You know that feeling when you step onto a trail and instantly feel like you’re in a sci-fi movie? That’s what happens the second your boots touch the rust-red gravel surrounding Kerið Crater in southern Iceland. No greenery. No chirping birds. Just wind, rock, silence—and the surreal sensation that you’ve somehow left Earth behind.
Welcome to one of Iceland’s most underrated, otherworldly adventures: hiking into a volcanic crater that looks like it was lifted straight out of the Martian landscape.
What Exactly Is Kerið?
Kerið (pronounced roughly “Keh-reeth”) is a volcanic crater lake located along Iceland’s Golden Circle route, not far from popular stops like Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir hot spring area. But here’s the twist—it’s not your classic ash-spewing, lava-belching volcano. It’s the dramatic remains of a collapsed magma chamber, estimated to be around 3,000 years old.
At about 170 meters (560 feet) wide and 55 meters (180 feet) deep, Kerið isn’t huge. But what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in mood. The steep crater walls glow with rusty red, orange, and ochre tones—thanks to the iron-rich rock—while the deep teal lake at the bottom feels almost unnaturally still.
Why It Feels Like Mars
It’s not just the color palette (though the Martian reds definitely do the trick). It’s the raw, eerie quiet. The lack of trees. The wind constantly sweeping across the top of the crater. The way your voice gets swallowed as you descend into it.
Kerið is often shrouded in mist or low clouds, giving the whole place an extra layer of mystery. And when the sun hits the rim just right, it casts long shadows across the bowl, making it feel like you’re exploring an abandoned alien planet.
Bring a friend and pretend you’re astronauts. Or come solo and soak up the spacey solitude. Either way, it’s going to stick with you.
How to Get There
Kerið is located about an hour’s drive east of Reykjavik, just off Route 35 (one of the main roads on the Golden Circle). It’s super easy to reach by car, and many guided tours include it as a stop.
There’s a small entrance fee (about 450 ISK, or $3 USD) to help maintain the site, and there’s a gravel parking lot with toilets and information boards.
Pro tip: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the tour bus crowds. It’s 100x better when it’s quiet.
The Hike: Short, Simple, Stunning
Let’s be honest—this isn’t some grueling, multi-day trek. You don’t need ice axes or survival skills. The hike around Kerið’s rim takes maybe 15–20 minutes, depending on how often you stop to snap photos or stare in awe (which will be often).
The trail is well-marked and relatively flat, but there are some steep edges and loose gravel, so wear decent shoes and watch your step. For a more immersive experience, take the short path down into the crater to the edge of the lake. You’ll get a whole new perspective from down there.
It’s not physically demanding. It’s mentally and visually absorbing.
What to Expect (and What Not To)
- Expect color. No joke—this place has some of the richest earth tones you’ll see in Iceland. - Don’t expect a crowd. Compared to spots like Skógafoss or Thingvellir, Kerið feels refreshingly quiet. - Expect wind. Bring layers and hold onto your hat. That rim can be breezy. - Don’t expect tons of facilities. It’s minimal here—just parking, toilets, and the trail. No souvenir shops, no cafés. - Expect wonder. Especially if you’re the kind of traveler who likes moody, dramatic vibes over flashy tourist spots.
Best Time to Go
Kerið is accessible year-round, but it wears different faces depending on the season:
- Summer (June–August): Warmest weather, longest days, most visitors. - Fall (September–October): Gorgeous golden light and fiery autumn tones. - Winter (November–March): The lake might freeze over, and the crater may be dusted with snow. It’s hauntingly beautiful—but slippery. - Spring (April–May): Quiet, with hints of green returning to the landscape.
Personally, fall is the sweet spot. Fewer crowds, rich colors, and crisp air. Just check road conditions before you go—weather changes fast in Iceland.
What to Bring
You won’t need a full hiking kit, but a few essentials make the experience better:
- Sturdy shoes with grip (the descent can be slippery) - A windproof jacket—the crater rim is exposed - Water—there’s no fountain or shop nearby - Camera or phone—the light plays beautifully on the rocks - A sense of wonder (yeah, cheesy—but true)
Optional: A small snack or thermos of tea to sip while sitting by the lake. You’ll feel like a very cozy astronaut.
Fun Fact: Kerið and Iceland’s Musical Connection
If you're into Icelandic music, you might love this tidbit: Kerið has been used as a concert venue! Its natural acoustics and amphitheater-like shape make it an unforgettable spot for live music. Imagine listening to Sigur Rós while seated on Martian rock under the northern lights.
Yeah, that happened.
Nearby Bonus Adventures
Since you're already here, why not make a day of it? Other great stops nearby include:
- Geysir Geothermal Area – Erupting hot springs and bubbling earth. - Gullfoss Waterfall – One of Iceland’s most powerful and iconic falls. - Secret Lagoon – A quieter alternative to the Blue Lagoon for soaking.
These are all within a short drive of Kerið, making for an epic mini road trip full of contrast—fire, ice, and outer space vibes.
Kerið Crater isn’t flashy. It’s not packed with waterfalls or sprawling glaciers. But it doesn’t need to be. It’s quietly, confidently epic.
It gives you that rare “I can’t believe this place exists” feeling—without crowds, long lines, or noise. Just you, red rock, a still lake, and that whisper in your brain saying: “Are we even still on Earth?”
