iceland and is often visited as part of the Golden Circle region. Most travelers arrive by rental car, but guided day tours are also common and convenient.
By Train
Iceland does not have a passenger train network connecting Reykjavik to South Iceland attractions, so rail is not an option for Kerid. Visitors usually travel by car or organized coach tour.
By Car
Driving is the easiest way to reach Kerid. From Reykjavik, the journey usually takes around one hour depending on weather and traffic. Roads are typically straightforward, and paid parking is available near the entrance.
By Bus
Public buses in Iceland are limited for direct tourist-site access, so most visitors choose a guided bus tour instead of regular local transport. Golden Circle-style excursions often include Kerid as a stop.
On Foot
Kerid is not reachable on foot from major towns, but once you arrive, the crater itself is very walkable. The rim path is manageable for most visitors, and the descent path to the lake is short though sometimes uneven or slippery.
Why visit Kerid Crater in Iceland
Because in one compact stop, you get dramatic volcanic geology, vivid natural color contrast, and a calm, reflective lake that changes character with every season and every shift in light.
Kerid Crater Lake
The Crater Rim Walk
A gentle walk around the rim gives you changing angles of the crater's steep walls and lake below. The full circuit is compact but surprisingly rewarding, especially when clouds move and the colors shift minute by minute.
The Lake at the Bottom
Follow the marked path down and you can stand at the shoreline, where the scale of the crater becomes more dramatic. The still water often mirrors the slopes, creating a quiet, almost cinematic atmosphere.
Golden Circle Connection
Kerid pairs naturally with nearby South Iceland highlights. Many visitors combine it with geyser fields, waterfalls, geothermal pools, or historic farm landscapes for a full and varied day.
Kerid Crater at a glance
Fast, practical answers to help you plan your visit.
Book your Kerid Crater visit
Drop in for a quick scenic stop or linger to walk, photograph, and absorb the landscape.
Pair Kerid with other South Iceland landmarks for a balanced day of geology, nature, and local culture.
