South IcelandCrater lake
Kerið
Colorful 3,000-year-old crater lake on the Golden Circle. Vivid red volcanic rock contrasts with aquamarine water. Easy boardwalk around the rim and stairs to the lake. Small entrance fee.
Volcanic Craters
Volcanic Craters of Iceland: Kerið, Víti, Laki & More
From colorful crater lakes on the Golden Circle to remote highland calderas and a volcano you can descend into.
Updated February 1, 2026By the Iceland.org Travel Team
Unique
Enter a magma chamber
Þríhnúkagígur is the only place on Earth to descend into a volcano's magma chamber.
Safety + sourcing
Last updated: 2026-02-01
This guide is for trip planning, not emergency guidance. Crater walls can be loose and unstable—stay on marked paths. Highland craters require F-road access and proper preparation.
Sources to check
HighlandsExplosion crater
Víti at Askja
Warm milky-blue crater lake formed in the 1875 eruption. Highland F-road access only (F88). Steep descent to the water. One of Iceland's most remote and rewarding destinations.
North IcelandExplosion crater
Víti at Krafla
Vivid green crater lake in the Krafla volcanic system near Mývatn. Created in 1724 during the Mývatn Fires eruption. Easy access by road—short walk from parking.
North IcelandTephra crater
Hverfjall (Hverfell)
Massive near-perfect circular tephra crater near Mývatn, 1 km in diameter. Formed 2,500 years ago. Steep 20-minute climb to the rim for panoramic views of the Mývatn area.
West IcelandScoria crater
Grábók
Easily accessible scoria crater near Bifröst with a staircase to the top. Part of the Grábrókarhraun lava field. Quick roadside stop with good views.
West IcelandScoria crater
Eldborg
Well-preserved circular scoria crater in Borgarfjörður. About 1-hour hike to reach. The name means 'fire fortress.' Surrounded by a large lava field.
West IcelandCrater row
Grábrók
Part of a row of three craters (Grábók, Grábrókarfell, and a smaller crater) along Route 1 near Bifröst. Protected nature reserve since 1962.
South IcelandCrater row
Lakagígar (Laki Crater Row)
A row of 130+ craters from the catastrophic 1783–84 Laki eruption. One of Earth's most devastating eruptions in recorded history. Highland F-road access. Stunning moss-covered lava fields.
ReykjanesMagma chamber
Þríhnúkagígur
The only place on Earth where you can descend into a dormant volcano's magma chamber. Open-cage elevator lowers visitors 120m inside. Expensive but unique guided tours in summer.
Planning help
Volcanic craters FAQs
Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.