Discovering Kerid Crater: A Gem in Iceland’s Golden Circle
Sitting right along the Golden Circle route, Kerid Crater is one of Iceland’s most recognisable volcanic formations. Known as the “Eye of the World,” it draws visitors for very good reason.
Below you’ll find the key details — location, entrance fees, nearby attractions — plus a few other Icelandic craters worth adding to your list.
Is Kerid Crater Worth Visiting?
Yes, without hesitation. This volcanic crater formed roughly 6,500 years ago, and its dimensions alone are striking: 180 feet (55 meters) deep, 558 feet (170 meters) wide, with a circumference of 886 feet (270 meters). The red volcanic rock, green moss, and that unmistakable turquoise lake together create one of those views that genuinely stops you in your tracks.
It sits right off the Ring Road on the Golden Circle, so it works as a stop regardless of which direction you’re heading. The path down to the water is short and manageable — you can walk all the way to the water’s edge.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Björk once performed in this crater? Its unique amphitheater shape provided an unforgettable backdrop for her concert in 1987.
For more curated stops and activities, check out my Iceland Travel Map + Guidebook, featuring must-see locations across the region, from glaciers to black-sand beaches.
Kerid Crater Location
Kerid Crater sits in the municipality of Grímsnes in Southwest Iceland, right along the Golden Circle. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Selfoss and roughly 19 miles (30 km) from Þingvellir National Park.
Distance from Reykjavík: Just under an hour’s drive (43 miles or 68 km). Take Route 1 east and exit onto Route 35 towards Þingvellir National Park. You won’t miss it.
Best Time to Visit Kerid
Kerid is open year-round, but summer and autumn are the pick of the seasons. Summer gives you long daylight hours and plenty of time to explore, while autumn wraps the landscape in warm colours. Winter is possible, though the lake sometimes freezes over, which mutes the vivid blue that makes the crater so photogenic.
Practical Information: Parking, Entrance, and Restrooms
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Parking: There’s a medium-sized parking lot on arrival. Even when it’s busy, finding a space isn’t usually a problem. Parking is free, though there is an admission fee to enter.
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Entrance Fee: Admission to Kerid Crater costs 600 Kr.
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Restrooms: Facilities are limited here, so plan ahead.
Exploring Kerid Crater
The walk from the car park to the crater rim takes about 5 to 10 minutes and ends at a bench where you can sit, look around, and take photos without any rush. The rim trail itself is about 0.8 miles (1.4 km) and takes anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes depending on how often you stop.
Pro Tip: After significant snowfall, some trails may be temporarily closed.
How Much Time to Allocate: A quick photo stop needs around 30 minutes. If you want to walk the full rim at a relaxed pace, set aside closer to an hour.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
South Iceland has plenty going on beyond the crater itself. A few things worth knowing about:
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Golden Circle Full-Day Tours: A guided tour that pairs Kerid with Gullfoss waterfall and Þingvellir National Park is a solid option, especially with return transport from Reykjavík included.
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Reykjadalur Hot Spring: A scenic hike leads to a naturally warm river where you can soak. Definitely worth the effort.
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Skálholt Cathedral: About 20 minutes from Kerid, this historically significant site has beautiful stained-glass windows and a genuinely peaceful atmosphere.
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Brúarfoss Waterfall: Around 30 minutes from Kerid, it’s known for its electric blue water. You can do a three-hour round-trip hike or a shorter walk from a newer parking area.
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Thingvellir National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with hiking, horseback riding, and diving on offer.
Dining Near Kerid
Two places worth stopping at while you’re in the area:
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Ingólfsskáli Viking Restaurant: Traditional Icelandic food served in a turf house setting, with activities like axe throwing thrown in.
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Fridheimar Tomato Farm: A greenhouse restaurant with a well-earned reputation for its tomato soup.
Where to Stay Near Kerid
If you want to slow down and stay in the area overnight, there are some decent options nearby:
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Hotel South Coast: Modern rooms and a breakfast buffet make this a comfortable base.
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Gesthus Selfoss: Summer houses and bungalows surrounded by nature — a good choice if you want a quieter stay.
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Camping: Several campsites in the area let you stay close to the landscape if that’s your preference.
More Volcanic Craters in Iceland
If Kerid has you curious about Iceland’s volcanic geology, there are other craters well worth a detour:
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Grábrók Crater: In West Iceland, with wide views over moss-covered mountains.
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Víti Crater Lake: Part of the Krafla area in Northeast Iceland — milky blue water you can actually swim in.
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Laki Crater: Near the Vatnajökull ice cap, with dramatic scenery and a memorable drive to get there.
Final Thoughts
Kerid Crater is a genuinely rewarding stop on the Golden Circle — quick enough to fit into a busy itinerary, but interesting enough to linger over. It’s the kind of place that looks better in person than in photos, which is saying something.
If you want help putting together a fuller trip, my Iceland Itineraries include detailed schedules, budgeting tips, and maps to keep things on track.
Happy planning, and enjoy your adventure in Iceland!
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