Kerið Crater Rim
Kerið
A short loop around the rim of Kerið, a red volcanic crater with a green lake, right beside the Golden Circle road.
- Distance
- 1.5 km
- Loop
- Time
- 30 minutes
- Ascent
- 10 m
- Max 100 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
The Kerið Crater walk is a short loop around the rim of a striking volcanic crater on the Golden Circle in Iceland. The loop is 1.5 km, takes about 30 minutes and has only about 10 m of ascent, with a highest point of around 100 m. It is an easy, family-friendly stop rather than a real hike, and it fits neatly into a day of driving.
The crater walls are a deep red, streaked with black and green moss, and the bottom holds a small lake of vivid blue-green water. A path circles the rim, and steps lead down to the water's edge. It is privately owned, and a small entrance fee is charged. Kerið is a quick, worthwhile stop on the way between Reykjavík and the Golden Circle sights.
Highlights
- Red volcanic crater walls
- Bright blue-green crater lake
- Easy walk around the rim
- Right on the Golden Circle route
The route
Around the rim
From the car park the path circles the crater rim on a gravel trail. It is close to flat and easy, with views down into the crater from every side. Take your time to photograph the colours of the red scoria, black rock and green moss, which change noticeably with the light and season.
Down to the lake
Steps lead down to the lake at the bottom of the crater. The descent is short, and the path along part of the shore lets you look up at the steep red walls rising above you. Climb back up the same way; the steps are the only real effort of the visit.
Getting to the trailhead
Kerið is on Route 35 (Biskupstungnabraut), a short drive north of Selfoss. It is about an hour's drive from Reykjavík and is often visited on the way to Geysir and Gullfoss. There is parking by the crater, where the entrance fee is collected.
Where to stay
Selfoss, about 15 minutes away, has hotels, guesthouses and restaurants. Accommodation around the Golden Circle ranges from farm stays to hotels, and Reykjavík is within an hour's drive if you prefer to stay in the city.
Best time to hike
Kerið can be visited year-round. Summer brings the brightest colours and green moss. In winter the lake may freeze and the path can be icy, so take care on the steps.
Safety
Kerið is low-risk, but the rim path has steep drops on the inner side and can be slippery in wet or icy conditions. Keep children close to the path and do not climb the crater walls. In an emergency call 112, and check SafeTravel.is for weather warnings.
Plan & book
Book your Kerið Crater Rim hike
Guided tourGolden Circle Tours with Hiking
Þingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss combined with short hikes, including some that stop at Brúarfoss.
Licensed Icelandic operators8–10 hours
Guided tourReykjadalur Hot Spring Hike Tour
Pickup in Reykjavík, a guided hike up the steaming valley and a soak in the hot river.
Licensed Icelandic operators5–6 hours
Online booking opens soon. Press any button to get notified when it does.
Kerið Crater Rim FAQ
How long does it take to walk around Kerið?+
The loop around the rim is 1.5 km and takes about 30 minutes.
Is there an entrance fee at Kerið?+
Yes, Kerið is privately owned and a small entrance fee is charged at the car park.
Can you visit Kerið in winter?+
Yes, it is open year-round. The paths can be icy, so wear good footwear.
Hike it with a private guide
Guided trips with a licensed Icelandic guide, including transport and huts.
Private guide requests are coming soon
We are lining up licensed local guides. Sign up and we will let you know as soon as you can request a tailored quote.
