Not many people in the world can say they have actually walked down inside the crater of a volcano! Albeit, a long extinct volcano, but it is still a pretty cool place to come and visit! Walking around this impressive geological wonder is otherworldly, like stepping back in geological time – even if the weather is proper grey and wet (naff).

Kerid Crater is well sign posted, even though it is right on the edge of the 35 (Biskupstungnabraut) – also part of the Golden Circle tour packages. The car park has free parking, but like most attractions around the southwest of Iceland (close to Reykjavik), it gets very busy and the car park can fill up quick. This said, because it doesn’t take long to explore the site (roughly 30 minutes in all), vehicles do move out again fairly quickly. There are no facilities here, or toilets. There is an information board about when and how the volcano was formed which is an interesting quick read, and a small kiosk at the entrance where there are information leaflets. The admission fee is 600Kr each (£3.32 each).

Getting around and down into the crater is not exhaustive in any way, but it is loose gravel and stone under foot and the path is moderately steep around the rim of the crater in parts. There are some great viewing platforms around the rim, ideal for those landscape photograph shots. There are wooden steps and walkways down to the bottom of the crater, making it easy to access. The path around the crater’s stunning blue lake is narrow and is again loose gravel and stone under foot, with large protruding stones to navigate around and/or over. Oh, and swimming is strictly forbidden (so we’ve read). Overall though, a great, peaceful natural attraction to explore if you are even moderately fit and able. However, wheelchair access is limited to most parts.

An Icelandic highlight. We would highly recommend stopping by this extinct little chap, even if you just want to get out of the car to stretch your legs, for far reaching breathtaking views that will stay with you for a lifetime, just hope the weather is a bit better and clearer!!

Many thanks for the experience Kerid – B&A

Visited: 31-05-2024