The Seven Rila Lakes Circuit - Full day Tour

Spend a day exploring the idyllic Seven Rila Lakes on this small-group hiking tour from Sofia. With an expert guide, travel from the Bulgarian capital to the Rila Mountains, the country’s highest range. Be wowed by sweeping mountain panoramas during a 30-minute chairlift ride, and then set off on foot to explore the lakes. During your 4- to 5-hour hike, you’ll see all seven lakes and enjoy frequent stops to capture photos and rest your legs. Enjoy personalized attention from the guide on this small-group tour, limited to 15 people.

The trip starts at 07:00 from the parking behind Alexander Nevski Cathedral, in front of LaCattedrale RestaurantArriving at Panichishte chair lift

Once the group departs from the starting point, you'll reach the Panichiste lift. Here, you'll pay for the chair lift ticket - 20 BGN.

On arrival at the Seven Rila Lakes cirque — a chain of deep-blue lakes, each named in accordance to its shape, that lead up toward the Rila Mountains’ highest peaks — set off on foot to explore the scenic sights. With your map in-hand and your guide leading the way, stroll at a leisurely pace along the hiking trails. Wander amid rugged peaks and deep valleys, stopping along the way to capture photos. Pause by the impressive lower lake, Dolnoto Ezero, where the water that flows out of the higher lakes is gathered. See Ribnoto Ezero (‘Fish Lake’), the shallowest of the lakes, and Bliznaka (‘The Twin’), which is the largest of the cirque. Marvel at the irregular shapes of Trilistnika (‘The Trefoil’) and Babreka (‘The Kidney’). Then, see oval Okoto (‘The Eye’) before ascending to Salzata (‘The Tear’), the highest of the lakes, where awe-inspiring vistas await. During the hike, there will be frequent rest stops. You’ll also have the opportunity to stop for food at either one of the two huts passed. Choose from the small selection of dishes, such as soup or grilled meat (own expense), or if you’ve brought your own food with you, enjoy lunch al fresco.

Arrive back at the starting point at approximately 17:30

Languages

Audioguide available in English, Spanish, Italian, German and Russian.

IMPORTANT: The management of the Rila Lakes chair lift has decided to close the lift in October, November, April, and May for maintenance. This unfortunately means that walking on foot is the only way to access the lakes. We will still run the tour, but keep in mind that it requires previous trekking experience and is suitable for really fit hikers. Trek is over varied terrain, which may include also a fair amount of walking in the alpine landscape. The total walking distance is 17km and between the starting point and the highest lake, there’s a difference in altitude of nearly 1000 meters (3200ft). It will be virtually impossible for the whole group to reach the highest lakes, so we will aim at the middle one (Kidney). The terrain will be very wet and slippery and there may be snow in the area. Walking in such conditions requires adequate equipment (good trekking boots, waterproof clothes, and a warm layer beneath the jacket). Keep in mind that some of the lakes may be covered in snow in May and June.