Take a break from the town and enjoy a great group day trip to the nature of the Seven Rila Lakes. Feel the fresh air and hike in a breathtaking mountain environment.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 10 hours: Check availability to see starting times
Optional audio guide: English, Spanish, Italian, Bulgarian, Russian, Romanian, German, French, Chinese

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Stela – Bulgaria

Krassy is super nice, the experience was great - efficient travel and enough time to look at all lakes and rest.

Mohammed – United Kingdom

enjoyed the beautifully scenic Rila lakes, climbing the mountain was challenging at times but certainly worth the effort for the end result

Itinerary

2 starting location options:
Pl. SV. Al. Nevski, pl. "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski" 1А
Van
(1.5 hours)
Cable car
(30 minutes)
Seven Rila Lakes
Hiking (5 hours)
Cable car
(30 minutes)
Van
(1.5 hours)
2 drop-off locations:
pl. "Sveti Aleksandar Nevski" 1А, Pl. SV. Al. Nevski

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

Enjoy a hike in the mountains and fill your lungs with fresh air
Relax in a natural and peaceful environment
See the marvelous lakes and stunning surrounding landscapes
Have a break from the noise of the big city
Self-Guided Tour to the Seven Rila Lakes

Full description

This is a self-guided group tour, organized to the Seven Rila Lakes from Sofia.

The Seven Rila Lakes are just 1 hour 30 minutes away from the capital Sofia, which makes them a great day trip in the nature.

Relax en route as a comfortable minivan/bus takes you to the Panichishte Resort Cable Car which goes us to the Seven Rila Lakes. See a different side to Bulgaria as you enjoy the hike around the lakes.

Discover all seven of the lakes and how they have their own name which reflects its typical shape or characteristics. Gaze at the stunning emerald green of the water as you relax in the peaceful countryside.

The hiking is with medium difficulty and it is about 2 hours walking in each direction. You will also have about 1 hour time for a lunch break next to the lakes. Please bring your own food. In the morning, the van will stop at a gas station where you will be able to buy snacks and sandwiches as well.

Tour schedule:
Departure
Travel time to the chair lift: 1.5 – 2 hours
Ride with the chair lift: 30 minutes
Time for hiking: 5 hours
Ride with the chair lift: 30 minutes
Travel time back to Sofia: 1.5 – 2 hours

Please note that we offer this tour as either transport-only service, or as a transport service with access to our Smart Guide application. There is NO tour guide included in either options.

Includes

An English-speaking driver
Transportation in a comfortable minivan/bus
Trip to the Seven Rila Lakes
Access to our Online Audio Guide (if the respective option has been booked)

Cable car fee (30 BGN, to be paid in cash on the spot in local currency)
Food and drinks
Tips (optional)

Not suitable for

People with mobility impairments

Meeting point

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Important information

What to bring

Cash

Know before you go

Be prepared for mountain conditions with comfortable walking shoes and light jackets and sweatshirts, in the summer - sun hat and sun cream!
Please bring cash for lunch and for the lift ticket!
It is your responsibility to plan accordingly and to be on time for the return departure!
It is your responsibility to follow and walk only on the marked hiking routes! The tour company cannot be held responsible for any potential walking/ hiking accidents.
Please warn us if you have a 0-2 years old baby when you make the reservation so that we can prepare a special seat for them.
For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, any customer who appears intoxicated at the time of the tour will not be permitted to participate. In such cases, no refunds will be issued.

Nearby destinations

Nearby sights

From Sofia: Seven Rila Lakes Self-Guided Group Tour