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!
Join a small group and hike arround the famous Seven Rila Lakes! The hiking is with moderate difficulty and takes about 4 hours. During it you will be able to see beautiful natural lanscapes and amazing panoramic views. It is recommanded to bring your own food. Also, you should dress appropriately for mountain conditions.
Take a private tour and hike arround the famous Seven Rila Lakes! The hiking is with moderate difficulty and takes about 4 hours. During it you will be able to see beautiful natural lanscapes and amazing panoramic views. It is recommanded to bring your own food. Also, you should dress appropriately for mountain conditions.
Enjoy a great combination of hiking and SPA! With this tour you will go for a hike arround the amazing Seven Rila lakes. The hike is with moderate difficulty and takes about 4 hours. During it, you will be able to see breathtaking panoramic views. After that, you will continue to the village of Sapareva Banya- known as the SPA capital of the Balkans, and relax in hot thermal pools. Bring swimming suits and flip flops. The day trip duration is about 11 hours.
This is a longer trip with which you will combine a hike arround the amazing Seven Rila Lakes and a visit to the famous Rila Monastery. The hike is with moderate difficulty and takes about 3- 4 hours. In the monastery, you will have a more limited time- about 40 minutes, which will include a guided tour and time for photos.
The trip is with a small group and its duration is about 11- 12 hours.
This is a longer trip with which you will combine a hike arround the amazing Seven Rila Lakes and a visit to the famous Rila Monastery. The hike is with moderate difficulty and takes about 3- 4 hours. In the monastery, you will have a more limited time- about 40 minutes, which will include a guided tour and time for photos.
This is a private trip and its duration is about 11 hours.
With this option you can use only our transportation to the lift of the Seven Rila Lakes and do the hike on your own while sticking to our time schedule. For the hike you will have about 5-6 hours before departing back to Sofia.