Admission to Kerid Crater on the Golden Circle

A traveler stands by the rim of Kerid crater in Iceland.
Admission to Kerid Crater on the Golden Circle
Admission to Kerid Crater on the Golden Circle
Likely to sell out soon
Likely to sell out soon
Admission to Kerid Crater on the Golden Circle
Admission to Kerid Crater on the Golden Circle
Admission to Kerid Crater on the Golden Circle
Admission to Kerid Crater on the Golden Circle
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Travel details

Dates
Time
Travelers
1

When to book

Most travelers book about 9 days ahead. The price is the same all year, so book the date that suits you. July is the busiest month.

Description

Summary

Tour starts
Kerid Crater, Klausturholar, Iceland
Duration
1 hour
Difficulty
Easy
Available
All year
Minimum age
None

When to book

Most travelers book about 9 days ahead. The price is the same all year, so book the date that suits you. July is the busiest month.

3,789 reviews

Description

Visit Kerid Crater, a volcanic caldera with red rock walls and a blue-green lake, with this admission ticket for a self-guided stop on the Golden Circle route.

Kerid Crater formed more than 6,500 years ago. After a volcanic eruption, a cone-shaped volcano collapsed when its magma reserve was depleted, leaving the crater you see today. Over time, it filled with water, forming a lake in the caldera.

The caldera is 886 feet (270 meters) in diameter, with steep walls up to 180 feet (55 meters) high. The lake at the bottom is about 23 to 45 feet (7 to 14 meters) deep, depending on the time of year and recent rainfall.

Kerid Crater is about an hour's drive, or 37 miles (60 kilometers), from Reykjavik and a 25-minute drive from Thingvellir National Park. It lies 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) north of Selfoss Town along Highway 35, a short detour from the Golden Circle route. Free parking is right next to the crater.

From the parking area, it's a short walk of a few minutes to the crater. You can walk around the rim in about 10 to 20 minutes, with views of the surrounding landscape and distant mountains on clear days. A path also leads down to the water, where you can take a 20-minute loop walk around the lake.

The crater changes with the seasons. In summer, the red volcanic rock contrasts with green moss, while in winter you see snow-covered slopes and a frozen lake.

Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour at Kerid Crater. If you're driving the Golden Circle, its other main sights are Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall.

Check availability by choosing a date.

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Included

Admission to the Kerid Crater area
Free parking

Activities

Sightseeing
Iceland's leading travel agency
Traveler's Choice

Attractions

Kerid CraterKerid Crater

Tips from travelers

  • Sturdy footwear for crater paths

    Wear shoes with good tread because the dirt trail along the rim and the wooden steps down to the lake turn slick in rain or snow.

  • Early visits to dodge tour buses

    Arrive at the crater edge early in the morning or late in the afternoon before large bus groups crowd the narrow rim path.

  • Walk down to the water edge

    Follow the wooden staircase down to the crater lake to look up at the red volcanic slopes from the bottom.

  • Wind protection on the rim

    Bring a windproof jacket, as the exposed crater rim catches strong gusts blowing across the open plains.

  • Direct access from the parking area

    Park right next to the entrance ticket cabin to reach the viewing trail within moments.

  • Brief Golden Circle stopover

    Treat the visit as a quick pause along your route, as walking the whole crater trail takes only a short stroll.

Pick-up information

Starting time

This tour has flexible departure times. See the drop-down for all departures.

Starting location

Please arrive at the pick-up point on time.

How it works

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From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, we’re here to take care of you. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re just seconds away, 24/7, ready to help you make the most of your time in Iceland.
Secure your spot
Secure your spot instantly on Iceland’s most trusted travel marketplace. As soon as you reserve, we lock in your place to help you make the most of your trip. You’ll get the best price and a secure payment system that protects your information.
Receive instant confirmation
You’ll get your e-ticket and a detailed summary immediately after booking, including meeting points and schedules. Enjoy peace of mind and get exactly what you booked, or a money-back guarantee. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Get access to the VIP Club
Booking with us gives you access to the Guide to Iceland VIP Club, where you’ll enjoy priority service, special perks, and exclusive discounts for amazing savings on your trip at Iceland’s top restaurants, shops, and local favorites.
Explore with confidence
From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, we’re here to take care of you. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’re just seconds away, 24/7, ready to help you make the most of your time in Iceland.

What to bring

Weather-appropriate clothing in layers
Comfortable hiking shoes

Good to know

Physical demands are modest along the dirt perimeter, though the terrain offers no tree cover on sunny days and no shelter in heavy rain.

Amenities at the site are minimal, with no public restrooms or indoor shelter beside the entrance booth.

Kerid Crater is open during daylight hours, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in summer and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in winter.

There is no minimum age.

The walk is easy and suits most people in fair condition.

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Price per person by month

The price stays at about US$5 per person all year, with no peak-season surcharge.

Stable price all year
US$5per person
Every month costs the same

Average price per person, by month

Jan
US$5
Feb
US$5
Mar
US$5
Apr
US$5
May
US$5
Jun
US$5
Jul
US$5
Aug
US$5
Sep
US$5
Oct
US$5
Nov
Dec
US$5
Runs this month
Prices from US$5Lowest price, in several months
Every monthRuns all year

Weather and cancellations

Rarely called off.

0%
Feb
0%
Mar
0%
Apr
0%
Jun
0%
Jul
0%
Aug
0%
Sep
None called off
  • Called off by the operator? You get a full refund or a free rebooking.
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

  • Free cancellation & full refund

  • Unlimited changes and support

  • Best price always guaranteed

  • 0% booking & credit card fees

Who books this tour

Who travels on this tour, where they come from and which days fill up first.

Who books

2.4travelers per booking on average
Couples53%
Groups of 3 or more15%
Solo travelers23%
Families with children9%

Couples make up the largest share of bookings, at 53%. Solo travelers follow, at 23%.

Where travelers come from

United States23%from the United States
United StatesUnited States23%
CanadaCanada16%
United KingdomUnited Kingdom13%
AustriaAustria11%
FranceFrance9%
FinlandFinland8%

The largest share of travelers, 23%, comes from the United States, followed by Canada and the United Kingdom.

Busiest days of the week

Wed and FribusiestThuquietest
Mon
18%
Tue
9%
Wed
20%
Thu
6%
Fri
20%
Sat
15%
Sun
12%
Busiest daysQuietest days

Wednesday and Friday are the busiest departure days. Thursday is the quietest.

What travelers love

More than half of reviews mention the scenery.

  • Red volcanic rock formations
  • Deep blue caldera waters
  • Green moss along the slopes
  • Well-maintained perimeter trail
  • Smooth self-guided access

Most common complaint: Travelers feel the admission fee is steep for an unguided natural attraction that takes only a short stroll to see. Read the information boards near the entrance to learn about the geological history of the crater while on site.

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