Kerid

One of the main characteristics of Icelandic geography is its volcanic activity, and Kerid is an excellent example of this. The crater, located in a region known as Tjarnarhólar, was formed by a volcanic eruption around 6,500 years ago, making it a relatively new part of the landscape.

The crater lake's perfectly oval shape and striking colours have been well preserved and it has become one of the most photogenic places in southwestern Iceland, with the intense turquoise blue of the water contrasting against the red volcanic rock and green moss of its slopes.

The water, which is around 45 feet (14 metres) deep, looks inviting for a dip in the 180-foot (55 metre) deep caldera, but swimming is strictly forbidden! Instead, a trail around the rim of the crater allows visitors to walk and admire the views.

Short but sweet

While Kerid isn't usually listed among the must-see attractions of the Golden Circle in Iceland, we highly recommend stopping there while you're in the area. With cheap entry and close proximity to places like Geysir and Gullfoss, it makes for a short but sweet visit.

How to visit Kerid?

As it's somewhat off the beaten track for most tourists, there's no public transport and very few organised tours that go to Kerid, so the best way to visit the Kerid Crater is by renting a car and driving around the Ring Road. It takes around an hour from Reykjavik, 40 minutes from Geysir, 50 minutes from  Gullfoss and 50 minutes from Thingvellir.