Kerið, Volcanic crater lake along Golden Circle, Iceland.
Kerið is a volcanic crater in Iceland featuring a large circular basin surrounded by steep walls of reddish-toned rock. A lake with turquoise water fills the crater floor and creates a striking visual contrast against the rough stone walls surrounding it.
The crater formed roughly 6,500 years ago when a volcanic cone exhausted its magma chamber and collapsed inward. This collapse created the circular depression now filled with water that visitors see today.
The crater serves as a natural focal point for visitors exploring Iceland's volcanic landscape and understanding the forces that shaped the island. People walk around it regularly to experience the layered red rock walls and the contrasting turquoise water firsthand.
A simple walking path runs completely around the crater rim, and those wanting to reach the water can descend a gentle slope covered in moss. The route is easy to follow and clearly marked, suitable for most visitors.
The water in the crater stays at a consistent level because it connects to the groundwater table beneath the surface rather than relying on rainwater. This makes the lake a stable feature that does not fluctuate greatly with the seasons.
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