The famous Seven Rila Lakes are situated in the Rila Mountain on a height between 2100 and 2500 meters. They are a remarkable natural attraction and a must visit place for the people who like hiking and nature. All of the lakes have glacial origin and they have been named after their shape or quality: the Tear, the Eye, the Kidney, the Twin, the Three-leafed, the Fish lake and the Lower lake.
In order to reach the lakes, you will travel about hour and a half by car to the village of Panichishte and a little bit after it there is a chair lift that goes to the area of the lakes. The ride with the lift takes about 30 minutes and it ends near the big Rila Lakes hut – it is the last place from where you can take some supplies before starting the hike. The hike around the lakes itself is with moderate difficulty and takes between 3 and 5 hours depending on the tempo. When you reach the last lake – the Tear- you will be able to see breathtaking panoramic views and take great photos. From this point also you can see all of the other lakes and this is probably the best place where you can stop and enjoy your lunch break.
For this trip you should definitely wear comfortable walking shoes. You should also check or ask for the weather forecast – often the temperatures in the mountain could be much lower so you will need a jacket or a raincoat. Or in the sunny days, it is recommended to have sun- protective cream with you.
The lakes are accessible between June and October and sometimes in late May and early November if the weather is good.
You can choose between several different types of trips with which you can explore the lakes. If you prefer to have more time for the hiking, we recommend you to take the one that included just the lakes. If you think that you can do the hike with a faster tempo or if you are willing to do it only partially, you can combine the trip with a relaxing SPA afternoon in the village of Sapareva Banya, famous for its hot thermal springs and known as the SPA capital on the Balkan Peninsula. Or you can opt even for a longer trip, combining it with a visit to the famous Rila Monastery.
All of these tours are led by friendly and passionate local guides that are a guarantee for memorable experiences!
The Seven Rila Lakes are just 1, 30 h away from the capital Sofia, which makes them a great day trip in nature. All seven of the lakes have their own name which reflects its typical shape or characteristics. They are situated between 2,100 and 2,500 meters above sea level. In winter, they are frozen over and covered in snow; in summer, once melted, they are clear emerald green and are great for a picnic.
The meeting point for the tour is behind Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, next to the cafe La Cathedrale at 8am. A comfortable minivan will take you to The Panichishte Resort cable car which goes us to the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque. The hiking path is of moderate difficulty, and the walking time is about 4-5 hours.
Food: if you have forgotten to take a lunch pack or a sandwich with you, you can take advantage of the meals on offer in the two huts on our way.
The tour starts at 8am with a pick up from your hotel. The Seven Rila Lakes are just 1, 30 h away from the capital Sofia, which makes them a great day trip in nature. All seven of the lakes have their own name which reflects its typical shape or characteristics. They are situated between 2,100 and 2,500 meters above sea level. In winter, they are frozen over and covered in snow; in summer, once melted, they are clear emerald green and are great for a picnic. The tour starts in the morning from your hotel. Your professional guide will take you by car to The Panichishte Resort cable car which takes us to the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque. The hike takes around 4- 5 hours. If you wish to make your walk harder or easier your guide will be able to adjust the group program accordingly.
Food: if you have forgotten to take a lunch pack or a sandwich with you, you can take advantage of the meals on offer in the two huts on our way.
Your day trip will start at 8am in the morning with a pick up from your hotel. Your professional guide will take you to the highest mountain on the Peninsula, Rila, just 1, 30 h away from the capital Sofia. Then, with the Panichishte Resort cable car, you will head to the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque. The hike takes around 4 hours. If you wish to make your walk harder or easier your guide will be able to adjust the group program accordingly.
All seven of the lakes have their own name which reflects its typical shape or characteristics. They are situated between 2,100 and 2,500 meters above sea level.
The day trip continues with a visit to the capital of thermal spa on the Balkan Peninsula, called Sapareva Banya. There you will have the unique opportunity to dive into the hot thermal waters and enjoy the magnificent panorama at the skirts of the mountain. This is also the place with the hottest geyser in Europe.
Mineral water is highly regarded and used as a cure by Thracians and Romans. It is claimed that the water treats disorders of the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and upper respiratory tract.
The time for SPA is 1-2 hours. The expected return in Sofia is at 7pm.
This is a longer trip with which you will go for hiking around the amazing Seven Rila Lakes and after that visit the famous Rila Monastery!
The tour starts at 8 am in the morning when the guide will take you from your place in Sofia. The Seven Rila Lakes are just 1, 30 h away from the capital, which makes them a great day trip in nature. From the mountain village of Panichishte, you will take a cable car to the area of the lakes. All seven of them have their own name which reflects its typical shape or characteristics. The hiking path is of moderate difficulty and it will take about 3 hours.
In the afternoon you will travel to the famous Rila Monastery, UNESCO heritage site, where you can admire its amazing frescoes and architecture. Your guide will take you around the monastery and show you its most interesting parts, while telling you its stories and legends.
This is a longer trip with which you will go for hiking around the amazing Seven Rila Lakes and after that visit the famous Rila Monastery!
The tour starts at 8 am in the morning when the guide will take you from your place in Sofia. The Seven Rila Lakes are just 1, 30 h away from the capital, which makes them a great day trip in nature. From the mountain village of Panichishte, you will take a cable car to the area of the lakes. All seven of them have their own name which reflects its typical shape or characteristics. The hiking path is of moderate difficulty and it will take about 3 hours.
In the afternoon you will travel to the famous Rila Monastery, UNESCO heritage site, where you can admire its amazing frescoes and architecture. Your guide will take you around the monastery and show you its most interesting parts, while telling you its stories and legends.
