Where To Find Iceland’s Most Stunning Craters: And How To Drive There
You could think Iceland's craters sound simple on a map, but in reality, they're so much more, an addiction waiting to happen. When people talk about Iceland's landscapes, they usually go on about waterfalls, glaciers, and black sand beaches, all of which are pretty spectacular. But the craters? They're something different entirely, a working combination of the earth's raw wounds & some seriously good looks, with each one having its own unique character. We've been off chasing these sites in every season imaginable, and I've made my fair share of poor choices on a whim as well as stumbling into some views that completely blew me away. Before you set off on your own crater adventure, here's what I want to drill home to you: get a clear picture of how to get there, be realistic about the road conditions you're going to be dealing with, and figure out how to build a crater day that won't leave you crashing.
Getting A Grip On Self-Drive In Iceland Before You Hit The Road
Let's be upfront, Iceland's a pretty wild place, and that wildness comes with some quirks that you need to be aware of.
Before I give you the lowdown on the craters and how to get to them, you need a reality check on how self-driving in Iceland actually works.
Driving In Iceland's Not Like Anywhere Else
Yes, you can rent a car and go at your own pace (that's the whole point of self-drive). But the type of road you're on is super important:
- Paved roads (Route 1 and the bigger links): Easy driving - no worries at all
- Gravel roads (non-F): Can be a bit rough - low clearance cars can handle them but you can still expect dust and slower speeds.
- F-roads (Highlands): These are really rough, and they often involve river crossings, you absolutely need 4x4 for them, and they're only open in the summer months.
Let me reiterate, an F-road symbol is not just some decorative thing. It's a genuine warning that the terrain, in Icelandic weather, can absolutely destroy a car that's not up to the task.
Seasonal Access: When You Can & Can't Go
Most of the crater sites outside the south and west are best done in the late June to early September window, when highland routes are open, and the weather is not too harsh.
Outside that time? Plan on closures, rivers too deep to cross, and detours that'll turn what's supposed to be a 30-minute stop into an all-day affair.
The Weather Is The Real Decider
A beautiful start can quickly turn to wind, fog, rain, or even hail by lunch. And that affects all sorts of things:
- How clearly can you see from the top of the crater rim
- Safety on the high ridges
- Whether you want to be out on those loose gravel roads in the wind
We don't mean to sound like a broken record, but these are not things you can skip, they're how you stay safe in a place where the weather writes the itinerary, plain and simple.
The Crater Hits: What They Are And How You Get There
Below are the most rewarding craters I’ve visited, with clear notes on how to drive to them and what to expect when you arrive
1. Kerið Crater: A Dramatic Introduction (Easy Drive)
You can't really talk about Icelandic craters without mentioning Kerið. Located right along the Golden Circle route, this is usually the first crater people see, and no wonder it's often at the top of the list.
What makes it so stunning:
The contrast is just mind-blowing: a lake as blue as aquamarine, fringed by rust-red slopes that look like they've been splashed with paint.
And when the light is just right against a grey overcast sky, the whole thing looks more like a work of art than a natural wonder
Driving there:
No need to worry about a 4x4, Kerið is right off the main road and makes a perfect spot to stretch your legs, especially if you're visiting Þingvellir and Gullfoss. It's a great place to stop and take in the views between the two
Tips for visiting:
- Try to time your visit for early morning or late afternoon when the light brings out the shape of the crater in the shadows.
- There is a small entrance fee to pay, but trust us, it's worth it for the maintained paths and parking. You want to make the most of your visit
If you're doing the Golden Circle and want to mix things up a bit, Kerið is the perfect place to visit. It's right there on the route, and it won't take you any longer than a lunch break to visit
2. Rauðhólar Pseudocraters: The Off-the-Beaten-Track Craters
Not your usual grand crater bowl, but Rauðhólar is a collection of small cinder cones just a stone's throw from Reykjavík.
What makes it worth your time:
It's a quirky little departure from the usual city stuff, a short drive, and you find yourself in a completely different world of red volcanic cinders that glow like embers at sunset.
Driving there:
You don't need to worry about 4x4 for this one either, just head out of Reykjavík towards Mosfellsbær and follow the signs. The road is paved, and you can't go wrong.
What it's like on the ground:
- The paths are nice and easy to walk on, and there's even some shade in a few places.
- It's a 30-60 minute stop at most, and you could easily feel refreshed and rejuvenated by the time you leave
If you're short on time or still getting over jet lag, this is the perfect place to get your feet on the ground and start crater-chasing
3. Grábrók Crater: A Quick but Rewarding Climb (Ring Road Friendly)
Right off the Ring Road in West Iceland, Grábrók is one of those craters that just pops up when you least expect it. You take a turn off, and before you know it, you're walking up to this stunning cone.
What you'll love:
The climb to the top is manageable and easy to take on - and the views from the rim are just amazing. You get to see the surrounding lava fields and hills stretching out as far as the eye can see.
Driving there:
You can get to Grábrók on standard roads from either direction of the Ring Road, just park up, lace up your hiking boots, and you're good to go.
Local tip:
Be sure to bring some extra layers, the wind can be pretty strong up on the rim even in the summer months.
4. Saxhóll Crater: A Staircase To The Perfect View
This is my all-time favourite "quick viewpoint with a big payoff." You climb up the steps built into the crater's slope and, voila!, the west coast and Snæfellsjökull glacier just stretch on out before you.
What makes it so memorable:
It's such a cool feeling, just walking up into the crater, you're not walking around it, you're right in the heart of it. And the view from the top? Absolutely stunning.
Driving there:
Snæfellsnes is a day trip that's definitely worth doing from Reykjavík, or you could even base yourself there for a couple of nights and really take in all the sights and sounds.
Seasonal note:
In certain weather conditions, the steps can get quite slippery. Just be sure to take your time, and you'll be fine.
Bottom Line
Iceland’s craters aren’t just another checkbox on a tourist list. They’re landscapes that invite you to slow down, look around, and wonder how this island could make something so stark and so beautiful at the same time.
When you’re planning these drives, especially the ones that require gravel or challenging roads, choose a vehicle that matches the toughest day on your itinerary.
That’s where a service likeMyCar becomes useful, they help you match road conditions with sensible vehicle choices so you’re not guessing whether you can take a route, but whether you should.